Festival Gallery

2026 – Street Food Piazza

Full of atmosphere, full of good food & drink, full of everything to make for a happy outing.   The Piazza was just a super place to be on Sunday – even the weather behaved itself (well, maybe a very few tiny raindrops for a brief patch, but nothing serious)

The variety of food on offer was first class with wine & beer in abundance to complete the offering.  The straw bales sitting area added just the right “extra” to make it feel so counrified and relaxing – it really was a very special occasion and everyone involved in getting it all together should be really proud.   A great way to bring the curtain down on this year’s Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival.

2026 – Apple Juicing

Memorial Playing Fields was the venue for the annual Apple Juicing, organised by volunteers from the Steyning Community Orchard.  The first thing to be done was to chop the apples into tiny pieces ready to pass on to the next process, which was pouring these pieces into a bag, securing in the Press and then manually screwing down to produce some beatuful pure apple juice.  On then to the bottling and handing out to those waiting to sample this year’s crop !   

2026 – Bora Kitchen Demo at Old Bank Interiors

Cooking in the best way with Bora equipment and demonstrated by the lovely people at Old Bank Interiors.   Three demos took place during Thursday and were much enjoyed by those attending..  The food being cooked up was simply delicious, with the meat being supplied by Steyning Butchers and the wine, to wash it all down, supplied by Chanctonbury Wines.   Another occasion where business in the High Street help each other.     

2026 – Children’s Crafty Saturday

Charley Lowe took on the momentous task of collecting up the various craft products necessary to make this day happen, plus overseeing the event.     It was lovely to see all the children enjoying an afternoon of pure fun – lots of different shapes and sizes being made, all trying to look a little like they had some connection with food and drink 😊   Parents accompanying the kiddies enjoyed it, too !   We can only show one picture of a child, as Millie is Charley’s grand-daughter, and both were happy for the photograph to be used.

2026 – Tasty Steyning Countryside Walk

A wonderful walk headed up by Hilary Winter and enjoyed by a happy group of people, taking in fantastic scenery as they proresssed.  Lunch at The Star was superb and the welcome back Tea & Cake at Cobblestone Tea House, after around 2.5 hours of wallking, was a lovely end to a perfect day.

2026 – Tasting Saturday at Awen with Silly Moo Cider

There was no shortage of people wanting to try Silly Moo Cider and Awen was such a gorgeous venue.   Sarah  & Justin made everyone welcome, but again had no time to take photos, far too busy pouring out samples of cider !  We have just added a picture of how a glassful looks, but you will just have to imagine the people sipping and tasting on Tasting Saturday 😊

2026 – Tasting Saturday at The Sussex Grocer with Hurst Butchers & Horsham Gingerbread

Sussex Grocer had some very tasty hot snacks from Hurst Butchers (presented by Peter and his colleague, both in photo), which were freshly cooked and sampled by many customers.  Could not resist trying these !  Karen was also on site offering tastes of Horsham Gingerbread, but unfortunately no photo, as she was working solo and was just so busy.  Have added a picture of the gingerbread, though 😊

2026 – Tasting Saturday at Vintage & Home with Slake Spirits

Slake Spirits were enthusiastically welcomed by Amanda at Vintage & Home, where a great tasting of their superb spirits took place. As to be expected, there was plenty of people wanting to try the unique foraged flavours of this specialist distillery’s gin and brandy.

2026 – Caley Brothers Mushroom Workshop at @Emilys

A sell out evening spotlighting some very special mushrooms and enjoyed by all.   Emily’s delicious Chocolate Brownies were a knockout as well – a perfect evening out.

2026 – The White Horse – Festival Breakfast & Tipples

A great start to the day with an innovative and delicious breakfast plus superb cocktails !  If you were not there, you missed something very special.

2024 – The Artisan Bakehouse – Candlelit Indian Supper

A sell out and much enjoyed by all who attended.   The Indian dishes were all very special and in great surroundings.

2024 – The Artisan Bakehouse – Bread Making Course with Les Nicholson

Always a winner – a superb day enjoying how to make bread, plus delicious lunch and refreshments.

2024 – Valentina Harris at the Farmers Market

It was such a delight to welcome Valentina  to the Farmers Market, where she gave some wonderful cooking demos to those eager to learn more about Italian cooking.  Valentina has written over 40 cookbooks on the subject, so was not short of expertise.

