September rain failed to dampen the spirits of crowds arriving to support HenFood, Henfield’s first-ever street food and music festival. The event took place in the Library Car Park and Henfield Post Office Garden on Saturday 10 September with the kind permission of Paul and Gail Way.
The day was organised by Henfield Community Partnership, local businesses and BN5 magazine in conjunction with the Horsham & District Food and Drink Festival - which will continue for the whole of September with various exciting food events across the county. Henfield participated with three Children’s events, including the Mad Hatter Tea Party trail. Children hunted shops in the High Street for all the elements of the Tea Party which the forgetful Mad Hatter had lost. Three lucky winners received entry vouchers for Sharky’s Soft Play kindly donated by Henfield Leisure Centre.
HenFood hosted a glorious array of street food stalls, including authentic Thai food from ThaiAngle, delicious pulled-pork and corn fritters from Ginger Rookes, Punjabi dhosas and delicious curries from Jai Jyot, crêpes from Oui Crêperie; cake confections from Kaylee’s Cakery and locally brewed beer from Downlands Brewery in Small Dole. Henfield’s BP Guild ran the bar, selling beer, wine and Silly Moo cider from Cowfold. Local youth charities in Henfield are set to receive any profits from the event.
Kaylee’s Cakery ran cupcake decorating workshops for children to create their own sticky delights at Henfield Crafts, and some children tried their hand at baking for the Queen of Hearts Jam Tart Baking competition. The entries were beautiful – creatively decorated and showing some great skill. All the winners received baking sets kindly donated by Henfield Furnishings and Cook Shop.
Parish Councillor Malcolm Eastwood looked after the PA for the afternoon and the event was given some colour and excitement in the form of Waffa’s Bollywood Dancing lessons. Will and Wolfie took to the stage later in the afternoon with their acoustic set of folk music before the rain stopped play a little early.
Emma Osman