Stockport Vegan Festival proved to be a fantastic day out, bringing together food lovers, ethical shoppers, and advocates for a more sustainable future. Held at The Guildhall on Sunday, 9th February 2025, the festival delivered on its promise of delicious vegan cuisine, inspiring talks, and a vibrant atmosphere.
With over 60 diverse stalls, there was no shortage of incredible plant-based delights. From international street food to decadent cakes, the selection was impressive. Ethical shoppers also had plenty to explore, with cruelty-free skincare, sustainable fashion, and health-conscious treats available throughout the venue.
Beyond the food and shopping, the festival offered a strong focus on education and activism. I had the opportunity to attend two particularly insightful talks that deepened my understanding of veganism’s wider impact.
The first, hosted by the Vegan Organic Network, explored Transforming the Food System: A Roadmap to Creating a Green, Clean, Cruelty-Free World. The talk delved into why our current food system needs urgent transformation, highlighting the detrimental environmental impact of conventional agriculture.
A key takeaway was the emphasis on vegan organic farming as a sustainable alternative—one that avoids synthetic pesticides and fertilizers while promoting soil health and biodiversity. The speakers encouraged the audience to join their Vegan Organic Network map that joins growers (from backyard to community gardens) together.
The second talk, given by Sophie Banyard, was equally compelling. In The Power of Exercise to Change Your Life, Sophie—an inspiring personal trainer and mindset coach—shared her incredible journey. She spoke candidly about overcoming heroin addiction and coping with the tragic loss of her brother, highlighting how exercise played a transformative role in her life. She explained how fitness fosters resilience and mental well-being, offering practical tips on how to incorporate movement into daily routines.
Of course, no festival experience is complete without sampling the food, and I had some truly delicious dishes. I enjoyed a vegan empanada with soy mince from Latino’n’American, served with a flavourful chimichurri and wrapped in a beautifully flaky pastry. The seasoning was well-balanced, and the pastry had just the right level of crispness. They also offered hot dogs and nachos, catering to those looking for a more indulgent street food experience.
Additionally, I tried Morsel Adventures’ plant-powered jerky, made from seitan and available in a range of unique flavours, including teriyaki, mild chilli, black pepper, chilli and lime and chocolate chili. The teriyaki had a great umami depth. Their selection also included plant-based parmesan, with flavours including smoky, spicy truffle and wild garlic—all of which had a satisfying, cheesy tang that made them stand out.
From the incredible food and ethical shopping to the powerful discussions and community spirit, Stockport Vegan Festival was a truly memorable event. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just exploring plant-based living, this festival was an inspiring reminder of the positive impact of choosing a kinder, greener lifestyle.
The festival’s profits supported Miracle’s Mission, an animal welfare charity dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating stray and disabled animals worldwide. For those who missed it, don’t worry—another festival is on the way!
The next Vegan Festival will take place on Saturday, 19th April at Sugden Sports Centre, Manchester.
