Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Hundreds attended Horsham’s lively Sussex Six Food Event, celebrating local cuisine.
- Focus on local sourcing and reducing food miles energised community spirit.
- Live cookery theatre and diverse food stalls showcased Sussex’s culinary creativity.
- Hospitality businesses reported an upswing in exposure and partnerships.
- Future festivals are already on the horizon—details via Sussex Food & Drink Network.
Table of Contents
Event Overview
Last Sunday, 7 September 2025, Horsham’s picturesque Carfax swapped morning calm for mouth-watering aromas as the Sussex Six Food Event welcomed crowds from across the county. Designed to champion local suppliers, the flagship gathering formed part of the wider Sussex Six campaign to strengthen regional supply chains and promote sustainability.
Celebration of Local Produce
Central to the festival was an unwavering commitment to local sourcing. Shoppers filled tote bags with Sussex-grown vegetables, vineyard jams and farm-shop cheeses—all while learning how shorter supply chains cut carbon footprints and keep money circulating locally.
- Reduced food miles
- Support for Sussex producers
- Economic and environmental gains
Diverse Food & Drink Market
More than forty artisan stalls lined the square, serving everything from handcrafted cheeses to plant-based paella. One visitor described the atmosphere as “a carnival of flavours”, and queues for Sussex-brewed ciders snaked past live acoustic sets.
- Handcrafted Sussex cheeses
- Freshly baked sourdough and pastries
- Locally-sourced charcuterie
- Sussex craft beers & ciders
- Innovative plant-based dishes
Wealden Food Event Connection
The Horsham showcase is one node in a growing network of Wealden food events uniting rural growers with urban diners. Through cross-promotion and shared logistics, producers gain broader exposure while communities discover new sources of seasonal fare.
Live Cookery Theatre
Aprons on, taste buds primed—local chefs dazzled audiences with sizzling demos. From traditional Sussex puddings to seaweed-infused risotto, attendees sampled dishes hot off the pan and left with recipe cards to recreate at home.
- Interactive sessions
- Seasonal tasting plates
- Chef Q&A segments
Local Food Directory & Community Support
Festival-goers departed with a handy directory featuring contact details for growers, brewers and bakers. The goal: extend the buy-local momentum well beyond a single Sunday.
For year-round updates and producer listings, visit the Sussex Food & Drink Network, an online hub knitting together the county’s culinary community.
Sussex Menu Highlights
Dishes served during the day celebrated Sussex’s rich larder in unforgettable style:
- Sussex Charmer cheese & wild garlic tart
- Slow-roasted Sussex beef with foraged mushrooms
- Chichester harbour mussels in ale broth
- Apple & blackberry crumble with local cream
- Kinsbrook grape sorbet—vineyard-fresh
Impact on Hospitality Businesses
The exposure has been invaluable,
enthused Rebecca Thompson of Kinsbrook Vineyard. Similar praise echoed from New House Farm Shop, which saw a sharp rise in post-event footfall. Networking under striped marquees forged new supplier-restaurant partnerships destined to flavour autumn menus.
Future Initiatives & Visitor Info
Organisers promise that the Sussex Six banner will wave again soon. Prospective vendors and foodies alike should:
- Monitor local listings for dates and venues
- Follow county food networks on social media
- Register early for stall opportunities
Conclusion
From sizzling skillets to community hugs, the Sussex Six Food Event stitched together taste and togetherness. As the final stalls packed away, Horsham’s streets still carried the scent of roasted garlic—an aromatic reminder that supporting local food is both delicious and vital for a resilient regional economy.
FAQs
When will the next Sussex Six Food Event take place?
Dates are being finalised, but organisers hint at a spring 2026 return—keep an eye on the Sussex Food & Drink Network for announcements.
Is entry to the event free?
Yes, general admission is free, though tasting plates and workshops may carry small fees.
How can local producers apply for a stall?
Applications open online roughly six months prior. Complete the vendor form via the official event page, providing product details and proof of local sourcing.
Are the events family-friendly?
Absolutely—face-painting, kid-sized cookery sessions and live music ensure fun for all ages.
Can I bring my dog?
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in outdoor areas, but please check individual stall policies before approaching food counters.