The Goodwood Good Food Festival is shaping up to be a must-visit event for food lovers across Sussex and beyond. Taking place at the iconic Goodwood Racecourse, it’s the only outdoor edition of the Good Food Festival series, offering a picturesque backdrop of the Sussex Downs combined with top-tier culinary experiences. The event aims to raise awareness and excitement about the food scene both from within Sussex and the wider area.
So, Sussex Exclusive caught up with Katy Truss, one of the show’s celebrity experts and an expert in artisan and speciality food, a freelance food writer, judge, reviewer and owner of Fabulous Food Finds, to find out more about what to expect.
A first-time appearance from a seasoned expert
I’ve worked with the Good Food Shows for around 20 years now, but this will be my first time appearing at the Goodwood Food Festival. Travel logistics and young kids in Norfolk have meant I haven’t visited until now so I’m really excited to finally be a part of it.
What I’m looking forward to most
There’s so much to enjoy at the festival: live cooking demos, delicious street food, ambient live music and amazing stalls packed with local and national producers. I can’t wait to see chefs like Becky Excell (our gluten-free queen), Juliet Sear (a brilliant baker who’s even baked for royalty) and Jane Dunn of Jane’s Patisserie whose baking book outsold even Mary Berry’s!
A bonus for families
Oh, and if you’ve got younger kids, there’s a Bluey meet-and-greet happening too. My kids are a bit older now, but I know plenty of parents who’ll be excited for that!
Beyond Sussex
I’m thrilled by the diversity on offer the Good Food Festival and although it’s not specifically about Sussex produce, there are a number of Sussex producers that I’m particularly excited about:
- PM Baked Goods – Cakes in a jar are brilliant and help you create fabulous cakes with all the layers staying beautifully moist.
- The Condiment Company – They’re based nearby in Chichester and their mustards, chutneys and sauces are fantastic.
- Fruitology – I love Michelle’s freeze-dried fruits and DIY fruit liqueur kits.
- Truffle World (Brighton) – All things truffle, from risottos to oils.
- Fung Shui – Functional mushroom tinctures, perfect for today’s health-conscious crowd.
- Hot Star Honey – A gorgeous range of hot honey, perfect for cheese, pizza, or drizzling over chicken.
Fabulous Food Finds Workshops
For the first time at Goodwood, I’m bringing my Fabulous Food Finds workshops which are already a hit at our Birmingham shows. Visitors will sit down on a tasting mat and we’ll explore flavours professionally. I’ll guide them through sensory tastings, drawing on my experience as a Great Taste Awards and Quality Food Awards judge.
Each session features standout products from the festival. I talk about what makes each one special, how it’s made, how to use it and sometimes the makers themselves join in. It’s all about letting the producers and their amazing food shine.
Current food trends I’m loving
Some foods are really enjoying a moment in the spotlight right now and what’s not to love about:
- Sour cherries – Perfect for Persian or Lebanese cooking.
- Functional mushrooms – Think Lion’s Mane and wellness tinctures.
Why Slow Food still matters
I’ve been a big believer in the Slow Food movement for some time. It’s about food that has three star qualities namely, it’s got to be good (quality), clean (as unprocessed as possible) and fair (ethically made). I once attended a global Slow Food event in Turin and it was unforgettable. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about recognising that time and care in food production really matters. You can taste the difference.
Sussex food favourites
While I’ve not explored Sussex as much as I’d like (yet!), but I have a few favourite Sussex foods:
- Alsop & Walker’s Lord London – Served at a royal wedding. I once accidentally dropped some into a trifle at my house!
- Ouse Valley Foods – Their ginger preserve with peanut butter is divine.
- Sussex Charmer – A go-to in many homes, including ours.
Late summer flavours
As summer turns to autumn, I look forward to those comforting flavours like mushrooms, truffle and blackberry crumbles. There’s something lovely about the return of cool evenings and cosy kitchens.
Calling all foodies
This year’s Goodwood Food Festival is a great event whether you’re a foodie or just food-curious. And if you have your own favourite Sussex food finds, I’d love to hear about them when I’m in Chichester.
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