Happening at various locations throughout September, Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival is a chance for local growers and producers to showcase some of their best delicacies to food lovers, visitors, and families alike. Every weekend will host a major event with the centrepiece this year ‘Big Sussex Market’, on September 10^th and 11^th by the Royal Pavilion, putting on a Live Food Show with chef’s demos. Or hop on a vintage bus across the scenic Sussex Downs countryside for a guided tour of local producers in the area; but do book tickets in advance as they get snapped up pretty quickly.

Serving up a new tradition this year, ‘Sussex Cheese Bowling’ will be a part of the People’s Picnic on September 17^th at Preston Park with Morris dancers, a real ale bar and plenty of food stalls for the family. The ‘Sussex and the World Market’ event on Hove Lawns September 24^th will also run alongside the Children’s Food Festival for a whole lotta foodie fun for the kids.

For a spicier recipe, don’t forget to check out the Fiery Food Chilli Festival, the UK’s biggest chilli event, on September 17^th and 18^th, for an eye-watering, mouth-on-fire kind of experience. Also enjoy many other ticketed events such as ‘Make Your Case’ on September 9^th, where local vintners battle it out with six minutes each to argue why their chosen wine is the best. Meanwhile the Champagne and Sussex Sparkling Wine Festival on September 25^th at Hotel du Vin, will show off some of the best bubbly.

Whilst there’s plenty of excuse to top-up your wine glass, hold out for the last weekend of August as the festival comes to an end and Brighton Oktoberfest toasts the awards with the best Sussex and continental beers around. As the curtain closes on the 2^nd October, say cheers to all that fine dining with the Brighton and Hove Foodie Awards 2011 ceremony in the ballroom of Pub du Vin. What a feast of a line up!

Various locations throughout September. Visit www.brightonfoodawards.com for more info