Pevensey prepares for its biggest weekend at the castle for many a year
With the weather forecast today (Friday 29 August) looking good for the weekend, it is time to keep our fingers crossed. The interest in the first ever Wealden Food and Wine Festival is significant, such a kickstart for the local economy. Working together, Wealden District Council and English Heritage have done the locality proud. The print and web publicity is first class. The possibility of the festival becoming an annual event is being mooted. The show could become a keynote weekend that will throw into sharp relief the unique history of Pevensey and all the attractions that we have to offer. Congratulations to all the organisers. A very big welcome to the hundreds, possibly thousands of people who may be giving us a visit, many perhaps for the first time. Six months in the planning, a total spend of £40,000 to make it all happen. The table is laid. For what we are about to receive may we be truly grateful. The Wealden Food and Wine Festival 2014 is about to begin.
Simon Montgomery
editor, Bay Life
Wealden Council media release
26 August 2014
There’s a tasty line-up of live music to complement the gastronomic delights at Wealden’s first Food and Wine Festival taking place at Pevensey Castle this weekend, Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 August, explains Wealden District Council in a media release (26 August). The authority, which has won widespread praise for the organisational ambition and detail in the planning of the keynote event offers a summary of all the delights that we can expect.
The Wealden Food and Wine Festival is FREE and promises to be a great day out, rain or shine. Entry is from 11am to 6pm each day, with the entertainment ending at 7.30pm. It aims to promote the great work being done by local food and drink producers and celebrate the culture and heritage of Wealden’s coast and countryside. Full details about the weekend’s programme can be found on the Festival website, www.wealdenfestivals.co.uk
The line up in the Entertainment Tent includes The Cajun Dawgs, The Skatatones, The Big Blue, Stone Junction, George Works and the Jemima Price Band. As well as this generous musical mix of blues, folk, rockabilly, reggae and Celtic Americana, there are two local acts to see on Sunday: Scott Free, the Lewes-based rock and blues band; and the young singer songwriter Harry Court, and his band, from Eastbourne.
Watch out for the sax-fuelled rock’n’roll of The MFC Chickens who will be bringing the music to a close on Saturday – catch them from 6pm. One of the largest Blues Brothers tribute acts in Europe, Soul X Press, will be bringing the curtain down on Sunday, 5.45pm- 7.30pm.
Community Chef Olly Dawson will be cooking with seasonal specialities using the best Sussex produce. The Bluebell Vineyard Estates from Furners Green will be demonstrating how to make sparkling wine the East Sussex way throughout both days. These events will take place on the demo stage in the main arena.
On both days, children’s workshops are taking place offering Dark Ages crafts and woodland archery. At 12 noon and 3pm on both days, there’s the chance to take a Heritage Trail Guided Walk around the castle, churchyard and historic village of Westham.
The main event at the Festival is the local food and drink companies who will be offering visitors the chance to taste and enjoy their produce. Over 20 exhibitors are lined up including Longman Brewery, Carr Taylor Vineyards, Judges Bakery, Flavours of India, Roberto’s Pizzeria, Brambletigh Produce, Downview Farm, Chapter 12, Harbourne Vineyard and Pembury Porkers with the Real Crackling Company.
Entry to the Wealden Food and Wine Festival is free. Souvenir Festival Reusable one pint cups will be available – for a £2 deposit. Keep the cup as your souvenir of a great day out – or give it back to staff and we will be pleased to refund you.
You can get to the Food and Wine Festival by train: Pevensey & Westham Station is less than a 10 minute walk away.
Car parking at Pevensey Castle is limited, but a Park & Ride Scheme is available from the Eastbourne Road in Pevensey Bay. For £1 an adult, you can park all day and enjoy a free bus ride to and from the Festival. Buses will run from 11.30am on both days.
First ever Wealden Food and Wine Festival : Download the delights here
