The programme for next month’s Wealden Food & Wine Festival, taking place at Pevensey Castle on Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July, is out now.—Wealden District Council, 17 June 2016
As well as some amazing locally-produced food and drink there will be a wide range of workshops and demonstrations, bands, talks and more running throughout the weekend.
Highlights include cookery demonstrations by the Wealden-based 2006 MasterChef winner, Peter Bayless, and local author Rob Silverstone who’ll be sharing the secrets of his locally-sourced summer pudding and talking about his book A Mule Across the Water. The Bluebell Vineyard will also be giving an insight into how they make their internationally-acclaimed wine.
“This year’s Wealden Food & Wine Festival promises to be the best yet,” said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Economic Development. “We have some of the finest food and drink in the country on display and on sale. Both days also offer great music, hands-on activities and a wonderful sense of history. It’s great value for all the family.”
Living History will be turning the clock back with Anglo-Saxon craft workshops making pewter amulets and rings, woven cloth, jewelled Saxon brooches, flags. To commemorate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, they will also be recreating the Bayeux Tapestry. To add to the fun on Saturday, we are expecting an invasion from Pirates from Hastings.
Other attractions include some fast-paced and awesome science workshops from Blast Science, a falconry display on the Sunday from Sussex Falconry, guided history walks around the Castle, donkey rides and face painting. The Bexhill Classic Cycle Group will be providing a touch of Edwardian splendour to the proceedings by riding from Cooden to the Festival in period costume on vintage bicycles.
And let’s not forget the ever-popular live music shows, catering for a wide range of tastes. Bands appearing include Swamptown, Pete Prescott’s Swingtime, The Violet Jive, and Cocktail Safari on Saturday. On Sunday there is Pocketsize, Justin & the Argonauts, Helen Sharpe’s Soulshine Band, the Hana Christine Band and The Rockitmen.
Entrance to the Festival is £2 per person and includes a Festival reusable cup or shopping bag as well as entry to Pevensey Castle (usual admission charge £5.80) with an audio tour and exhibition telling the history of the Castle. Children aged under 16 and English Heritage members enjoy free entry.
Park and ride will run for FREE from Stone Cross Nurseries, next to the A22/A27 roundabout. Please make use of it to ensure there is plenty of parking for everyone.
Download the programme at http://wealdenfestivals.co.uk/programme-to-download. More information about the Wealden Food and Wine Festival 2016 can be found at www.wealdenfestivals.co.uk.
