Yorkshire embraces veganism with upcoming festivals

Once regarded as a fringe movement, veganism is gaining in popularity, with a recent survey suggesting Britain is more vegan-friendly than ever before.

It therefore comes as no surprise that festivals dedicated to veganism are becoming more prevalent, and Yorkshire is no exception.

The first North Yorkshire Vegan Festival takes place at Harrogate’s International Centre on Saturday 17 March from 10.30am-5.00pm, offering stalls, talks and demos and featuring hot and cold food, cosmetics and campaigns.

Before that, Leeds plays host to the Belgrave Vegan Feast on Saturday 24 February at Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen. It promises three floors of street food, art, ales and music, and entry is free, with kids and dogs welcome.

According to recent statistics from the Vegan Society, the number of vegans in the UK has risen more than four-fold over the past 10 years, with more than half of British adults now ‘adopting vegan buying behaviour.’

A vegan diet is believed to improve heart and bone health and protect against a range of chronic diseases.