Soul X-Press – they heard it through the grapevine!

Sparkling wine and belting soul provide climax for wine and food festival next Sunday

The 1066 Wine & Food Festival has brought wine, food and music to 1066 Country through a series of events in restaurants, bars, shops and vineyards and three key events – the opening at Battle Abbey with Jilly Goolden and last week’s Food & Drink Fair at De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill. Erica Smith samples the fare…

This weekend, it is Hastings’ turn to host the festival – with a finale at St Mary in the Castle on Sunday 29 May. Guests will be greeted with a glass of sparkling English wine on arrival, and treated to two belting sets from the fabulous Soul X-press. Their exciting repertoire of soul and motown classics are the perfect recipe for a Bank Holiday Sunday night out dancing. Festival organiser Ken Maitland of The Essential Wine School will be running a light-hearted wine-themed quiz with prizes.

The event runs from 7–10.30pm and tickets can be purchased in advance from the Tourist Information Centre or online here – or on the door on the night.

Jilly Goolden at the Battle Abbey launch event with Huw Merriman, MP for Bexhill & Battle. Delicious canapés provided by Nobles restaurant; wines from Chapel Down, Carr Taylor, and Bluebell. Musicians from Battle Abbey School. Photograph © Oana Liliac

The 1066 Wine & Food Festival has involved over 50 restaurants, bars, shops and pubs across 1066 Country, Kent and Sussex. So far, there have been events as far apart as Plumpton and Camber and it has attracted high-end restaurants like The Curlew in Bodiam and small producers like Gertrude Kaaya who makes delicious African cooking sauces in her home kitchen.

Last Sunday’s Food & Drink Fair at the De La Warr Pavilion was a knock-out success, with over 30 exhibitors who were kept busy all day with constant visitors. Chapel Down, Carr Taylor and Bluebell sparkling wines were available, as well as fabulous cheese and charcuterie from Eggs to Apples farm shop and delicious juices from the Mango Girls.

For more information about the festival, visit the website, where a full catalogue of events is available.

Crowds at the De La Warr Pavilion at last Sunday’s packed Food and Drink Fair. Photograph © Oana Liliac

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