SOUTH DOWNS FOOD FESTIVAL
14th & 15th September 2024
10:30am - 5pm
Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle PO9 6 DX
Celebrate the revival of British food culture. Exploring our past and championing our future with the finest food and drink of the South Downs & Coast.
TALKS
Over the two days we have lined up a stellar cast of speakers to give talks and hold panel discussions. Venues will be Stansted House’s regency chapel and the food festival’s big tent.
Dame Prue Leith will open the Festival and will examine Elizabeth David’s long-term influence on British food up to the present day with Johnny Grey, ED's literary executor. The historian and author of English Food (2022) Diane Purkiss will speak about ED's historical significance alongside the writer Rachel Cooke (Kitchen Person, 2023). They will be joined by Warburg scholar Tom Marks to talk about David’s cultural milieu and the relationship between food and art.
On day two we explore food, farming, health and the environment. We are excited to welcome the philosopher Julian Baggini to discuss the ideas in his forthcoming book How the World Eats. James Baird, farmer and founder of Weald to Waves, will share his experience creating a network of wildlife corridors while also producing food, and Peter Gladwin will discuss sustainable vineyards and farm to fork. Beth Mander, from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, will examine the 'Big Food Redesign Challenge'.
EVENTS
Cookery & BBQ Demos
Elizabeth David tour of Stansted House
Wine & Gin Tasting
ACTIVITIES
Living History
Apple Pressing, fermentation & preserving
Ice Cream making
Outdoor Oven Building
‘Stansted Arms’ pop-up pub
Tea on the Terrace
Live Music
Cricket Match
Crazy Golf
THE BIG LUNCH
Artisan Food from the
Coast & Downs
Picnic in the Park
Chef’s Table ~ supporting Rowans Hospice
SOUTH DOWNS MARKETS
Food & Drink Producers
Cookery Book Shop & Authors Book Signing
Indoor / Outdoor Kitchen Craft & Design
Stansted Park Farm Shop
FAQ
Can I bring children?
Yes this festival is child friendly, with family friendly specific area
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Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately no dogs are allowed at this event except for assistance dogs.
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Can I bring a picnic?
You are not permitted to bring a picnic - we encourage you to try some of the delicious food vendors that will be attending the festival.
Can I get a refund?
We allow refunds up to 30 days before the event, this does not include a booking fee
How do I get to the festival?
GETTING HERE BY CAR Follow Brown Heritage signs from A3 (M) Emsworth exit or A27 Havant exit. NEAREST TRAIN STATIONS Havant Station - Approximately 4 miles (taxis available). Rowland Castle Station - Approximately 2 miles. (Direct from London Waterloo) Emsworth Station - Approximately 3 miles away.
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Is there a Carers discount?
Yes, we allow carers to go free please use the code CARERS. PLEASE NOTE: Proof of eligibility is required to use this ticket, and will be checked on entry.