Arundel food festival backed by Ben Fogle

The adventurer, who grew up in the area and is a keen advocate of the South Downs National Park, is putting his weight behind the third Arundel Food Festival.

In a message in the festival programme, he writes: “As a keen walker, adventurer and advocate of the countryside, I believe that organisations such as the Arundel Food Festival can help us to reconnect with our local landscape, its farmers and food producers.”

The event was launched on Thursday (September 6) at a reception at Sage Restaurant, in Tarrant Street. There will be about 60 attractions in and around the town, offering plenty for food-lovers to sink their teeth into.

A bumper farmers’ market in the town centre will open the nine day-long festivities on Saturday, October 20, with a record number of stalls.

Making a welcome return will be the wild food foraging event, run by the Forest Knights in Binsted Woods, near Arundel.

The Sussex Gourmet Vintage Bus – which appeared at last year’s festival – will again be exciting the taste buds of foodies heading for the historic town.

Jonathan Brantigan, chairman of the food festival committee, and owner of the Pallant of Arundel delicatessen, hoped next month’s event could piggyback off the success of the recent Arundel Festival.

He said: “We’re definitely the little brother of the Arundel Festival and we’re certainly not that big – yet.

“But this year’s food festival will easily be our biggest yet and there will be plenty on offer for locals and those coming to the area only for a couple of days.”

When asked if Ben Fogle would be making an appearance at the festival, Jonathan said: “It’s an honour to have someone of Ben’s profile backing us.

“As to whether or not Ben will come into the town, during the event – I can’t be sure. He is an extremely busy man.”

The festival will run from Saturday, October 20, until Sunday, October 28. For more information, click here.