The South Downs Food Festival is Coming — And You Won’t Want to Miss It!

6th & 7th June 2026  |  Stansted Park Estate

We’re enormously proud to be a part of one of the most exciting food events in the South of England — and this year, the South Downs Food Festival is bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever. Taking place right here on the grounds of Stansted Park on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026, it’s a weekend that truly celebrates everything we love about local, seasonal food and the extraordinary producers behind it.

Whether you’re a passionate foodie, a curious cook, or simply someone who loves a great day out in beautiful surroundings, this is one weekend not to be missed. Here’s a taste of what’s in store — and why you should grab your tickets now.

We also have the opportunity to win tickets and meet Luke Emmess, local chef at the Wykeham Arms and Masterchef: The Professionals finalist – follow on Instagram to find out more..

And, you can visit Stansted House for free over the food festival weekend, thanks to our amazing sponsors Polestar.  If you visit the Polestar stand, you can get your Stansted House ticket for free.

 

A Showcase of the South Downs’ Finest

The South Downs Food Festival was born from a simple but powerful idea: that the food and drink of this region deserves to be celebrated. From the chalk downland farms to the Hampshire waterways, from coastal fisheries to artisan kitchen tables, our corner of England produces some of Britain’s most exceptional food — and this festival brings it all together in one glorious place.

Stroll through a vibrant marketplace brimming with farmers, foragers, fermenters, and artisan makers. Browse seasonal produce, handcrafted delicacies, fine cheeses, craft spirits, natural wines, and so much more — all set against the spectacular backdrop of the Stansted Park mansion and estate.

The festival also supports two wonderful causes: Chefs in Schools, championing a school food revolution that helps the next generation eat better, and Rowans Hospice, a charity close to many hearts across Hampshire and Sussex.

The festival’s Food for Thought initiative is designed to inspire children, students, educators, and aspiring professionals by connecting them directly with chefs, schools, colleges, producers, and hospitality leaders from across the region. Through live demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and school-led initiatives, the programme aims to showcase the many exciting pathways into food, hospitality, farming, and production careers.

Star Chefs in the Hampshire Fare Cookery Theatre

One of the real highlights of the festival is the Hampshire Fare Cookery Theatre, hosted by Natasha Dochniak, where a lineup of exceptional chefs and food personalities will take to the stage across both days.

Saturday 6th June

11:00am – Dexter Olejarka: Young Chef Demonstration

A rising star of the culinary world kicks off Saturday with bold flavours and creative flair. Don’t miss this one — you’ll be talking about it all day.

12:00pm – Luke Emmess: Head Chef, The Wykeham Arms

Hampshire-born Luke Emmess is a MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, and he’s bringing his refined take on pub classics with a seasonal twist. This is a don’t-miss demo for anyone who loves beautiful, ingredient-led cooking.

1:15pm – Nicole Pisani: Founder, Chefs in Schools

One of the most inspiring voices in British food, Nicole brings purpose and passion to everything she cooks. Her ingredient-led, joyful approach to food education is genuinely moving — and her demo will be equally so.

2:30pm – Nadia Arab: The Road from Karachi

As seen on The Repair Shop, Nadia brings bold, vibrant flavours from her heritage to the stage. Expect colour, warmth, and cooking that truly feeds the soul.

3:00pm – Belen Sullivan: The Whimsical Forager (Talk & Tasting)

Wild ingredients, seasonal stories, and the magic of foraging — Belen’s talk and tasting is a perfect reminder of the incredible larder that surrounds us here on the South Downs.

3:30pm – Stephen Doyle: Independent Chef

A beautifully composed finale to Saturday, with modern, elegant cooking focused on flavour, technique, and simplicity.

Sunday 7th June

11:00am – The Rustic Chef & Trafalgar School

Fresh, fun, and full of flavour — a wonderful showcase of the next generation of food talent. A lovely way to start Sunday.

12:00pm – Christian Barrington: Owner, Mud Foods (Producer Talk)

The story behind great British pies and the importance of championing local produce. Christian’s passion for honest, quality food is infectious.

