Big Nibble gives foodies a taste of what the Horsham district has to offer

Visitors followed the wonderful sights, smells and sounds to the Carfax where the event, which is organised by Horsham District Council, was held.

Commenting on the event, cabinet member for the local economy Gordon Lindsay said: “The Big Nibble is our traditional curtain-raiser for the month-long Horsham District Food and Drink Festival and this year’s event did not disappoint.

“I wish to thank all the local food and drink providers who came along to showcase their products and share them with the many visitors who came to enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of these unique two days.

“The event did much to promote these hardworking businesses and the local economy in general, especially rural growing communities.

“I encourage you all to now get a copy of the 2018/19 Food and Drink Guide and check out the many events and promotions on offer throughout the whole of September as part of our District’s ongoing food festival.”

As a first this year, in the run up to the Horsham District Year of Culture 2019, it was fitting that The Springboard Fringe Festival, presented by Tomfoolery, hosted a range of performing acts.

Everything from buskers, street performers, dance troops and magicians, performed to packed audiences around the Carfax Bandstand. All reflected the diverse nature of our District’s colourful culture.

Also new this year was Horsham’s Street Feast in East Street - an outdoor supper club where hungry guests could enjoy any of the dishes from surrounding restaurants in a banqueting setting.

The Carfax provided a Food and Drink Safari of foodie market stalls celebrating the amazing variety of produce our county of Sussex creates.

Food and drink stallholders were more than happy to provide free food samples and multiple tipples of beers, wine and gin were on offer.

Street food trader Rob Rookes from Ginger Rookes who had a stall at the event said: “Cracking weekend as always at the Big Nibble.

“It’s always great to see everyone out in the sun feasting away on our Street Food Spoils in our home town of Horsham.”

On both Saturday and Sunday, the Carfax hosted the ever popular Live Cookery Theatre, where top local chefs and producers demonstrated their skills in the kitchen and shared some great gourmet tips and scrumptious dishes with their audiences.

The Theatre transformed into a Gin Veranda later in the afternoon with gin, wine and cocktail tastings.

Younger mouths enjoyed Messy Harvest by Horsham Churches Together in the Bishopric and Horsham’s very own classic bus rally on the Sunday at Hop Oast Park and Ride with shuttles to and from the Carfax were a popular attraction.

A Crafty Village was located in Market Square and fans of beer and gin were spoilt for choice with two trails to follow around town all weekend, sponsored by Hepworth’s Brewery and Crates Local Produce respectively.

David Bell of local sausage company Bangers Galore added: “It was a great event, well done to all involved.

“The Big Nibble is always very well organised and we, at Bangers Galore, are proud to be part of it. We sell out every year. It was totally Bangin’!”

To download your free 2018 Food and Drink Guide go to {https://www.horshamtimewellspent.co.uk/event/big_nibble/ or www.horshamlocalproduce.co.uk|https://www.horshamtimewellspent.co.uk/event/big_nibble/} or www.horshamlocalproduce.co.uk

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