Fabulous celebration of food and drink as the South Downs Food Festival returns this weekend

A fabulous celebration of food from across the South Downs is making a return this weekend to Stansted House.

The two-day South Downs Food Festival is taking place on Saturday and Sunday (June 6 and 7) featuring food stalls, cookery demonstrations, workshops and entertainment celebrating the best of what the area has to offer.

It has announced a new education-focused initiative for 2026, with its ‘Food for Thought’ programme connecting young people with professionals across food, hospitality, and production, providing direct, practical insight into the industry.

It said it has been developed in partnership with local education providers, and the initiative responds to growing demand for clearer routes into food careers.

Participating schools include Portchester’s Wicor Primary School, which integrates growing, harvesting, and cooking into its curriculum and the West Sussex-based Downland Village Schools Federation, where meals are prepared from scratch using locally sourced ingredients.

Wicor Primary School said “At Wicor, every child has the opportunity to grow food, harvest, cook, and taste it. This hands-on approach helps children understand sustainable, nutritious food in a meaningful way.”

Students from across the region taking part in the programme will attend the festival for a full day of activity with opportunities to engage directly with industry professionals.

The programme will also feature Chefs in Schools, with a demonstration highlighting the role of food education in shaping healthier communities and improving long-term understanding of nutrition among young people.

Partner, Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare, said: “This programme helps bridge the gap between education and industry. It supports emerging talent while encouraging more young people to consider careers in the food and drink sector, which is vital for its long-term sustainability.”

A programme of cookery demonstrations will feature both established and emerging culinary talent, offering insight into skills, techniques, and career journeys. Sessions are designed to give an honest view of working within the sector, while showcasing the breadth of opportunities available.

Samantha McGrath and Fred Ducannon, directors of the South Downs Food Festival, said: “This programme gives young people real exposure, helping them understand what a future in our industry could look like. It is also a long-term investment, creating opportunities while strengthening our local food community

Alongside the education programme, the festival’s Cookery School will provide hands-on sessions focused on practical skills, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable food practices, supporting learning across all age groups.