Latest Food and Drink festival fun in Horsham district

After we’ve nibbled, baked and beer trailed, it’s time to get back to the source of so many of the fantastic products taking centre stage at the Horsham district Food and Drink Festival – the farm.

Located near West Grinstead, Knepp Castle Home Farm specialises in natural grazing for Longhorn cattle, Fallow deer, Tamworth pigs and Exmoor ponies.

Enjoy a two hour guided tractor tour around the estate with Assistant Land Agent and Stockman on Saturday 20th September. Places are limited and must be pre-booked on 01403 741235.

If you miss out on the tractor tour, there’s also the West Grinstead and District Ploughing Match and Agricultural Society show on the same day. Highlights include ploughing through the ages with horse driven, steam and tractor ploughing; cattle and sheep displays, gundog competitive training, terrier races and perennial favourite – the Shire horse display. Tickets cost £5 for adults, under 14’s are free.

Chichester College Brinsbury Campus offers a farm and forage walk opening up the world of dairy production and apple orchards as well as a chance to forage for late summer fruits and berries. The walk takes place from 10am – 12 noon on Wednesday 24 September.

In Steyning, the festival within a festival sees Adur Brewery open to the public for a special 90 minute guided tour and beer tasting opportunities. Tours available at various times from 11am – 5pm on Saturday 20 September, tickets cost £15 and must be pre-booked on 01903 815045).

Other highlights this week include:

Weltons Brewery – beer festival with tutored beer tasting (2-3pm); beer and cheese tasting (3-4pm) and live music (from 7.30pm) – Saturday 20 Sept

Kingbeer Brewery – open day from 11am – 3pm – Saturday 20 September

Daylands Farm (Ashurst) – Farm walk and cream tea on Sunday 21 September – pre-booking (and sensible walking shoes) essential and tickets £8 per person.

The Artisan Bakehouse (Ashurst) – public open days for handmade bread, light lunches and teas on 23 / 24 / 25 September

Bolney Wine Estates- free mini-tours and chance to sample award winning wines (weekends only)

Hilary Knight – Sussex Food and Drink said “Food Festivals are marvellous opportunities for discovery. Increasingly people support great tasting local food and drink and visit areas delivering a gastronomic experience. Horsham district leads the way in Sussex with growing numbers of farmers, producers and home-based businesses achieving national and international recognition.”

Don’t forget there are special offers and discounts available from 120 participating food and drink businesses including breweries, farm shops, restaurants and cafes. To claim your discount or special offer remember to produce a copy of this year’s special offers booklet, available from participating businesses, venues such as District Libraries, Markets and Leisure and Arts Venues or online at www.horshamlocalproduce.co.uk