Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds flocked to Horsham’s Carfax to celebrate locally sourced food and drink.
- The Sussex Six pledge encourages businesses to stock at least six Sussex-made products.
- Live cookery demos and tastings offered an *interactive* culinary experience.
- Local producers reported a boost in sales and new customer connections.
- The success fuels broader regional plans, including a Sussex Food & Drink Trail.
Table of contents
Event Overview
Carfax in Horsham was transformed into a bustling open-air pantry on Sunday, 7 September 2025, as the Sussex Six Food Event returned with aromatic flair. Organised by Natural Partnerships CIC and backed by Horsham District Council, the day celebrated the Sussex Six initiative, *a movement urging businesses to champion at least six home-grown products*. From 10 am to 4 pm, crowds mingled among colourful stalls, proving once again that “eating local” is more than a trend—it’s a community promise.
Local Produce & Food Market
The heart of the event was its vibrant market, where aromas of freshly baked sourdough mingled with the tang of artisan cheeses. Shoppers filled tote bags with:
- Seasonal fruit & veg straight from nearby farms
- Creamy, small-batch dairy and *award-winning* cheeses
- Craft beers and ciders brewed just miles away
- Hand-stirred preserves, chutneys, and “brag-worthy” chilli jams
- Flaky pastries that sold out before noon
For many first-time vendors, the exposure felt like a *soft launch* into the wider Sussex food scene.
Featured Vendors & Exhibitors
Sussex House Kitchen drew queues with its seared venison sliders, while The Woodcote showcased a farm-to-table menu bursting with heritage carrots and foraged herbs. Other crowd-pleasers included:
- Sussex Brewery Co. – citrusy pale ales poured by the brewer herself
- Horsham Gingerbread – a Victorian recipe given a *zingy* ginger kick
- Sussex Charcuterie – oak-smoked coppa and fennel salami
Collaboration was the flavour of the day; several businesses paired forces to create limited-edition tasters available only at the festival.
Activities & Highlights
Beyond shopping, visitors enjoyed a packed programme:
- Cookery Theatre: Chef Matt Gillan dazzled with a zero-waste demo, turning beet tops into pesto.
- Guided wine, cheese & charcuterie pairings that left palates pondering.
- Acoustic sets from local musicians under the shade of plane trees.
- A “Best Local Dish” cook-off—won by a smoky Sussex trout taco.
*Applause rippled* through Carfax when a young baker clinched the People’s Choice Award for her lemon & lavender brownies.
Community Impact & Feedback
“It’s a celebration of who we are,” one resident remarked, clutching a loaf still warm from the oven. Vendors echoed the sentiment, reporting record on-the-day sales and promising follow-up orders. Local cafés also benefited from the extra footfall, proving the ripple effect of hyper-local events on the wider economy.
Broader Promotion of Local Food & Drink
Launched in 2023, the Sussex Six campaign has leapt from farm shops to Gatwick Airport kiosks, and plans are underway for:
- A rotating calendar of mini-markets across the county
- School workshops teaching children *where lunch really begins*
- A mapped Sussex Food & Drink Trail for weekend explorers
With momentum building, organisers believe the region can become a template for sustainable, locally focused food economies.
Conclusion
From sizzling skillet demonstrations to candid chats with farmers, the Sussex Six Food Event served a *multi-sensory reminder* that supporting local is deliciously simple. Its legacy will be measured not just in the pounds spent on the day, but in every future purchase of Sussex-made honey, cider, or charcuterie that keeps money—and pride—circulating close to home.
FAQs
When will the next Sussex Six Food Event take place?
Organisers hint at a spring 2026 edition, with exact dates to be announced on official channels early in the new year.
Is entry to the event free?
Yes, admission is free, allowing visitors to spend their budget directly with local producers.
How can my business become a Sussex Six vendor?
Businesses can apply through the Sussex Six website. Criteria include sourcing or producing at least six Sussex-made items.
Are the cookery demonstrations suitable for children?
Absolutely—there are interactive workshops tailored for young food enthusiasts, fostering early appreciation for local ingredients.
Will vegan and gluten-free options be available?
Yes, many stalls specifically cater to dietary requirements, reflecting Sussex’s inclusive food scene.