12:45pm – Nicole Pisani: Founder, Chefs in Schools (Second Session)

A second chance to be inspired by Nicole’s message of simple, sustainable, delicious cooking for everyone.

2:00pm – Sarah Nelson: River Test Distillery x HIT Training (Cocktail Session)

A lively mixology session celebrating Hampshire’s local spirits. Expect craft, creativity, and a cocktail or two.

2:30pm – Martin Dawkins: Skylark Country Club

A chef with a deep passion for seasonal ingredients and the landscape of the South Downs — this one will be a real celebration of our region.

3:30pm – Giles Babb: The Blue Bell Inn

A standout grand finale of modern British pub cooking, full of flavour and finesse. The perfect note to close a spectacular weekend.

Meet the Producers

This is where the magic really happens. The producer marketplace at the South Downs Food Festival is a treasure trove of brilliant small businesses, many of whom you’ll already know and love — and plenty you’re about to discover for the first time. Here’s a taste of who’ll be there:

• Village Maid Cheese & Ripe Cheese — exceptional artisan cheeses
• Honey Bee Happy — beautiful local honey
• The Condiment Company & Leaf Me Saucy — sauces and condiments to transform your kitchen
• Myndful Mushrooms — unusual and wonderful fungi
• Two & One Olive Oil — award-winning olive oils
• Mud Pies & Jack’s BackHaus — indulgent bakes and pastries
• The Bluebell Bakery, Beres Bakes & Whisk Art — beautiful artisan baking
• Tea Mountain & Albion Tea — exceptional teas for every mood
• Dampney’s Remarkable Drinks, Conscious Cocktails Co & V Rum — drinks that stand out
• Back2Roots & Slow Grown Farm — seasonal, sustainably grown produce
• Tim’s Dairy — fresh dairy done the right way
• Wessex Meadworks — award-winning meads
• Riverford — pioneers of organic, ethical farming
• The Caribbean Store & Kotino Foods — global flavours from local hands
• Road from Karachi — vibrant, heritage-inspired foods

And of course, you’ll find Stansted Farm Shop there too — do come and say hello!

Street Food to Satisfy Every Craving

Hungry? The street food lineup for 2026 is absolutely spectacular. From slow-smoked meats to delicate handmade dumplings, stone-baked pizza to Mexican street tacos, gelato to French crêpes — there is something for everyone, including vegetarians and those looking for plant-based options.

Look out for:

• The Nordic Smokery — beautifully slow-smoked flavours
• Baja Mexicali — vibrant Mexican street food
• Forno Pizza — wood-fired perfection
• Mr Dumpling — handmade dumplings done brilliantly
• Baboo Gelato — exceptional Italian-style gelato
• The Flower Pot Brewery — Hampshire ales from a legendary local brewery
• Abingworth Vineyard — lovely local English wine
• Wild Garlic Catering & The Scruffy Crow — beautifully crafted seasonal dishes
• Happy Harry’s Ice — the perfect treat for little ones

Tinwood on the Terrace

For something truly special, head to Tinwood on the Terrace — where you can sip world-class English sparkling wine from Tinwood Estate in glorious sunshine. If that doesn’t feel like the perfect June afternoon, we don’t know what does.

Beyond the Food

The South Downs Food Festival isn’t just about eating and drinking (though there’s plenty of that). Expect live music, axe throwing, garden games, family-friendly activities for the children, and the opportunity to simply soak up the incredible atmosphere of Stansted Park in early summer.

Charity Partners

Every ticket sold supports two brilliant organisations. Chefs in Schools is on a mission to transform what children eat at school — making meals tastier, more nutritious, and more inspiring. Rowans Hospice provides vital care to patients and families across Portsmouth and south-east Hampshire. Buying a ticket doesn’t just get you one of the best weekends of the year — it makes a real difference.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets are on sale now and this event sells out — so don’t leave it to chance. Visit the official South Downs Food Festival website to book your place:

Buy Tickets at southdownsfoodfestival.com

We’ll see you there!

The South Downs Food Festival takes place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2026 at Stansted Park, Rowlands Castle, Hampshire. The programme is subject to change — check the official website for the latest details.