Steyning food festival promises to be bigger and better

The launch last year was so successful, the festival will now cover more businesses and a wider community.

It all starts on Saturday, September 6, with live cooking demonstrations at Steyning Farmers’ Market, and runs until October 5.

Martin Leigh-Pollitt, chairman of Steyning and District Community Partnership’s visitor and tourism group, launched this year’s festival at the White Horse on Thursday (August 28).

“This is the curtain-up of the Steyning and District Food and Drink Festival,” he said to a packed room of business people and event organisers.

“It really is a district event this year. As well as Steyning, Upper Beeding and Bramber, we have Edburton, Ashurst and Wiston involved.”

Organised by a committee of eight, the festival features more than 40 events over a month, including the return of the charity breakfasts.

“The star of the show has to be Mary Berry,” said Mr Leigh-Pollitt. “Who would believe that we could attract Mary Berry to come to Steyning to sell her book?”

Organised by Steyning Bookshop, Supper With Mary Berry will be at the Sussex Produce Café in High Street, Steyning, on Wednesday, October 1, at 7pm. Tickets are £45, to include two courses, a glass of Prosecco and the book.

Other highlights include Breakfasts for St Barnabas at nine venues in Steyning and Bramber, the four-venue Dig For Victory Dinner for Age UK, Ashurst Walk and Eat, Pick It and Cook It in Ashurst, the Rotary Young Chef competition and a Hidden Recipe competition for young people.

Mr Leigh-Pollitt said: “I am particularly happy that we are supporting St Barnabas House this year.”