Organisers declared this year’s Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival a success – both for the city and for the food industry – after record numbers of people attended the events.
Over 100 events were held during September, including major public events organised by the festival committee and others held by eateries and venues across the city and at least 100,000 people were counted enjoying the foodie fun.
The Big Sussex Market, held mid-month in the North Laine, attracted 45,000 visitors each day, the Fiery Food UK Chilli Festival was attended by 8,000 and the Chocolate Market in Churchill Square, as well as the weekly farmers markets held there every Wednesday, were attended by 2,000 apiece, with the World Food Market on Hove Lawns also a success.
“We are delighted with the outcome – both the huge number of local businesses who joined in and held great events, as well as seeing some big names joining the festival this year, including Discovery Food and Utterly Butterly – we have moved the festival up to a new level,” said Roger Marlow, Chair of the Festival.
“I particularly want to thank Nick Mosley, in his first year as Festival Director, for his brilliant efforts and to the team who keep coming back and giving so much of their voluntary time to get things off the ground – especially Andrew Kay, who hosted the Live Food Show in the Pavilion Gardens for two solid days and kept the crowds happy, Paula Seager at Natural PR who is our longest standing supporter and Adam Style at Style Accountants, our treasurer. Also thanks to Frank Jay for his tireless organisation of markets and outdoor events.”
The grand finale event on Monday 4th October, the Brighton & Hove Foodie Awards, will announce the public’s choice of city’s Best Restaurant, Food Pub, Cafe and Food Shop. Find out more at www.brightonfoodawards.com
