Foodies flock to world's biggest chicken wing festival complete with 'Lava Wing Challenge'

Foodies are in for a real treat this weekend, especially those who fancy their taste buds to be on the daring side.

Wing Fest, the world’s biggest chicken wingfestival, has returned once again for another year, with offerings ranging from the classic to the seriously quirky.

Think lashings of Buffalo Sauce, plenty of heat, and inventive toppings as independent food tradersbattle it out for the titles of Best Buffalo Wing, Best Wild Wing, and Best BBQ Wing.

Ultimately, it's the festival-goers' all-important votes which decide where the crown sits, so bring along your top foodreviewing skills and a hearty appetite.

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This weekend (Friday, September 19 to Sunday, September 21), Wingfest is coming to Manchester, which has, of course, risen to become one of the best foodie destinations in the UK.

And Wingfest's cool yet quality vibe is very much in keeping with the rainy city's eclectic foodie scene. Held at the Grade II* listed Victoria Baths, the 2025 event promises to be "the biggest and boldest yet", with more than 100,000 drums and flats served over what looks set to be a memorable weekend.

Traders selling their tasty wares this weekend will include 7x Wingfest award-winners Peck Peck, Derby champs BOA, Latino-style favourites El Pollote, and the ever-popular Jus’ Wingin' It.

Competition will be fierce as the talented wing chefs cook their way to a spot in the festival’s coveted Hall of Flame. And it's expected that guests, too, will be unleashing their competitive side.

If you're feeling brave, then you can always enter the formidable Lava Wing Challenge, the UK’s hottest wing competition that will likely make even your favourite spicy Vindaloo taste like yoghurt in comparison.

If you have more of a talent for speed and stamina over heat, then the Flying Goose Wing Eating Competition, where contenders must eat as many wings as possible, may be the one for you.

Sponsors this year include Deliveroo, which will be handing out prizes, as well as Beavertown and Flying Goose Brand. In between sampling the wide variety of wings on offer, guests won't want for entertainment, which includes live music, axe throwing, bourbon masterclasses, competitions, games and arcades.

Running across four sessions, Manchester Wing Fest guests can choose between Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon finale.

Tickets are on sale now and include a Wing Fest signature trucker hat, axe-throwing, all entertainment, competitions, and live music.

• Friday Evening - £19.50 (over 18s only)

• Saturday Afternoon - £22.50 (free for under 5s)

• Saturday Evening - Over 18s only - £22.50

• Sunday Afternoon - £22.50 (free for under 5s)

You can find out more ahead of your visit here

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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