Southsea Food Festival 2026

The Southsea Food Festival returns to the centre of Southsea on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, running from 10:00 to 17:00 both days. This is the 18th edition of the festival, and it's part of the 'Portsmouth 100' programme marking the city's centenary. It's produced by Portsmouth City Council in partnership with the team behind Victorious Festival and Hampshire Fare.

Over the weekend, the centre of Southsea transforms into a hub of 100 stalls featuring local food and drink, street food, live music and family entertainment. The Kitchen Stage is back, sponsored by Waitrose and based on Avenue De Caen, where local chefs and restaurateurs give live demonstrations and share their tips. There's also a new Tasting Trail run by Portsmouth Foodguide, which lets you try smaller portions from different traders rather than committing to one full meal.

The festival is built around local businesses. Pauline Genvert, owner of Pauline Macarons, described taking part in Eat the Island and the Southsea Food Festival as a turning point for her business. Paul Hendy, CEO of Hendy Group, said, "As a company rooted in the communities we serve, we're proud to support the Southsea Food Festival and the opportunities it creates for local people and businesses." Council leader Steve Pitt called it "more than just a great day out" and a "proven engine of growth for Portsmouth," while Victorious Festival director James Ralls added that it's "always a highlight of Portsmouth's summer calendar."

It's a family-friendly event, so it works as well for a proper day out with the kids as it does for a wander through the stalls. The 100 stalls bring together local food and drink, street food, live music and family entertainment across the centre of Southsea, from 10:00 to 17:00 on 4 and 5 July.