2024 – Bistro Bingo at Cobblestone Tea House

Another new event for 2024, the evening was an outstanding success.   All who attended had a fab time and are already looking forward to a repeat next year !

2024 – Pubs & Breweries Walk with Dr Janet Pennington

A sunny Sunday morning greeted the 15 strong gathering, all keen to learn more about where the pubs and breweries of old Steyning used to stand.   Only remembered to take a picture right at the end of the walk, so do not have full complement in the shot below !

2024 – Flight & Board at Twenty-Seven Wines

Sussex Wines paired with Sussex Charcuterie & Cheese Tasting – superb event hosted by Victoria at Twenty-Seven Wines.

2024 – Street Food Piazza

A first for the Festival – a Street Food Piazza.   A host of food & drink offerings from around the district.  Fantastic event – the atmosphere was electric as people enjoyed eating, drinking, music and dancing.

2024 – Press Day

On a beautiful sunny day, some of the Food & Drink Festival Committee, together with local business supporters, met at The White Horse to celebrate the imminent start of the Festival.  Elaine Hammond, reporter from Johnson Press, joined us together with Steve – Press photographer –  who kindly took this picture.   A great start to some happy days of enjoying Festival events and special offers..

Picture acknowledgement – Sussex World

2023 – 7th October High Street Saturday Tasting Morning

Adding to the atmosphere of this happy final day of the Food & Drink Festival, there were High Street “tastings” taking place.   JaJu Coffee Beans were being brewed up by Sarah & Justin Brown at Awen, inviting people to come in and enjoy a cup while taking in the wonderful surroundings of their furniture showroom.  Further down the High Street, Amanda Hutton at Vintage & Home had opened her doors to a Chocolate Tasting session with products from local Chocolatier, Cocoa Loco.  Charley Lowe was happily looking after the occasion and encouraging people to try as much chocolate as they liked !

2023 – Farmers Market & Pumpkin Weigh

The Farmers Market on 7th October was abuzz with happy people enjoying the vast choice of produce/products on offer from all the stallholders.   The other main event of the day was the annual Pumpkin Weigh – always well received.   There were loads of different shapes and sizes entered but the winning pumpkin weighed in at 49 kilos !! Grown by Derek Crush, local farmer, he proudly accepted the prize.  Runner up was Jim.  Also winners of classes:  Prettiest Pumpkin – Stella: Youngest Pumpkin Grower:  Ottelie – 5 years and Different Shape: Nathan & Ted.

2023 – Bramber Brooks Walk with Brianne Reeves

The Walk was fully booked and all the walkers enjoyed both seeing the Brooks and listening to Brianne tell so much about the flora and fauna that can be found within it.   Brianne has not been 100% of late and has only just come out of hospital, but she still led this annual event to make sure no one was disappointed.   All those attending were really appreciative of this valiant effort.

2023 – Daylands Farm Walk & Tea

Derek Crush again headed up a wonderful walk taking in the fields, woods and countryside that surrounds Daylands.  Welcome tea & refreshments were available on return from the outing – definitely much appreciated !  No one took any pictures this year though, so below is a picture from another year to give you a flavour !

2023 – Coffee & Cake Morning for Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice

An absolutely fantastic morning.  The Hall was alive with the sound of people enjoying themselves !  The cake display was stupendous – well done all those bakers and thanks to JaJu Coffee for the wonderful brew. Thanks also to all those other generous businesses/individuals who donated other produce needed – milk, sugar, serviettes, flower arrangements, etc., etc., plus, of course, the absolutely superb volunteers who made the event possible – headed up this year by Helen Hitchcock, proprietor of Sakala.   At the end of the morning, the ticket sales, the proceeds from the raffle and the “left over cake” sales, all mounted up to a  fantastic collection of £830 for CTH.   Definitely worth all the hard work that went into organising it.

2023 – Pubs & Breweries of Steyning Walk led by our favourite local historian, Dr Janet Pennington

A great group of enthusiastic people met up to walk and learn more about the pubs and breweries that existed in Steyning in days gone by.  Janet is a wonderful story-teller so a great time was enjoyed by all.  An  added plus – the sun shone !

