Margate Mushroom Festival brings fungi magic to ARK Cliftonville

Margate Mushrooms founder Darryn de la Soul

Margate Mushrooms invites curious minds and fungi lovers to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of mushrooms this month.

The Margate Mushroom Festival is taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October, from 10am to 5pm, at ARK Cliftonville, and will include speakers, cooking, a mushroom market and more.

Led by Darryn de la Soul, founder of Margate Mushrooms, the two-day festival promises a rich programme of hands-on learning, and delicious mushroom-based experiences.

Festival Highlights:

Keynote Speakers: Internationally renowned herbalist, medicinal mushroom expert and author Martin Powell will share insights into the medicinal and ecological power of mushrooms, particularly as regards ageing well and longevity. In addition, fresh from his African travels, Darren le Baron presents his latest findings and research on mushrooms in Africa.

Photo Darryn de la Soul

First Steps Foraging with local expert Angela Wooi – a beginner-friendly guide to identifying wild mushrooms safely.

Interactive cooking demos with chef Craig Mather from Kebbells, expert panel discussions on the future of fungi, and practical sessions on growing your own mushrooms.

A Mushroom Market featuring medicinal mushrooms, grow kits, fresh fungi, merch, treats, and drinks – all at special festival rates. Delicious lunch available with MOP Margate.

Photo Cemanthe McKensie

Local restaurant collaborations offering exclusive mushroom menus for the weekend, including Angela’s, Mori Mori, Thao Thao, Perfect Place to Grow, the Grain Grocer and Sarns.

A Saturday night social at HOFFS – an evening of music, food, and fungi-fuelled fun.

Tickets are:

Full Weekend Pass: £95

One Day Pass: £55

Individual Event Pass: £20

The Isle of Thanet News readers can get 30% off one and two day passes using the discount code: IOTN30

Photo Frank Leppard

Profits from ticket sales will be donated to the Margate Independent Foodbank to support local families through the winter months. By joining the festival, you’re not only nourishing your mind — you’re helping nourish others too.

Whether you’re a seasoned forager, foodie, or fungi-curious, this event offers something for everyone. Come to learn, taste, grow, and fall in love with mushrooms.

For tickets and more information, visit: www.margatemushrooms.co.uk