The ultimate chicken wing face-off is set to make its comeback this August. The world’s biggest chicken wing festival, Wing Fest, will be returning to the Love Factory on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August 2023, promising an event dedicated to one of the globe’s most beloved dishes.
The festival champions independent food vendors from across the UK, presenting a mouth-watering array of talents. This year, the competition will be spicier than ever, with contenders vying for top spots in three categories: Best Buffalo Wing, Best Wild Wing, and a newly introduced category, Best BBQ Wing. These gastronomic gladiators will battle it out over a staggering 100,000 drums and flats, each hoping to secure the coveted accolades.
Revamping the festival experience, this year’s Wing Fest introduces a new format inspired by the classic beer festival. The event will be divided into separate sessions with reduced capacity—beginning Saturday afternoon, continuing into the evening, and culminating in a grand finale on Sunday afternoon. This new format promises less time in queues, more delicious wings, and an overall improved festival experience.
Fans can expect an epic feast of wings, axe throwing, beer, bourbon and music. Festival-goers can sample wings from returning champions ‘Eat The Bird’ and local favourites ‘Yard & Coop’. Also, the festival extends its offerings to wings from ‘Poor Boys’, flaunting flavours from London, and Birmingham’s ‘Filthy Wings’. Each vendor will compete fiercely to win over the public and secure their spot in the coveted Hall of Flame.
Besides the wing tasting, people can also participate in legendary competitions. These include their notorious Lava Wing Challenge, hosted by the Clifton Chilli Club, known for its fiery wings that test the mettle of the bravest contestants. The other event to look out for is the Sweet Baby Ray’s Wing Eating competition, hosted by Food Review Club, where competitors race against time to consume as many chicken wings as possible.
But Wing Fest isn’t merely a playground for wing enthusiasts. Expect a generous flow of beer from Tiny Rebel, high-quality bourbon from Horse With No Name, and whiskey from Jameson Black Barrel. Entertainment activities include axe throwing, beer puppeteers, chicken pinatas, and doughnut eating challenges, all accompanied by live music.
Tickets for Manchester Wing Fest 2023 are now on sale. The ticket price includes a Wing Fest signature trucker hat, access to all entertainment and competitions, and live music performances. Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions cost £21 each, with free entry for under 12s. The Saturday evening session, strictly for over 18s, is also priced at £21.
