New Worthing and Adur food and drink festival plan revealed

An inaugural Adur and Worthing Food and Drink festival is planned to run from July 7 to 15.

A spokeswoman for the towns’ councils said an ideal location to start and finish the event was currently being sought, with the Worthing Lido area being a favourite to kick-start the festival.

And it is being proposed to “piggyback” the already successful Shoreham Chilli Festival at the end.

She added: “Our aim is to get taste buds tingling at the thought of so much lovely food and drink being showcased at this new initiative.

“Food and drink businesses can get involved by having stalls, giving demonstrations or tastings, create a special festival menu, dish, cocktail or offer for the period of the festival.”

Jim Funnell, Adur District Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said there were some fantastic producers and growers “right here on our doorstep”, and that it was important to support sustainabilty.

“This will be a marvellous way to celebrate all that is local. I am really excited about this initiative and hope all of you will be too and get involved.”

Councillor Bryan Turner, Worthing Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Although there isn’t a specific budget for this event we thought it would be good to come together under one “festival” banner for a period of time.

“We can help by providing stalls and publicity but basically we are appealing to all of you ‘foodies’ to come forward to get involved in making this event something to be proud of in our area.”

Mr Turner said the festival would be a “fantastic opportunity” to showcase the variety and choice of food and drink on offer in the town. The festival also has the backing of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce.

The chief executive, Tina Tilley, said: “We are very excited to get involved and see this as a great opportunity to promote all the local businesses that provide a diverse food and drink offer across our whole area.

“This is a fun way to encourage local trade, and, as we have a wealth of different businesses it will be sure to surprise people to find what is available locally.”

Worthing town centre manager Sharon Clarke added: “The Worthing Town Centre Initiative is happy to be involved with this festival which will really help to promote the wonderful food and drink Worthing has for its residents and visitors.”

For more information, call Janice Fraser on 01273 263022.