Dame Prue Leith headlines South Downs Food Festival
July 29, 2024
Did you know over 70 per cent of the National Park is farmland and there are more than 50 vineyards?
With so many local producers, it’s no wonder that a festival has been organised to celebrate all the amazing food and drink on our doorstep!
The South Downs Food Festival will take place over the weekend of 14 and 15 September within the stunning grounds of Stansted Park , near Rowlands Castle.
The event will be celebrating the revival of British food culture and giving people the chance to try some of the finest foods and drinks from the South Downs and nearby coast.
A stellar line-up of speakers will be giving talks, including Dame Prue Leith, who will be examining Elizabeth David’s long-term influence on British food.
Diane Purkiss, historian and author of English Food (2022), will speak about Elizabeth David’s historical significance alongside the writer Rachel Cooke.
On day two of the festival, there will be an exploration of food, farming, health and the environment. Philosopher Julian Baggini will discuss the ideas in his forthcoming book How the World Eats and James Baird, farmer and founder of Weald to Waves, will share his experience creating a network of wildlife corridors while also producing food.
Visitors can browse the South Downs Market, which will feature artisan producers from across the region, and there will be an opportunity to try out local wines, beers, and gins.
Activities will include a chef’s table, apple pressing, ice cream making and how to build an outdoor oven.
Find out more and book tickets at www.southdownsfoodfestival.com
