East Sussex, the county boasting the highest number of sunshine hours in the UK, is spoilt with the richness of its local produce. The biggest concentration of vineyards can be found here; two fishing fleets, one in Hastings - the largest beach launched fleet in the UK - and the other in Rye, hold Marine Stewardship Council accreditation for sustainable methods of fishing;  passionate food producers of local meat such as wild boar and Romney Marsh lamb are celebrated by local restaurants and dedicated festivals.

The setting for our local producers is the beautiful countryside of the High Weald and the ancient and picturesque Old Town Hastings and Rye – both of which once belonged to the Cinque Ports Federation. Maritime and medieval history (1066 and all that), coastal and countryside pursuits, gardens and castles, quirky shopping experiences and a strong artistic community, combined with top quality boutique accommodation, are what make this area the perfect visitor experience for those wishing to indulge themselves.

Joining the stable of the Rye Scallops Week, Wild Boar Week, Hastings Herring Fair and the Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival is newcomer, the Pevensey Food & Wine Festival, to be held for the first time Saturday 30 - Sunday 31 August 2014. 

The setting for the festival is the atmospheric grounds of Pevensey Castle, where William the Conqueror landed in 1066 at nearby Pevensey Bay. Exhibitors will be sited around the walls inside the entrance. Tours of the castle will be on offer for visitors to the event and street entertainers will work their magic with children. 

Among the exhibitors, local Long Man Brewery from nearby Wilmington will provide the bar with their award winning beers taking pride of place. With the best locally sourced ingredients and the spring barley being grown right on the farm next door to their business, what better to quench the thirst on a hot August weekend?

The award- winning Bluebell Vineyard, triple silver winners in 2013 of the Top World Wine Awards will be on hand to give wine tasting talks.

Restaurants and hotels have been invited to showcase their culinary delights, so expect to see in attendance the Andreida from the 4 star gold Ashdown Park Hotel, the Pavilion from East Sussex National Golf Hotel ( 4 star, De Vere), and the Dining Room, 2 AA Rosette Restaurant from 4 star Buxted Park Country Hotel.   

Local producers from cheese makers to trugs makers and fruit juice to cider makers will also be invited.

Visit England reported that the UK has become a foodie nation. Stats reveal that 13 million day visits last year involved a trip to a food festival or farmers' market, and what's more, 26.2 million want to go to a food festival. Research also reveals that almost 7/10 (68%) would like to buy local produce whilst on holiday and nearly 8/10 (76%) want to dine at restaurants serving local dishes.

For more information on any of the above, or to discuss a press visit, please contact:

Jane Ellis: 01424 451113 jmellis@hastings.gov.uk

Notes to editor: * Hastings Seafood & Wine Festival: 20 & 21 September 2014; Wild Boar Week, Rye: 25 October - 2 November 2014; Hastings Herring Fair: November (weekend tbc); Rye Scallops Week: 21 February - 1 March 2015.