Video preview: Southsea Food Festival - all you need to know as the fantastic free event returns this weekend

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the city this weekend as the brilliant Southsea Food Festival makes a return.

Recently named Event of the Year at The News’ Portsmouth Business Awards, the free festival takes place this weekend (July 4 and 5) and has more than 100 traders taking part to honour the Portsmouth 100 celebrations, marking the centenary since the city was granted city status.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, family entertainment and a wide mix of food and drink, from street food to local produce at the stalls set up on Palmerston, Clarendon and Osborne roads as well as Avenue De Caen, taking place from 10am to 5pm on both days.

Watch the video embedded in this story to see exactly what visitors can expect

New for 2026, the Tasting Trail will give visitors the chance to sample smaller dishes from a wide range of traders while discovering more about the local businesses behind them. Festivalgoers can follow a free, self-guided route or book onto a guided experience led by Portsmouth Foodguide, offering curated stops and insider knowledge of the city’s food scene.

The popular Waitrose Kitchen Stage also returns, with live demonstrations and cooking tips from local chefs such as Jordan Thompson (Smoke and Mirrors), Nathaniel Crutchfield (Natty's Jerk) and Cameron Bradshaw (The Briny), alongside local food producers Baked By Sweet Tooth, Tea Mountain and Pauline Macarons.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Southsea Food Festival is one of the biggest events in our summer calendar and it’s fantastic to see it recognised as Event of the Year. As part of Portsmouth 100, it’s a great way to bring people into the city, support local businesses and showcase what Portsmouth has to offer.”

James Donougher, Portsmouth Foodguide, said: “The tasting trail is a great addition this year. There’s so much choice at the festival. It helps people discover more, try something new and really connect with Portsmouth’s food scene.”

For more details about the Southsea Food Festival, in partnership with Hendy, visit rediscoverportsmouth.co.uk/southsea-food-festival.