Horsham is the foodie capital of West Sussex, where food and drink is produced, consumed and celebrated in equal measure. September sees the start of the month-long food and drink festival so here are 6 tasty reasons to discover two lovely market towns:

1. The Big Nibble – the launch event for the 13th Horsham District Food and Drink Festival takes place on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September in Horsham's historic town centre. The festival market in the charming Carfax hosts producers and purveyors of fine food and drink from within the district, as well as a lively and entertaining programme of chef demonstrations featuring e.g. Stephen Edwards (winner of Masterchef the Professionals) and Tristan Mason (Michelin starred chef/patron of Restaurant Tristan).
2. Horsham Gingerbread in the age of Waterloo – uncover the amazing story of Horsham Regency gingerbread, inspired by a recipe belonging to the Horsham-born poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and rediscovered in the archives at Horsham Museum
3. Beer festivals – choose for a variety of craft beers with events in Horsham, Steyning, Ale at Amberley 10 and several special brewers' tours.
4. Guided Walks – see this part of the South Downs National Park through the eyes of local experts and build an appetite for the tea-room, farm shop or country pub waiting at some point during or concluding the walk.  
5. Farm visits – open days and insights into the ingredients we cook with. Take a trip on a tractor at Knepp castle; discover the secrets of Linseed oil at The Linseed Farm; forage for wild cooking ingredients at Daylands Farm or pick your own at Newhouse Farm with a cream tea at the Strawberry Fields café.
6. Have-a-go – regain your cooking mojo with courses in baking, bread-making and 'pick it, cook it' and kick-start a challenge to become the Masterchef or Mary Berry of the future.

Running from 05 September to 04 October 2015, the annual showcase of local produce covers award winning artisan producers, micro-breweries, vineyards, farms, farm shops and independent retailers, as well as places to eat that source and serve local ingredients.

Business have to be growing, rearing, producing, selling or using local produce as ingredients within Horsham District or on the periphery. Additionally they must be making a special offer or organising an event as part of the festival e.g. free glass of wine with a meal, brewery tours or farm open days. 

Special offers last throughout the Festival and are included in a directory of Horsham District food and drink businesses. www.horshamlocalproduce.co.uk

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Contact for further information:     Jackie Ellis (07969 997985)

                                                            High resolution images available

Note for Editors:

• Horsham District Council launched the original Food Festival in 2003 as a means to revive the rural economy following the foot and mouth outbreak where, although there were no outbreaks locally, footpath closures and media coverage had a devastating impact on Horsham District businesses. 

• The second largest district in West Sussex, Horsham is 85% rural with 6 market towns (including Steyning) and many picturesque villages. It includes a large part of the South Downs National Park.

• Horsham District businesses have achieved national success in the  Great Taste Awards (e.g. Bookham Harrison Foods; Horsham Gingerbread; Wiston Estate); and competitions like the National Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2014 (e.g. Fishmonger of the Year for Veasy & Sons; Greengrocer of the Year  for  The Sussex Produce Co – Steyning).

• Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival is in its 3rd year and is the 'Festival within a Festival'. Over 40 businesses and events contribute to the overall success of the Horsham District Festival. www.steyningdistrictfooddrinkfestival.co.uk