Strong Numbers for Skövde Food Festival – 95% Give a Positive Overall Rating

The Skövde Food Festival 2025 was once again a flavorful folk festival that attracted both local residents and visiting guests. During the festival, a visitor survey was conducted showing that the event in Skövde’s city center receives high ratings and strengthens the image of Skövde as an attractive city to both live in and visit.

Highly Satisfied Visitors

The survey reveals remarkable visitor satisfaction:

• 95% of visitors gave a positive overall rating
• 96% felt the festival had ”something for everyone”

Visitors highlighted food, atmosphere, and community as the festival’s best aspects.

”The Food Festival is a strong tradition in Skövde and the survey shows it is appreciated by both residents and visiting guests. It’s a folk festival that unites people, brings our city to life, and puts Skövde on the map,” says Magnus Sundmark, project manager for the Food Festival and events manager at Next Skövde.

Engaged Restaurateurs Deliver Results

The food and drink offerings received especially high ratings this year:

• Over 90% of visitors were satisfied with the variety
• Particularly strong reviews came from visitors aged 31-50 and from the wider Skaraborg region, where almost six out of ten gave top ratings

”We are incredibly thankful for the commitment our Food Festival restaurateurs have contributed. Having visitors satisfied and giving high marks to the food is extremely important for us as organizers,” says Magnus Sundmark.

Festival Visitor Demographics

The Food Festival attracts both local and visiting guests, strengthening the event’s role as a travel destination for Skövde:

• 68% of visitors were Skövde residents
• 22% came from other parts of Skaraborg
• 10% traveled from other parts of Sweden

Of the traveling guests, 27% chose to overnight in the municipality, with the majority staying with family or friends.

Positive Impact on Skövde’s Image

The Food Festival strengthens Skövde’s attractiveness for both residents and visitors:

• 98% of Skövde residents completely or partially agree that the Food Festival is positive for the municipality
• 78% of visiting guests became much or somewhat more positive about Skövde after their visit

”It’s clear from the survey that the Food Festival means a lot to Skövde residents. Almost everyone sees the festival as something positive for the city, and that’s exactly the feeling we want to build upon – a folk festival that strengthens community and makes Skövde even more attractive,” says Magnus Sundmark.

Survey Details

• Number of interviews: 483
• Method: On-site interviews and email surveys to visitors during the festival on August 29-30, 2025
• Purpose: Evaluate the 2025 Food Festival and collect feedback to develop future festivals