Shows and Markets

MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean is an exciting new event at West Dean which will do for the Mediterranean what West Dean’s Chilli Fiesta, the UK’s biggest, best and longest running Fiesta, has done for the Chilli!

The event promises to be another winning combination of food and drink, live music and dancing with the same great party atmosphere in a sensational setting. The Mediterranean covers 21 countries across three continents and with three distinct culinary palettes and a plethora of music and dance traditions, MedFest will capture the diversity and richness of the regions cultural and gastronomic traditions with this year paying particular attention to Spain and Lebanon.

To get into the spirit of things Roots Around the World are working as musical partners. They are programming the live performances and pre-recorded music guaranteed to give you an aural extravaganza of Mediterranean sound. International flamenco company Cancion Gitana will stage Flamenco performances, supported by the widely respected Cadiz singer Fernando Reyes, two dancers, a fiery flamenco guitarist and percussionist. A wonderful and vast selection of stallholders are attending MedFest to provide a representative sample of regional take away foods, gourmet food products, crafts and plants including Palmavera, who’s owner Emma Lundie is “excited to be part of an event exclusively dedicated to the Mediterranean and West Dean Gardens provides a wonderful setting”. Other stallholders include: Pure Spain, Jamon Jamon, Lebanese Fine Food, the Churros Bros and The Garlic Farm who will feature some educational aspects relating to garlic, its history and culture.

Sarah Wain, Garden Supervisor, will reveal to the home grower how to emulate the Mediterranean climate with the use of glasshouses and polytunnels., thus enabling you to produce a number of the crops included in the delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet. Displays will take place within the walled garden and glasshouses of over 40 different crops, ranging from chickpeas to cucumbers, artichokes to aubergines and grapes to garlic.
Cookery demonstrations from local cook and Guild of Food Writers member Rosemary Moon with special guests, should send you away impassioned and ready to create a taste of the Med in your own back garden and kitchen.

With the best of the Med relocated to an English paradise why not kick start your holidays by visiting MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean at West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX. 01243 818 210.

Saturday/Sunday 9 & 10 July. Opening hours: 10.30 – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)