New festival will benefit the local community

Get ready for a taste sensation like no other as the first-ever Rye Harvest Food and Wine Fair kicks off on the Cricket Salts this September 14 and 15.This brand-new festival is not just about indulging in the finest local food and wine; it’s a celebration of everything that makes our town special, with a packed schedule of live music, comedy, poetry, cooking demos, and even a foraged fine dining supper and jazz breakfast! 

A festival rooted in locality 

Festival director Jane Brook has a clear vision: to create an event that’s hyper-local, where everything from the produce to the contractors are sourced from within 40 miles of Rye. “Our aim is to ensure that the investment stays right here in East Sussex and Kent, benefiting our local community in every possible way,” Jane shared. That commitment doesn’t just stop at the participating vineyards and vendors – four local food and produce-related charities will also benefit from the event: Rye Foodbank, Hands of Hope, Little Gate Farm, and Great Dixter.

Furthermore, this festival could also prove to be a launchpad for the next generation of hospitality stars, giving local students a unique opportunity to learn from the best. 

A golden opportunity for Hastings students 

In collaboration with Serenata Hospitality and the culinary genius of guest chef George Fredenham aka Flavour Fred, East Sussex College Hastings is set to play a starring role in the festival’s Wild Harvest Supper for 100 people on Saturday, September 14. Twelve lucky hospitality students from Hastings will be working side by side with industry experts, gaining hands-on experience that will shine on their CVs. 

“Collaboration is the heart of this project,” Jane explained. “We’re thrilled to have Serenata Hospitality’s support. They bring decades of top-tier experience to the table and are passionate about mentoring the next generation.” 

Meet Serenata Hospitality: industry heavyweights with big hearts 

With over 100 years of combined experience in five-star hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, Serenata Hospitality founders Sergio Rebecchi and Natasha Robinson, who live in Winchelsea, are true giants in the field. Sergio, the director of service at the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, runs the Annual Awards of Excellence and the Master of Culinary Arts and is a trustee and organiser of the Gold Service Scholarship – these are the three principal front of house service competitions in the United Kingdom.

Natasha, is a seasoned restaurateur and restaurant designer, and together they are dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting hospitality as a rewarding career. 

“As food and wine experts, we’re proud to support the inaugural Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair, showcasing the best of the area we now call home,” Natasha said. 

The students will be guided through every step of the Wild Harvest Supper, learning the art and skill of front of house hospitality from two of the best in the business. On Sunday, September 15, Sergio and Natasha will also be on hand to ensure the jazz breakfast and the entire weekend run smoothly, helping guests enjoy every moment of the talks, demos, and tastings on offer. 

A local legacy in the making 

Jeff Jordan, deputy head of curriculum at East Sussex Coast College Hastings, couldn’t be more excited about the collaboration. “This is an incredible opportunity for our students to gain real-world experience and forge valuable connections with local employers,” he said. “The Rye Harvest Wine and Food Fair is a fantastic platform to showcase the quality food and drink suppliers in our area. As someone who’s made Rye my home since 1991, I’m proud to be part of an event that highlights what makes this town so special.” 

In addition to their work at the supper, the college students will gain experience at their own commercial stand at the fair, offering mouth-watering local cheese and charcuterie boards, pickles, ferments, and hot vegan flatbreads. 

The Rye Harvest Food and Wine Fair is more than just a festival—it’s a celebration of community, opportunity, and the incredible talent and produce that make Sussex shine. Don’t miss out on being part of this exciting new tradition! 

You can buy tickets to any and all parts of the Rye Harvest Wine & Food Fair here.

Image Credits: Rye Wine and Food Festival , Natasha Robinson/Jane Brook , Natasha Robinson , East Sussex College .