Where Is the Chicken Wing Festival in Sheffield this October?

Get ready, because the world’s biggest chicken wing festival returns to Sheffield for another massive celebration of all things chicken. That’s right, Wing Fest is back from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October, and it’s shaping up to be an absolutely epic weekend. After a sell-out event last year, the festival is moving to a bigger, cooler venue – FORGE Warehouse – to make room for even more wing fanatics. Expect three days packed with incredible food, banging music, wild entertainment, and a serious battle to crown the UK’s best chicken wing.

Address: 148 Effingham Rd, Sheffield S4 7YS, United Kingdom

So, what’s the big deal about Sheffield Wing Fest?

Imagine a place where the air is filled with the sizzle and smoke of delicious chicken wings. A place where independent food traders from all over the country gather to show off their best recipes. That’s Sheffield Wing Fest in a nutshell. This isn't just a food festival; it’s a full-on competition. Over the weekend, a staggering 60,000 chicken wings will be served up, with every trader fighting for the top spot.

The main event is the battle for the best wings. Festival-goers get to vote for their favourites across three categories: Best Buffalo Wing (the classic tangy, spicy one), Best Wild Wing (where the traders can get super creative with crazy flavours), and Best BBQ Wing (smoky, sweet, and sticky perfection). The winners get a place in the Wing Fest Hall of Flame, which is a pretty big deal. After its huge success last year, the festival returns, bigger and better. The new venue, FORGE Warehouse, is an old industrial steel works that has been transformed into a massive event space, perfect for a party of this size. There’s a huge main warehouse for the music and food, plus a courtyard for chilling out in the October air.

A weekend of epic food and entertainment

The fun kicks off on Friday evening and doesn't stop until Sunday afternoon. It’s a proper three-day event with different sessions to choose from. Whether it's the over-18s party atmosphere on the Friday and Saturday evening sessions, or the more family-friendly Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon slots, there's a time for everyone.

But it’s not just about the food. This is a full-blown festival experience. There’s going to be pounding music all weekend to provide the soundtrack to the sauciness. And for those who fancy a break from eating, there’s axe throwing. Yes, you read that right. People can try their hand at chucking axes at a target, which is a surprisingly brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Add in some arcade games and plenty of craft beer and bourbon, and you’ve got all the ingredients for an unforgettable weekend. The entertainment lineup ensures there's never a dull moment at this chicken-centric festival.

Meet the wing contenders

The lineup of traders for the 2025 Sheffield Wing Fest is already looking seriously tasty. Some of the UK’s most celebrated wing slingers will be there, ready to compete for your vote. Award-winning names like Eat the Bird, Hope You’re Hungry, Kikis Fried Chicken, Shwings, and Hello Oriental are all confirmed to be firing up their fryers and grills.

Each of these independent businesses brings its own unique style. One might have a secret family recipe for their BBQ sauce, while another might be experimenting with mind-blowing flavour combinations for the Wild Wing category. It’s this creativity and passion that makes the festival so special. It all started with the founder, Richard Thacker, who came from a family of chicken farmers and began as a street-food trader himself. He created Wing Fest to give a platform to businesses just like his.

Think you can handle the heat?

For those who like their chicken wings with a side of pure adrenaline, the competitions are a must-see. The deadly Lava Wing Challenge is famous for the carnage it causes. Participants have to sign a waiver before attempting to eat a chicken wing coated in a ridiculously hot sauce made with a blend of the world's hottest chillies. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's amazing to watch.

If speed is more your thing, then the Flying Goose Wing Eating Competition is where it’s at. Contestants go head-to-head to see who can devour the most chicken wings in the fastest time. It gets messy, it gets loud, and the crowd goes wild. Imagine trying to convince your mate, Charlotte, that she should definitely enter, only to watch her smash the record. These epic entertainment spectacles are a massive part of what makes the weekend so much fun. It’s one thing to enjoy some delicious food; it’s another to watch someone’s face melt while attempting a super-spicy challenge.

How to get your tickets

Tickets for the Sheffield Wing Fest are on sale now, and they’re expected to go fast. Each ticket gets you entry to the festival, a signature Wing Fest trucker hat, access to all the live music and competitions, and a go at axe throwing. The wings themselves are sold separately by the traders, so people can try as many different flavours as they like.

Here’s the breakdown of the sessions and tickets:

• Friday Evening (17th October): £19.50 (Over 18s only)
• Saturday Afternoon (18th October): £23.50 (Under 5s go free)
• Saturday Evening (18th October): £23.50 (Over 18s only)
• Sunday Afternoon (19th October): £23.50 (Under 5s go free)

Whether it’s a day out with the family on a Sunday afternoon or a big night out with mates on a Saturday evening, there's a session to suit. The event takes place at FORGE Warehouse, Effingham Road, Sheffield, S4 7YS. Don't miss out on this clucking good time! The best chicken event in Sheffield returns this October.