2023 – The Tasty Countryside Walk with guides Hilary Winter & Ian Alexander

This annual walk was as popular as ever with a wonderful group of an enthusiastic walkers enjoying the sunshine; Tottington Manor coffee at set off; lunch at the Fox and then back to Tottington for Tea & Cakes with a wonderful guided walk in between !

2023 – The Artisan Bakehouse Baking Workshops

As usual The Artisan Bakehouse is running some great Workshops.  Below are some pictures of attendees enjoying their day, with Les Nicholson (owner & teacher) demonstrating how to achieve that perfect “bake”.

2023 – West Grinstead Ploughing Matches

A fabulous family day out and the picture below shows brothers, Alfie & Arthur, who won the Best Turned Out Plough Horse Team.   Family day out for them too !

2023 – Cobblestone Walk Fete Day

A fun day full of entertainment for all the family plus the wonderful independent shops that make up Cobblestone Walk.  Molly Walsh is the young lady singing in the picture below.

2023 – The Food & Drink Festival Ticket Office Stall at the Farmers Market

Russell Barnes (Chair of the Steyning & District Community Partnership Visitor & Tourism Committee) with Reina Alston (Steyning & District Community Partnership Director) both enjoying helping out on the stall.

2023 Shop Window Competition – sponsored by the Steyning & District Business Chamber and Judged by Finn Bigg & Gemma from Solo, The Training Club

Foodie Class Winners were:  1st  At Emily’s; 2nd  Cobblestone Tea House;  3rd Truffles.

2023 Shop Window Competition – sponsored by the Steyning Business Chamber and Judged by Finn Bigg & Gemma from Solo, The Training Club

Non Foodie Class Winners were:  1st Foundry Cast Iron;  2nd Miller Phoenix Home;  3rd The Steyning Bookshop and Highly commended Slipped Discs

2023 Best Allotment Competition Prize Giving

The Allotments in Rubilees, Canada Gardens and Upper Beeding were all judged at the end of July by Kathryn Hillman from Rushfield Plant Centre and Lou Crush from Steyning Farmers Market.  Below are the winners of 6 Classes, plus the Champion Allotment which this year was won by Alison Brown.

2022 FARMERS MARKET HAMPER RAFFLE FOR ST BARNABAS

Two fantastic hampers were on show, the prizes for the St Barnabas Raffle.   The Farmers Market stallholders had kindly donated produce to make up these superb offerings.  Raffle tickets enjoyed great sales and by the end of the morning over £200 had been collected to give to St Barnabas House Hospice.   Pictures show the lucky winners, together with some of the volunteers working on the stall. This team continually work to raise funds for this so, so deserving cause.  Every year the Steyning & District Food and Drink Festival adopt a local charity, who benefit from donations from some of the events held during the Festival month.

2022 FARMERS MARKET COCKTAIL MAKING BY BIKE !

James Bond had better be aware that never mind being shaken not stirred, cocktails now have a new way to be mixed!  On Yer Bike invited help from the crowds to do the Bike Mixing.  This particular cocktail was enthusiastically “pedalled” by a young lady, resulting in a delicious concoction.  Not sure whether it will replace the Home Cocktail Bar, but who knows?

2022 FARMERS MARKET ANNUAL PUMPKIN WEIGH

The last day of the Food & Drink Festival, and the 1st October Farmers’ Market was abuzz on a beautiful sunny morning.  To add to the happy atmosphere, on display were the wonderful pumpkins, but which was the heaviest?  This Year the Steyning Firemen had agreed to come along and use their brawn to weigh the beasts, as opposed to the usual tractor and weighing device.   Pictures show:   pumpkins in a row, smiling and waiting to be judged;  the two-man crew doing the weighing; lst, & 2nd place – judged on weight & 3rd place judged as being the prettiest !   Finally there is a picture of two of the winners sitting on their whopping pumpkin !

2022 THE TASTY COUNTRYSIDE WALK FOR ST BARNABAS

A lovely sunny day for our walkers.   They began with a delicious lunch at the Frankland Arms before setting off on their countryside walk led by Hilary Winter & Ian Alexander.   After around 2 hours, the welcome sight of the “Jungle Tea Rooms” signs welcomed them.   Here they tucked into mighty slices of cake & copious cups of tea.   Only a short stroll from this point and they were back to where they started.  Only pictures of walkers eating – no walking photos; but they did walk, honestly!  A truly wonderful day out.

