Wing Fest, the world’s largest chicken wing festival, is soaring back into the Midlands for another epic celebration of one of the globe’s favourite dishes. From 16th to 18th May, Derby Wing Fest will take over the award-winning Bustler Market for three days of fiery competition, mouthwatering wings, and unbeatable entertainment.
The UK’s top wing-slingers will go head-to-head, serving up over 60,000 drums and flats in a bid to answer the ultimate question: Who makes the best wings in the UK?
Affectionately known as ‘Derbados’ by loyal fans, this year’s event marks a bittersweet milestone - it will be Wing Fest’s final showdown at the iconic Chocolate Factory, as the festival moves to a bigger site to meet growing demand. But they’re going out in true Wing Fest style: saucy, loud, and absolutely unmissable.
The festival will be split across multiple epic sessions: kicking off Friday evening, continuing through Saturday afternoon and evening, and wrapping up in style on Sunday afternoon. Expect a weekend packed with indulgent wing feasting, axe throwing, and some serious beer and bourbon action. The legendary Wing Fest House Band will be bringing the vibes all weekend long, with singer-songwriter Sam Fearon leading the charge.
The competition is split into three mouthwatering categories:
• Best BBQ Wing - for those who crave rich, smokey perfection.
• Best Buffalo Wing - the battle to master the ultimate spicy, tangy classic.
• Best Wild Wing - where creativity knows no limits, as traders experiment with bold flavours, unique toppings, and inventive techniques to turn a humble wing into a tastebud explosion.
With a wing for everyone, expect several award-winning traders ready to battle it out for glory - think Birmingham’s Bad Boy Wings, London’s Peck Peck, and Magic Wingdom from Leamington Spa, all hungry to add more trophies to their collection. Joining them are Nottingham’s Homeboys and Dirty Birds, plus local favourite Boa Derby, each vying for votes and a spot in the coveted Hall of Flame. 4,000 wing fanatics will have the power to cast their votes live across three fiery categories, helping to crown the ultimate wing champions. And for those with a sweet tooth, The Savvy Baker will be on hand with their gooey hand-baked brownies.
Wing Fest’s famous eating competitions will take place across all three days, bringing the heat - literally. The infamous Lava Wing Challenge, the UK’s hottest wing showdown, is set to return, notorious for the fiery chaos it unleashes.
For true wing aficionados, the Flying Goose Wing Eating Competition, hosted by Food Review Club, offers the ultimate test of speed and endurance. Only the hungriest and bravest ticket holders will step up to devour as many wings as possible in a battle that promises to be the messiest spectacle of the weekend.
At the heart of Wing Fest is the story of founder and wing enthusiast Richard Thacker, who grew up on a chicken farm and began his journey as a chicken wing street-food trader. He created Wing Fest over a decade ago to celebrate independent food businesses, rising culinary talents, and a shared love of chicken. Today, the festival brings together the best street food traders, restaurants, BBQ teams, and pop-ups from across the country at every event.
This year’s Wing Fest is proudly supported by a sizzling lineup of sponsors. Deliveroo will be dishing out prizes to the winning traders, Beavertown is keeping the beer flowing, and Flying Goose Brand is providing utter sauciness. Entertainment includes live music, axe throwing, bourbon masterclasses, competitions, games and arcades – all best enjoyed with a drum and flat in hand.
Deliveroo comments;
“Deliveroo are delighted to be sponsoring Wing Fest again this year - the ultimate homage to such a well loved dish and the perfect way to show our passion for delivering the almighty chicken wing across the country"
Derby Wing Fest tickets are now on sale. Tickets include a Wing Fest signature trucker hat, free access to axe throwing, games, arcades, competitions, and live music.
- Friday Evening - over 18s only - £19.50
- Saturday Afternoon - £23.50 (free for under 12s)
- Saturday Evening - Over 18s only - £23.50
- Sunday Afternoon - £23.50 (free for under 12s)
Address:
Bustler Market, John Street
Derby, DE1 2QD
@wingfestuk
www.wingfest.co.uk
