If the cold, wet weather has got you pining for a summer holiday, then we might just be able to provide a taste of one a little earlier than usual. Providing Londoners with a slice of summer and a taste of Italy is SicilyFEST: a four-day celebration of all things Sicilian taking place on May 1-4, 2025.
Getting you well and truly ready for summer, this wholesome festival will take place at the Business Design Centre in Islington. This year’s event will – quite literally – be bigger and better than ever, as it celebrates its 10th year of celebrating the rich array of flavour and culture. Once again, SicilyFEST will be transforming both the mezzanine and the ground floor of the venue into a European escape by way of Mediterranean street food market – and you can nab yourselves some tickets here.
If you’re a big foodie, you’ll feel right at home here. As you stroll through the centre, you can expect to munch on some of the very finest Italian treats, which include – *deep breath* – cannoli, arancini, fritto misto, fresh pasta, gelato, pistachio delicacies, Sicilian chocolate, and many more!
One moment you could be chewing on an octopus salad from Little Sicily before a generous helping from Pasta Remoli while leaving room for a piece of crispy arancini and indulgent cannoli from Etnacoffee or a scoop from Sicilian Pride. If you’re craving a bowl of the good stuff, then Crazy For Pasta will be another top port of call, and Oi Vita will be slinging traditional Italian Pizza all weekend long.
Plenty of vegan, veggie and gluten-free dishes are on the menu at the festival; and, of course, let us not forget the drinks. SicilyFEST attendees can head straight in to grab a Birra Moretti from the dedicated bar, before trying more from the range of Sicilian spirits and liqueurs that use local herbs and fruits in their craft. On top of the in-house cocktails, you’ll be able to wash down your Sicilian samples with a range of fine wines from the region, beers, gin, and a range of soft drinks. Bellissimo!
All of that grub will be accompanied by a ‘sagra di paese’ atmosphere, which is associated with small towns in Southern Italy where locals, friends, and family gather to eat, drink, dance, or even have a game of cards. All while immersing yourself in the true depth of Sicily’s food and wine? Sounds idyllic to us…
Plus, once you’ve suitably stuffed your faces, there’s plenty to learn. Expert Sicilian and Italian chefs will be on hand at SicilyFest to take you through interactive masterclasses, demos and food talks.
Whether you’re nibbling away at some arancini or rating each wine out of 10, you can do so while shaking your hips to the eclectic lineup of music spinning throughout the event.
Live performances from the likes of traditional Sicilian Val D’Akragas dance group – a UNESCO-recognised act known for their costumes, instruments and lively dancing – and Spaghetti Disco will perform on May 1; with Italian singer-songwriter Alan Sorrenti on hand to perform hits including ‘Figli Delle Stelle’ on May 2.
On the Saturday (May 3), Neapolitan singer-songwriter La Niña will take to the stage before IDDA, a Sicilian songwriter blending pop, folk and traditional Sicilian sounds graces SicilyFEST on its final day in the capital this year and tops off the food festival in style.
Who needs a holiday when you can visit a strip of Sicily right here in London? Book your tickets here for a weekend at SicilyFEST that’s guaranteed to be *chef’s kiss*!