Food and Drink Festival highlights for week ahead across the district

The Horsham Beer Festival, organised by Beer Essentials, makes an ever popular return on Saturday 13 and Sunday September 14.

There are three tasting sessions available at a cost of £7 per session which includes a Festival glass.

Tickets for both Saturday sessions have already sold out but if beer lovers are quick there are still a few Sunday tickets available with the lure of 50 different beers and 10 ciders & perries available for tasting. Contact The Beer Essentials for ticket information.

Meanwhile in Steyning on Sunday 14 September, the ‘Festival within a Festival’ is tempting foodies to a free ‘Teatime Treats and Etiquette’ event.

Running from 1 – 4pm, the event provides an opportunity to sample a special family scone recipe, taste local jams and a selection of fine teas, whilst at the same time learning about the quirkiness of everything that makes the perfect cup of tea. Remember to show your Horsham District Food and Drink Festival special offers booklet for entry.

Other up-coming highlights include:

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

Amberley Village Stores - random samplings of cheeses, jams, biscuits and marmalade (10 am -12pm Saturday September 13)

Daylands Farm (Ashurst) – £5 discount off the Pick it Cook it Hedgerow Workshop (September 15 and 23, 10.30 – 1pm, £25 per person with booking essential)

Kate’s Cookhouse - £5 discount off the Seasonal Lunches (Sept 19) and Sweet Treats (Sept 22) cookery workshops. (£45 per person with booking essential)

As well as events there are a host of special offers and discounts available from participating food and drink businesses, restaurants and cafes.

To claim these you will need to 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

Cabinet Member for the Local Economy Cllr. Roger Paterson said: “This wonderful Food and Drink Festival provides a springboard for year-round local business support, the lifeblood of our rural economy.

“In the 12 years since Horsham District Council launched its first festival I’ve seen local businesses gain recognition through regional and national awards, home based businesses expand their production and Horsham district become the food capital of Sussex.”

Report and picture contributed by Horsham District Council.