2022 WISTON ESTATE WINERY

WINE TASTING & FOOD PAIRING

The maximum capacity tour saw the group enjoying a tutored tasting of award winning Wiston wines, coupled with a delicious food pairing prepared by the chefs at Chalk Restaurant.  Kirsty Goring led the tour and, as usual, was a mine of wonderful information about the vineyard and winery.  After visiting the vineyard to see the grapes ripening for harvest, guests also walked through the winery production plant, taking in the traditional coquard Champagne press, tank and barrel halls. A fantastic morning in the beautiful Wiston Winery setting..

2022 COBBLESTONE TEA HOUSE CHILDRENS SUPERHEROES TEA PARTY & BEST DRESSED CUDDLY TOY COMPETITION

.Another knockout occasion.  The children enjoyed a massive spread with parents enjoying some treats as well !    The competition was judged by special guest & celebrity star, Gruffalo.   The kiddies were wide eyed and amazed when he appeared at the door and presented prizes to the competition winners.  Our generous sponsors Cocoa Loco provided  the prizes of massive chocolate goodie boxes.  Steyning Bookshop also very kindly donated two Julia Donaldson signed Gruffalo books, which Janine from the Tea House has put into a Raffle with all monies raised going to our Festival Charity St Barnabas Hospice.   A truly wonderful event.

2022 COFFEE & CAKE MORNING FOR ST BARNABAS

An event that was superbly supported – in fact it was a sell out. The fantastic array of homemade cakes supplied by kind individuals was mouth watering and those attending were definitely keen on second helpings.  Coffee was supplied by Horsham Coffee Roaster.  Local businesses had also been so, so generous supplying more cakes and other essential supplies which made sure that the entire ticket price went to St Barnabas.  The Raffle had some first class prizes, resulting in loads of tickets being sold.   At close of play it looked as though we had made well over £600, but just need to check to make sure all donations, ticket sales, raffle sales, etc., etc., have been taken into account.   All in all, a wonderful morning.

2022 Farmers Market welcomes team from Mystery Trails

Joining in with celebrating the Opening Day of our Food & Drink Festival, Luna & Annalees from Whistlestop Arts came along to tell visitors to the Farmers Market about the Mystery Trails that are running within Steyning High Street until March next year.  Designed for all ages and encouraging family participation, details on how to join in the fun can be found at Steyning Library.  While taking part, don’t forget to leave time to enjoy refreshments at one of the local eateries or visit the variety of shops to be found in our area.

2022 Shop Window Competition Winners.  Judged by Sam Day from Rushfields Plant Centre.  These pictures show Foodie Category winners.  In one of the photos Sam is seen presenting the prize and Russell, Chair of Steyning & District Business Chamber – sponsors of this competition – is accompanying.

1st:  Model Bakery Church Street  2nd: Little Sweetshop;  3rd: Truffles.

2022 Shop Window Competition Winners.  Judged by Sam Day from Rushfields Plant Centre.  These pictures shows Non-Foodie Category winners.  Sam presenting prizes and Russell, Chair of Steyning & District Business Chamber – sponsors of this competition – accompanying.

1st:  Flicker Rose;  2nd: Sakala;  3rd: Gris & Blanc;  Highly Commended: There & Back Again

2022 Cocoa Loco Chocolate and JaJu Coffee Tasting at Raft

2022 Farmers Market – St Barnabas Ladies

Three of the hard working local St Barnabas volunteers, resting after having collected pledges from the Farmers Market stallholders for produce to be added to the Farmers Market Hamper which will raffled at the Market on Saturday 1st October.  They had also been selling tickets for the St Barnabas Coffee & Cake Morning – definitely entitled to have a bit of a sit-down!

2022 Farmers Market and Rushfields Allotment Competition Prize Giving

First 4 pictures:  Farmers Market and one of the Raise Your Spirits stalls.

Picture 5 & 6:  Ian Alexander accepting the Rushfields Champion Allotment Trophy on behalf of winners Chip & Geraldine Beamish.  Sam Day, from Rushfields, is seen in all pictures presenting the prizes.  Picture 7: Mike Piper who achieved second place.  Picture 8:  Mary Matthews accepting the third place award on behalf of her Mother, Carol Killick.  Picture 9: Colin Berry who won Best Small Plot.  Picture 10: Teresa Avery accepting her Most Bee Friendly Plot award.  Picture 11:  Judges Most Unsual Crop award went to Nicola Jones & David Morrison.   Picture 12:  All winners and some of the judges.

