Fab food festivals for February

From the freshest scallops in Sussex to the first crop of forced rhubarb in Wakefield, we've found the best festivals in the country this month

Gin fling: with more than 100 gins to try, you might need to get a weekend ticket to make the most of it (London Gin Festival)

Gin Festival London Feb 16-18

Every gin connoisseur should have this event on their calendar. The Gin Festival has more then 100 types of gin, which you can mix with premium tonics, or go for an expertly created cocktail instead. After you grab a drink, attend one of the gin master classes led by an expert distiller.

Head to the cooking demonstrations for vegan inspiration (Vegan Life Live)

Vegan Life Live London Alexandra Palace, Feb 10-11

Whether you are a seasoned vegan or you just ate your first brussels sprout, you can enjoy the plant-based, two day event. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to learn more about the vegan lifestyle, including tips on how to be a conscious consumer and ideas of how to kick-start a new diet. Not only will you get to enjoy gourmet vegan food, but you can also take part in a mini beer festival and a pop-up cinema.

Come to the Wakefield Rhubarb festival to celebrate the vegetable that was popularised during the Second World War (Alamy)

Wakefield Rhubarb Festival Yorkshire, Feb 23-25

To celebrate the history of Wakefield, local vendors will be taking to the streets to show off the best of their wares come forced rhubarb season, which started a few weeks ago. Aside from eating all things rhubarb, get the lowdown on the pink plant at the Yorkshire rhubarb forcing shed to learn why the native plant of Siberia cam to Yorkshire in the first place.

Rye Bay Scallop Week East Sussex, Feb 24-March 4

The Rye Bay Scallop Festival signifies that scallops are at the peak of the season (Rye Bay Scallop Festival)

Every February, visitors can escape to the beautiful seaside town of Rye to enjoy mouth-watering, locally-caught scallops in the height of their season. Many of the local restaurants put them on their menus, so book ahead. Across the week, enjoy live music, tasting events and scallop shucking demonstrations.