Sussex Food Festival Sparks 30% Boost in Local Business Sales

Event Overview

Sunday, 7 September 2025 saw Horsham’s iconic Carfax transformed into a bustling open-air market of aromas, colours and chatter. From 10 am to 4 pm, families, foodies and curious passers-by mingled with passionate producers in what many attendees described as “the tastiest day of the year.”

• Date: 7 September 2025
• Time: 10 am – 4 pm
• Location: Carfax, Horsham

Jointly organised by Horsham District Council and the Sussex Six initiative, the festival’s mission was simple yet powerful — connect communities with the food grown, reared and crafted on their doorstep.

Showcasing Sussex Produce

Stalls brimmed with everything from crusty sourdough to sparkling rosé. The spectrum of flavours proved why Sussex is fast becoming a culinary hotspot.

• Freshly baked goods & pastries
• Artisanal dairy temptations
• Seasonal fruits & vegetables
• Hand-crafted preserves & chutneys
• Ethically sourced meats
• Award-winning Sussex wines

“Events like these are essential for small businesses like ours,” said Sarah Thompson of Horsham Honey. “It’s a chance to meet the people who enjoy our products and share the story behind every jar.”

Participating Local Businesses

More than a hundred independent cafés, restaurants, shops and pubs embraced the Sussex Six pledge — to feature at least six local products on menus or shelves. Kinsbrook Vineyard and New House Farm Shop earned Sussex Six Hero certificates for their unwavering support.

James Wilson, owner of The Horsham Foodie, enthused, “Since joining the initiative, over 80% of our ingredients now come from within Sussex, and customers can taste the difference.”

Food & Drink Initiatives

Backed by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, the Sussex Six programme fosters collaboration across the food chain. Councillor Emma Green called it “a movement towards a more sustainable, resilient local food economy.”

• Boost local producer-retailer partnerships
• Increase visibility of Sussex-made products
• Support independent businesses year-round
• Engage residents through food education

Event Highlights

Crowds gathered around the cookery theatre to watch chefs turn humble beetroot, goat’s cheese and herbs into restaurant-worthy plates. Thirteen pubs joined the fun, hosting tap takeovers and tasting flights that showcased local ales and spirits.

• Live demonstrations & Q&A sessions
• Hands-on workshops for budding cooks
• Meet-the-producer interactive stalls

“I learned fresh ways to use seasonal veg in mid-week meals,” beamed resident Mary Johnson.

Impact on the Community

Early feedback shows a 30 % uptick in footfall for some traders. Butchers, bakers and vintners alike reported record one-day sales, proving that local loyalty can be both delicious and profitable.

“Since the event, people are asking exactly where their steak comes from,” said Tom Clark of Clark’s Butchers.

Future Sussex Events

The success in Horsham sets the stage for a county-wide tour. Dates for Lewes, Chichester and Worthing will be announced soon. Keep an eye on council channels or sign up for alerts on the Sussex Six website.

Supporting Local Food Businesses

Year-round support is simple:

• Shop at independent markets
• Choose dishes featuring Sussex ingredients when dining out
• Follow producers on social media and share their stories
• Explore the Sussex Local Food Directory for new favourites

Conclusion

From fragrant loaves to fizzing flutes, the 2025 Sussex Six food festival put Horsham firmly on the foodie map. If this year’s appetite is any indicator, the next chapter in Sussex’s gastronomic journey will be even more flavour-packed.