Jeremy Clarkson Samples Cricket Burger as Farm-Fest Prepares to Spotlight the Future of British Food

Jeremy Clarkson has never been shy about trying something unusual in the name of farming, food and television. Now, ahead of this year’s Great British Farm-Fest, the Clarkson’s Farm presenter has sampled a burger made with British-grown cricket protein.

The tasting took place before the upcoming countryside festival, which will be held at the NAEC Stoneleigh in Warwickshire from May 22 to May 24. Clarkson was joined by familiar faces from the Diddly Squat world, including Kaleb Cooper and Lisa Hogan, as well as other festival attendees invited to preview one of the event’s more surprising food innovations.

The exclusive tasting experience was hosted by the UK Edible Insect Association, an organisation that promotes the use of insects as a sustainable source of protein. The cricket burgers were prepared to show how insect-based ingredients could become part of future food production, particularly as farmers, producers and consumers look for more efficient and environmentally conscious alternatives.

For many people, the idea of eating insects may still feel unusual. But supporters of edible insect protein argue that products such as cricket flour and cricket-based meat alternatives could play a growing role in the food system. Crickets require less space, water and feed than many traditional livestock sources, making them an option that fits into wider discussions about sustainability and the future of farming.

At the tasting, the focus was not only on novelty, but on whether insect protein can be presented in a familiar and appealing way. The cricket burger was designed as a recognisable food item rather than a scientific experiment, giving guests the chance to consider how alternative proteins might fit into everyday meals.

Clarkson’s involvement is likely to draw extra attention to the subject. Through Clarkson’s Farm, he has become one of the most visible figures in British farming television, using his platform to highlight the financial, practical and political pressures facing rural communities. His appearance at the tasting links neatly with Farm-Fest’s broader theme: the future of British agriculture.

The Great British Farm-Fest is being promoted as a major countryside event combining farming, food, entertainment and public education. Organisers say the festival will celebrate innovation, sustainability and the people shaping the next chapter of rural Britain.

Across the three days, visitors will be able to explore different areas of the festival, meet producers, hear from industry experts and take part in hands-on countryside experiences. The event is aimed not only at farmers and those already working in agriculture, but also at families and members of the public who want to better understand where food comes from and how the industry is changing.

The UK Edible Insect Association will bring its work to the Farm Lab area throughout the festival. Its presence is expected to give visitors a closer look at how insect farming works, what edible insect products can be used for, and why some experts believe they may become an important part of future food production.

The cricket burger tasting also reflects a wider shift in conversations around farming. British agriculture is facing increasing pressure from rising costs, climate concerns, changing consumer habits and new expectations around land use. As a result, food producers are being pushed to think more creatively about what farming could look like in the years ahead.

For Clarkson, Kaleb Cooper and Lisa Hogan, the event comes at a time when interest in Diddly Squat Farm remains extremely high. Their appearance at Farm-Fest is expected to be a major draw for fans of Clarkson’s Farm, many of whom have followed the series as it has moved beyond entertainment and into serious conversations about rural business, farming policy and the challenges of keeping farms profitable.

While some visitors may come to Farm-Fest for the celebrity appearances, the cricket burger tasting suggests the event also wants to start bigger conversations. The idea of insect protein may divide opinion, but it raises important questions about what people are willing to eat, how food can be produced more efficiently, and how British farmers might adapt to changing demands.

The Great British Farm-Fest will take place from May 22 to May 24 at the NAEC Stoneleigh. Tickets are available now through the festival’s official website.