Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The Sussex Six food festival transformed Horsham’s Carfax into a vibrant culinary marketplace.
- More than 100 independent eateries and producers pledged to source at least six local ingredients.
- Crowds flocked from across Sussex, giving a welcome economic boost to hospitality businesses.
- Stand-out exhibitors such as Kinsbrook Vineyard earned Sussex Six 2025 Hero certificates.
- Future quarterly markets will expand the initiative to Chichester, Gatwick and beyond.
Table of contents
Event Overview: A Feast for the Senses
“If you want to taste Sussex on a single street, come to Carfax in September.” That quote from a visiting food critic perfectly captured the atmosphere as Horsham hosted the Sussex Six food festival. The initiative challenges businesses to showcase at least six locally sourced ingredients, and this year’s event did so with flair, fragrance and flavour.
Date & Location
On a sun-kissed Saturday in September 2025, Carfax Horsham morphed into a pedestrian-only food arcade. The central square’s leafy surroundings and historic architecture provided an *idyllic* backdrop, while excellent transport links ensured visitors could stroll in from nearby rail, bus and cycle routes.
Attendance & Community Impact
Organisers estimate footfall exceeded 8,000 – a record that underscored local pride. According to Horsham District Council, the festival injected an estimated £250,000 into the town’s economy over the weekend, with cafes reporting a *40 % spike* in takings.
Local Collaboration
More than 100 businesses signed the Sussex Six pledge this year, uniting restaurants, farm shops and brewers in a common goal: championing produce grown within county lines. The result? Menus brimming with South Downs lamb, Selsey crab and forest-foraged mushrooms.
Producers & Artisans
Star turns included:
- Kinsbrook Vineyard – pouring aromatic Bacchus that sold out before noon.
- New House Farm Shop – drawing crowds with its legendary scotch eggs.
- Artisan cheesemaker High Weald Dairy – offering smoky Duddleswell samples.
Variety of Offerings
From beetroot-dusted doughnuts to vegan “Sussex seaweed” crisps, stalls catered to *every* palate and dietary preference. Children queued for lavender ice cream while adults compared notes on small-batch gins. The consistent theme: ingredients that had travelled fewer miles than most visitors’ cars.
Food Market Features
Organisers divided Carfax into colour-coded zones – Produce, Street Food, Drinks and Sweet Treats – making exploration intuitive. Live cook-alongs saw local chefs elevating humble vegetables into showstoppers, while ticketed tasting flights paired cheeses with sparkling wines.
Support for Hospitality
Hospitality owners praised the festival for driving footfall long after closing time. Many restaurants handed out discount cards redeemable over the following month, a simple tactic that one bistro owner called “the gift that keeps on giving.”
Community Engagement
Backed by UK Shared Prosperity Fund grants, the event partnered with local colleges to run apprentice workshops, blending culinary skills with career opportunities. Residents volunteered as stewards, further strengthening neighbourhood bonds.
Highlights & Exhibits
A highlight was the *Zero-Waste Challenge* where chefs crafted dishes solely from surplus market produce. The winning plate – roast beet tops with hazelnut crumb – proved that sustainability can be deliciously stylish.
Future Events & Opportunities
Buoyed by Horsham’s success, organisers plan quarterly Sussex Six markets rotating through Chichester, Lewes and even Gatwick Airport’s new Sussex House Kitchen & Bar. The aim: make local produce the first taste travellers enjoy upon arrival.
Purchasing Local Products Year-Round
Can’t wait until the next festival? Many featured goodies are available in participating farm shops, independent retailers and via the Sussex Six online directory, ensuring everyone can keep *buying local* long after the bunting comes down.
Conclusion
The Horsham edition of the Sussex Six food festival was more than a market; it was a celebration of regional identity, sustainability and collaboration. As organisers look to expand, one thing is clear: Sussex’s larder has never tasted so good – and the community is hungry for more.
FAQs
When will the next Sussex Six market take place?
Organisers have pencilled in early December 2025 for a festive edition in Chichester, with exact dates to be confirmed on the official website.
How can my business join the Sussex Six pledge?
Simply apply through the Sussex Six portal; you’ll need to prove you source six key ingredients from within the county.
Is the event family-friendly?
Absolutely. There are children’s cookery workshops, face painting and plenty of bite-sized samples suitable for little taste buds.
Are pets allowed at the Carfax venue?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome; several stalls even offer homemade pet treats.
What measures ensure sustainability at the festival?
Vendors must use compostable packaging, food waste is collected for local anaerobic digestion, and visitors are encouraged to bring reusable bags and cups.