The South Downs Festival of Food and Fizz

26/02/2026

06/10/2025

Festival Update: A Pause, Not Goodbye

Dear friends,

I’m so sorry to share that we’ve had to cancel this year’s South Downs Festival of Food & Fizz due to family illness. It’s not a decision taken lightly, but one made with love and necessity.

If you’ve booked tickets, a full refund will be issued as soon as possible — thank you for your patience and understanding.

Your support means everything. From the chefs and bakers to the fizz-makers and music lovers — this community is something truly special. We’ll be back in 2026, stronger, fizzier, and more delicious than ever.

With heartfelt thanks,
Chris x

25/09/2025

Are You Quicker Than the Vicar?

At the Autumn South Downs Festival of Food and Fizz local vicar Fr Jonathan Lewis-Jong will be setting the holy benchmark on our rowing machine.

All participants who beat his performance will receive a month's pass to Everyone Active. The best overall performance will receive a Wellness Hamper.

25/09/2025

🌟 New for Autumn 2025: The Wellness Zone 🌿

Stretch, sweat, and undo the damage from that extra slice of 🍰 and cheeky glass of 🥂—your body will thank you (eventually)

Free Taster Sessions with Charlotte Wise Wellbeing 🧘‍♀️
11:30 – Pilates (for abs and sass) 💪
13:15 – Yoga (find your zen... or at least your hamstrings) 🕉️
14:00 – Pilates (round two, because your core deserves it) 🔄
14:45 – Yoga (final stretch before tea time) ☕

Free Physio Advice from Midhurst’s own Perfect Motion Physio 🩺—because your back deserves better than “just walk it off.”

Personal Trainer On Duty 🏋️ The Grange is sending in a trained PT to keep you moving and motivated (and maybe mildly terrified—in a good way 😅)

Are You Quicker Than the Vicar? ⛪ Local vicar Jonathan Jong will be setting the holy benchmark on our rowing machine. Beat his time and win a divine wellness bundle of goodies 🎁

Bonus Blessing ✨ Out-row the vicar and you’ll also score a free guest pass to Everyone Active, Midhurst 🏃‍♂️💨

25/09/2025

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park 🌳, Midhurst is the perfect setting for our Autumn Festival of Food and Fizz 🥂🍂

From the historic Cowdray Ruins 🏰 to charming independent shops and cosy pubs, Midhurst is full of character.

And on Saturday 11th October it will come alive with flavours, fizz, and music 🎶 at the South Downs Visitors Centre❗

Make a day of it and explore the town, visit Cowdray ruins, wander the South Downs trails, then join us from 11am – 8pm for food, fizz, live music, and that magical “Night Market” atmosphere ✨

24/09/2025

Early birds drink free!
🎟 First 100 tickets sold come with a complimentary glass of fizz .

Book now and start the festival with a FREE glass of fizz 🥂 ✨

24/09/2025

🎉 The South Downs Festival of Food and Drink (Autumn 2025)

📅 Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025, times 11:00am – 7:00pm
📍 Venue: The South Downs Visitor Centre, Midhurst, GU29 9DH
🌐 Website: thesouthdownsfestivaloffoodandfizz.com
🎟️ Tickets: ON SALE NOW!
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children under 18 enter free when accompanied by an adult

🍴 Food & Drink
Get ready for a delightful showcase of local West Sussex and South Downs produce—featuring:
✨ Gourmet bites and regional delicacies
🥂 Sparkling wines, and gins
🛍️ Engaging tastings and vendor stalls

The event promises to deliver both familiar favourites and new, exciting flavours, we have 15 local food producers confirmed for our makers market

🧑‍🍳 Workshops & Talks
Attendees can look forward to fun and informative workshops, tastings and talks—explore the local food and drink scene through interactive sessions and expert insights

📚 Including author cook book Q & A session

🎶 Live Music
Enjoy a vibrant musical atmosphere with live performances interwoven throughout the day, adding to the festival’s festive spirit

🌿 NEW for Autumn 2025! – The Wellness Zone.
🧘 Pilates
🕉️Yoga
💆 Physio and more!

❤️ Charities
100% of the profit from this event will be split between two local charities:

⛪ St Catherines Preservation Trust – my local church in Cocking
🐾Raystede Animal Welfare Centre – An amazing animal charity in Lewes

09/09/2025

We need volunteer buskers to fill around 60 minutes of performance time across the weekend.

Whether you're a solo guitarist, a ukulele duo, a roaming saxophonist, or a full-blown folk ensemble, we’d love to hear from you.

💛 What’s in it for you?
A buzzing crowd of foodies, fizz-lovers, and festival-goers

A chance to support brilliant local causes

Exposure and applauses

If you’ve got the rhythm, the heart, and a setlist ready to charm the South Downs, drop us a message or tag a performer who should be there!

The Autumn Festival is on Saturday 11th October 2025

Let’s make this year’s festival sing — literally. 🎤✨

08/08/2025

📣 Calling All Local Food & Drink Vendors! 🍔🥂
We’re excited to announce the South Downs Festival of Food and Fizz – a vibrant celebration of everything delicious and local from across the South Downs Way! 🎉

📍 Where: In the heart of the South Downs at the South Downs Visitors Centre, Midhurst�

📅 When: Saturday 11th October 2025�

🎶 What to expect:�✨ A buzzing marketplace of local food & drink producers�🎵 Live music�👩‍🍳 Free cookery demos & inspiring foodie talks�🧘 And energetic wellness zone�🥂

We’re now inviting local vendors to join us and showcase their amazing produce at this unmissable event.

Whether you serve mouthwatering street food, craft beverages, artisan bakes, or homegrown goodies – we want you on board!

📩 Send us a direct message for more details and to apply.

Let’s make this a true taste of the South Downs! 🌿🍴

07/08/2025

🎉 Calling Our Amazing Local Community & Businesses! 🎉
I'm excited to announce that we’re organising a fundraising event to support two incredible local charities that do vital work in our area. 💙💪
As part of the event, we’re putting together a fun fitness challenge to raise funds and we’re looking for donations of prizes from local businesses or individuals who want to support a great cause and promote healthy living in our community.
🧘‍♀️🎁 Whether it's a free class, a personal training session, massage voucher, wellness hamper, gym pass, or any health & wellbeing product – every donation helps and is hugely appreciated!
🙌 All proceeds will go directly to our charity partners so please get involved if you can – and help us spread the word!
📩 If you’d like to contribute or find out more, send me a message or comment below!

28/06/2025

Excellent morning at the Goodwood Art Foundation - excellent brunch at Cafe 24