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Top Consumer Events to Sample at: Summer 2025 

If you’re a marketer aiming to make a memorable impression, summer events are the perfect stage to showcase your brand. Whether you’re targeting foodies, music enthusiasts, or fitness fans, choosing the right event to activate your sampling campaign can lead to unforgettable experiences and long-lasting connections.

At GottaBe! Marketing, we know how vital it is to be in the right place at the right time. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top consumer events for Summer 2025. With audiences as diverse as the events themselves, these are golden opportunities to create meaningful interactions and drive brand loyalty.

Explore the list of events and more information on Product Sampling by reading this blog:


Foodie & Culture Events

Food and culture events provide the ultimate setting to engage audiences through tastings, live demonstrations, and immersive experiences. These events attract high footfall and a an engaged crowd, making them ideal for showcasing your brand.

Pub in the Park (Various Locations) 
Tom Kerridge’s iconic food and music festival is a hit for premium food and drink sampling.  

  •   Marlow: 15–18 May 2025  
  •   London: 30 May–1 June 2025  
  •   Reigate: 11–13 July 2025  
  •   St Albans: 5–7 September 2025  

BBC Good Food Show (Summer) (12–15 June 2025)
Did you know we took three brands to the Winter 2024 show? Read all about it by clicking here! The summer edition offers a vibrant atmosphere for food and drink sampling. 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) Festival (19–20 July 2025)
Looking to reach travel enthusiasts? Check out our work at this event in 2024 for inspiration!  

Bristol Balloon International Fiesta (8–10 August 2025) 
This visually stunning event attracts a diverse and engaged crowd, making it ideal for sampling.  

BBC Good Food Festival at Goodwood Racecourse (August 2025, exact date TBC)  
A must for food brands aiming to impress a culinary-savvy audience.  


Music Festivals

Festivals are fantastic opportunities to capture attention when audiences are relaxed and open to new experiences.  

Isle of Wight Festival (19–22 June 2025)  
A long-standing favourite for music lovers, offering high footfall for impactful sampling.  

Glastonbury Festival (25–29 June 2025)  
One of the world’s biggest festivals, Glastonbury is a marketer’s dream for targeting a broad and diverse audience.  

BST Hyde Park (27 June–13 July 2025)  
Known for its star-studded lineup, this event attracts a mix of ages and demographics.  

Boardmasters (6–10 August 2025)  
Combining surf culture, music, and lifestyle, this Cornish festival is perfect for brands targeting active, health-conscious audiences.

All Points East (22–24 August 2025)  
Located in London, this festival is perfect for brands wanting to connect with urban millennials and Gen Z.  


Health & Fitness Events

If you want to engage health-conscious consumers, these events are ideal platforms for showcasing wellness products, fitness gear, and nutrition-focused offerings.

Battle Cancer (Manchester) (10 May 2025)  
Engage a motivated audience with products that align with fitness and recovery.  

Bournemouth 7s (23–25 May 2025)  
Known as the world’s largest sports and music festival, this event combines athleticism and lifestyle.  

Wellnergy (14 June 2025)
A festival celebrating mental health, fitness, and wellbeing – perfect for mindful brands. 

Turf Games: London Summer Festival (21–22 June 2025) 
A high-energy event for performance-focused health and nutrition brands.  

Cheltenham 7’s (18–19 July 2025)  
Similar to Bournemouth 7’s, this event presents another great opportunity to connect with rugby and fitness fans.  

ATHX Birmingham (30–31 August 2025) 
This event showcases the best in athletic performance, ideal for supplement and gear brands.  

VERVE Wellness Festival (13 September 2025) 
Close out the summer season by engaging with a health-first audience.  

Image of GottaBe! Marketing's 2025 Health & Fitness Calendar including key dates within the health and fitness space. Click to download.

Want to explore more opportunities in the health and fitness space?  Download our “2025 Health + Fitness Calendar” to plan your activations with ease.  


The Power of Sampling and Face-to-Face Connections

In an increasingly digital world, the value of real-world, face-to-face interactions has never been more significant. Sampling and experiential marketing are powerful tools for creating meaningful connections with your audience, building brand loyalty, and driving long-term growth. Here’s why these strategies matter:

1. Creating Memorable Brand Experiences

Sampling allows consumers to interact with your product firsthand, engaging their senses and leaving a lasting impression. A well-executed sampling campaign enables consumers to:

  • See the quality of your product.
  • Feel its benefits firsthand.
  • Trust your brand, fostering a sense of credibility and authenticity.

2. Building Emotional Connections

When your team interacts with consumers directly, it opens the door for meaningful conversations, allowing you to:

  • Address questions or concerns in real-time.
  • Share your brand story and values.
  • Leave consumers with a positive emotional association.

Studies consistently show that consumers are more likely to purchase and recommend a product they’ve experienced in person and connected with emotionally.

3. Driving Trial and Purchase Intent

Sampling removes the barrier of commitment, making it easier for consumers to try your product without risk. By giving them a taste or experience of what you offer, you significantly increase the likelihood of:

  • Generating impulse purchases during the event.
  • Encouraging repeat purchases in the future.
  • Earning recommendations through word of mouth or social media shares.

4. Capturing Valuable Consumer Insights

Face-to-face activations provide a unique opportunity to gather immediate feedback from your target audience. You can learn:

  • How consumers perceive your product.
  • What questions or hesitations they have.
  • How your product compares to competitors in their eyes.

These insights are invaluable for refining your marketing strategy, product offerings, and overall customer experience.


Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Sampling

As consumers increasingly prioritise authenticity, transparency, and meaningful connections, brands that engage directly with their audience will stand out. Sampling is more than just giving away free products – it’s about creating moments of delight, trust, and discovery that resonate long after the event is over.

Hungry to learn more about Sampling? Click here to learn more about Product Sampling and the different methods we offer.


Make Your Sampling Strategy Count

Summer 2025 is packed with incredible events that offer brands the chance to create meaningful and memorable connections with their audiences. Whether you’re delighting food lovers, entertaining festival-goers, or engaging health-conscious consumers, these events provide the perfect backdrop for impactful sampling campaigns.

Planning a successful activation takes strategy and expertise. At GottaBe! Marketing, we specialise in delivering unforgettable brand experiences through innovative sampling campaigns. From selecting the perfect event to executing your vision, we’re here to help you make Summer 2025 your brand’s best yet.

Ready to Activate This Summer?

Don’t miss out on the chance to make an impression this summer. Get in touch with the GottaBe! Marketing team today to discuss your campaign goals and start planning your next activation. Together, we’ll create experiences that leave your audience wanting more.

Get in touch with our team and allow us to build unforgettable experiences for your brand.