2022 Press Launch at White Horse, Steyning.  Picture by courtesy of West Sussex County Times

2021 Charity Auction, Dinner & Dance at Tottington Manor – in aid of the Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice.

2021 The Sussex Grocer Food Tasting

2021 Farmers Market Stallholders Hamper Raffle in aid of The Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice

2021 Farmers Market Pumpkin Weigh Competition – Derek Crush won with a pumpkin weighing 211lbs!

2021 Tasty Countryside Walk with guides Hilary Winter & Ian Alexander.  Food stops at Tottington Manor, Edburton & The Fox, Small Dole.  Pictures show Walk setting off.

2021 Bramber Brooks Nature Reserve Walk with Brianne Reeves

2021 Cocoa Loco Cobblestone Tea House Teddy Bears Tea Party in association with The Steyning Bookshop

All photos contained within this file are copyrighted to Maggie Clews of Steyning Camera Club

2021 Springs Smoked Salmon Smokery Tour

2021 Wiston House Garden Tour & Wiston Sparkling Wine Tasting & Canapes

2021 Spanish Dinner with Live Flamenco at The Castle Hotel, Bramber

2021 Springwells Coffee & Cake for Chestnut Tree House

All photos with kind acknowledgement to Sarah Beard, Steyning Camera Club

2021 Shop Window Competition Non-Foodie Category Winners

1st St Barnabas House; 2nd Vintage & Home; 3rd Anthony Raymond;  Highly Commended Steyning Antiques & LJ’S Creations.

All prizes kindly sponsored by the Steyning & District Business Chamber.

All photos with acknowledgement & thanks to Annie Meachem, Steyning Camera Club.

2021 Shop Window Competition Foodie Category Winners

1st Model Bakery; 2nd The Sussex Grocer; 3rd Truffles;  Highly Commended The Little Sweetshop

Prizes kindly sponsored by The Steyning & District Business Chamber

All photos with acknowledgement and thanks to Annie Meachem, Steyning Camera Club 

2021 Allotment Competition Prize Giving

Photos with kind acknowledgement to Annie Meachem, Steyning Camera Club

First photo: the judges Charles Ashby, Lou Crush & Eddie Woodward.

Second photo:  The Champion, Alison Brown.

Third photo:  All Class winners with the Judges.

2021 Raise Your Spirits, The Farmers Market

Photo with kind acknowledgement to Annie Meachem, Steyning Camera Club

2021 Chocolate & Coffee Tasting at Raft

All photos with kind acknowledgement to Annie Meachem, Steyning Camera Club

2020 Wiston Vineyard Open Day

2020 Great Steyning Bake Off

Winning Entries plus one of the winners picking up her Cocoa Loco Prize at the Farmers Market

Our Festival Photographer – Maggie Clews.

Maggie is a member of the Steyning & District Community Partnership –  Visitor & Tourism Group

Riverside Brewery – Taste & Buy Day

2020 Artisan Bakehouse Baking Workshops in socially distanced “baking tent”

2020 Pumpkin Weight Competition –

All pumpkins;  Winners – heaviest pumpkin; second heaviest pumpkin and best pumpkin shape

Cocoa Loco’s You Tube Cooking Demonstration – Sarah Payne cooking !

Instagram Cake Decorating Competition Winners as voted for by the public

2020 Springwells Coffee & Cake Morning for St Barnabas

2020 Sakala Street Curry Evening

2020 Shop Window Competition

2020 Cocoa Loco Chocolate Tasting at Sussex Produce

2020 The Allotment Competition Prize Giving at The Farmers Market

2019 The Big Pumpkin Weigh-In & Pick It Cook It Sloe Gin Workshop

2019 The Great Steyning Bake Off Finalists (yum!)

2019 Author Dinner at The Sussex Produce Cafe With Camilla Stephens, founder of Higgidy Pies

2019 Instagram Cake Decorating Challenge

Our 2019 Allotment Winners!

Our 2019 Shop Window Winners!

Previous Food Festival Moments