If you’ve been salivating since Wing Fest last year, we’re pleased to announce that the world-leading chicken wing festival is returning for its 12th year running. This year, the finger-licking festival is popping up across various UK cities, and from 24th-26th July, it arrives in London.
This time around, the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is set for a full-blown party, with up to 500,000 chicken wings from 50 of the country’s best emerging street food names, barbecue pitmasters, and red-hot pop-ups.
In between stuffing your face with sticky BBQ wings and honey-glazed hot wings, there’s plenty of entertainment to get stuck into. With a packed programme and six different stages, you can expect everything from live DJs and fairground rides to live-fire demonstrations and bourbon masterclasses.
Can't wait to get involved with all things wings? Keep on reading to find out which wing-based connoisseurs will be heading to Wing Fest this year, plus the key dates coming up in 2026.
Who's on the line-up at Wing Fest 2026?
So, who exactly will be slinging wings? New Orleans-inspired Poor Boys will be back with their absurdly delicious creations - think wings resembling Homer’s donuts and Biscoff-topped fried bites - and London-based Mexican Seoul will make a highly anticipated return with their double-fried wing recipe. You’ll also catch Mollis by Michelin-starred chef Alex Bond, Hackney-born Peck Peck, travelling fried chicken truck Gurt Wings, and many, many more.
![chicken wings in a marinade and street food style wings]()
What entertainment can you expect at Wing Fest 2026?
At the centre of the celebration are the all-important awards for Best Buffalo Wing, Best Wild Wing and Best BBQ Wing. Judging this year’s talent will be Michelin-starred chef Andy Beynon, Tom Vincent of Vincenzo’s Pizza, and The Gunton Arms’ Stuart Tattersall. But, it’s not only the big dogs that get a say - festival-goers will also have the chance to cast their votes throughout the weekend, determining the winners of the People’s Choice Awards.
Those who think they can hack the heat can also take part in the legendary Lava Wing Challenge. Fair warning: this year features the hottest sauce in Wing Fest history, measuring a scorching 15 million Scoville units. Don’t worry though - there’s also the possibility of a £500 cash prize, which should take the edge off. And if you’re better with stamina than spice, the Wing Eating Competition is also returning, putting your high-speed talents to the test.
![chicken wing eating competition on a stage]()
Wing Fest 2026: Key dates and how to buy tickets
If you're looking for the ultimate wing experience, Wing Fest’s VIP tickets are well worth it. Curated by Wingmans, the VIP area will feature exclusive access to a limited-edition Wing Fest-inspired flavour and a special wing created by Big Kid Ice Cream. Perfect whether you’re celebrating a big birthday, graduating from university, or simply planning a team bonding day!
WING FEST 2026 DATES AND LOCATIONS
- London, London Stadium: 24th, 25th, 26th July
- Sheffield, FORGE Warehouse: 14th, 15th, 16th August
- Bristol, The Prospect Building: 4th, 5th, 6th September
- Manchester, Victoria Baths: 18th, 19th, 20th September
- Nottingham, Wingtoberfest: 23rd, 24th October
- Birmingham, dates TBC
Tickets to Wing Fest are on sale now from £33, with prices going up to £164.30 for a VIP package. Interested? Click here to buy tickets and find out more.