The Worthing Food and Drink Festival returns this September, bringing two days of culinary celebration to Steyne Gardens in the heart of Worthing. With more than 60 traders offering everything from sizzling street food to artisan treats, the festival is one of the town’s most popular free events. Whether you are a local looking for a day out or planning a visit to the coast, this guide covers what to expect, who you can meet, and how to make the most of your trip.
When and Where
The festival takes place on Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September 2025, with opening times from 11:00 to 19:00 each day. The location is Steyne Gardens, a large green space just off Worthing seafront and within walking distance of the town centre. Entry is completely free, making it a great family day out.
Attractions and Highlights
The Worthing Food and Drink Festival is more than just food stalls. It combines a lively mix of entertainment, family-friendly activities, and opportunities to discover new flavours. Highlights include:
- Festival Meal Offerings – many traders serve smaller dishes priced around £4, so visitors can try a wide variety of food without overspending.
- Live Cooking Demonstrations – chefs and producers showcase recipes and techniques, offering inspiration and practical tips to take home.
- Music and Entertainment – expect a relaxed festival atmosphere with live performances, buskers, and roaming entertainers.
- Family Activities – treasure hunts, mini meals for children, and plenty of sweet treats make it easy to keep younger visitors entertained.
- Dog-Friendly Welcome – even four-legged friends are invited, with some stalls catering to pets.
Entertainment and Live Performances
This year’s festival keeps the focus on roaming entertainment rather than a central stage, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the site. Confirmed acts include:
- Duo Millers Stilt Walkers – performing three times daily (12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm), adding colour and spectacle across both days.
- David Croucher, Close-Up Magician – on hand from 12pm to 3pm each day, entertaining visitors with sleight of hand tricks.
- Rock Choir – a special Saturday-only performance at 2pm, bringing uplifting choral music to Steyne Gardens.
- Buskers – local musicians will be performing throughout both days, creating a soundtrack of live music from open to close.
- Chilli Eating Competition – hosted by Boom Sauce on Sunday 14 September at 2pm, this fiery contest challenges the bravest eaters, with a £100 Worthing Gift Card prize for the winner.
The Demo Kitchen timetable is also set to return, offering chef demos and food showcases. Final details will be released closer to the event.
Who You Can Discover: Traders for 2025
This year’s trader line-up is especially diverse, featuring local favourites, independent producers, and international flavours.
Street Food and Savoury Delights
For hearty dishes, look out for Mac Daddy with indulgent mac and cheese, Boom Sauce and 3 Bros serving bold flavours, So Dumpling Good with handmade dumplings, and Mr. Delicious Hog Roast for traditional festival fare. Fans of international cuisine can enjoy Kalasin Thai, La Poutine, German Sausage Co., Nitas Thai, Sitalia, Taco Look at Me Now, and StrEAT Food. Classic pub and restaurant names like Egremont, La Cena, Rose and Crown, and The Old Bike Store will also be showcasing their food.
Sweet Treats and Desserts
Visitors with a sweet tooth can sample Churros Ole, Thai Stir Fry Ice Cream, Olde English Fudge, New Forest Shortbread, and Yum Yum Sweets. These stalls offer everything from churros and fudge to ice cream made with flair.
Artisan and Local Producers
The festival is a great place to meet independent makers. Great British Cheese Co., Sussex Bee Farm, Joe’s Chilli Sauce, Jim Jams, and Olde English Fudge are among those bringing handmade and locally sourced products. For something unique, Little Pet Biscuit Co. ensures even dogs leave with a treat.
Drinks and Craft Beverages
Worthing’s drinks scene is well represented. Beer No Evil, Silent Pool Gin, Worthing Gin, and Partners in Wine cover the alcoholic options, while Bird & Blend, Bolt Espresso, and Tru Bru offer tea and coffee. These stalls are ideal for enjoying a drink while relaxing in the festival’s open spaces.
Local Businesses and More
The mix also includes local and regional businesses such as Macmillans, Moswicks, Saltio, Summit Tasty, Windward, Manuka, and Sussex Seaside Events, ensuring a real variety throughout the site.
Why Visit
The festival is designed to support independent traders while giving visitors an affordable, family-friendly experience. By choosing the £4 festival meals, you can sample five or six different cuisines in a single afternoon. With its central location by the seafront, it’s easy to make the festival part of a full day in Worthing, combining food with a walk along the pier or time on the beach.
How to Get Here
By Train
Worthing is well connected by rail, with frequent direct services from Brighton, Hove, Chichester, London Victoria, and London Bridge. From Worthing station, Steyne Gardens is around a 15–20 minute walk, or a short taxi ride.
By Car
Drivers can use the A27 or A259 to reach Worthing. There are several town centre car parks within walking distance of Steyne Gardens, including the multi-storeys at High Street and Grafton. Parking is pay-and-display, so it’s worth downloading the relevant app in advance.
By Bus
Local buses operated by Stagecoach and Compass Travel serve Worthing town centre from across West Sussex, including routes from Brighton, Shoreham, Littlehampton, and Lancing. The nearest stops are on Marine Parade and Warwick Street.
On Foot or Bicycle
If you’re staying in Worthing, the festival is easy to reach on foot. The seafront cycle path also makes it convenient for cyclists, with bike racks located nearby.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Arrive early to enjoy the widest food choices before stalls get busy.
- Bring cash and card as payment methods vary between traders.
- Share dishes with friends or family to try more options.
- Use the festival hashtag (e.g. #worthingfoodfest25 #worthingfoodfestival #worthingfood) when sharing photos online to see what others are enjoying.
- Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as most of the festival is outdoors.
A Celebration of Community
The Worthing Food and Drink Festival has grown into a highlight of the town’s cultural calendar. By bringing together traders, restaurants, and independent makers, it not only boosts the local economy but also offers a relaxed and enjoyable weekend for residents and visitors alike. With its seaside location, family-friendly atmosphere, and wide variety of food and drink, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the end of summer.
So whether you’re craving churros, hunting down artisan cheese, or daring enough to take on the chilli eating competition, mark your calendar for 13 and 14 September and head to Steyne Gardens. Worthing will be serving up a feast.
Stay Connected with Us
To stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements leading up to the event, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Our dedicated event pages will be regularly updated with profiles of the participating businesses, sneak peeks of what to expect, and real-time updates during the festival. Don’t miss out on any of the action—give us a follow and join the conversation!
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@Worthingbid |
@Worthingbid |
@Worthingbid |
