Southsea Food Festival generates £1.5M for local economy
Southsea Food Festival 2025 has delivered an economic win for Portsmouth, generating an impressive £1.52 million for the local economy, according to an independent impact study by local research company Evosa.
This Portsmouth City Council event also saw a record-breaking attendance, with 63,400 visitors flocking to Southsea over two days. The research revealed that almost half of surveyed attendees came specifically for the festival, and 38% said they plan to return to visit Southsea businesses as a direct result of their visit.
This year’s event also saw a record 80 businesses take part, with more than half based in Portsmouth, showcasing the strength and diversity of the local food scene. Both traders and visitors were glowing in their praise for the food festival, with 92% and 94% respectively rating it as either good or excellent.
The festival’s growing reputation as a regional attraction was further confirmed by the fact that 30% of visitors travelled from outside Portsmouth, highlighting its role as a key driver of the city’s visitor economy.
Planning is already underway for Southsea Food Festival 2026, which will return in July next year.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Southsea Food Festival is a brilliant example of how we can support local businesses while attracting thousands of visitors to our city. The £1.5 million boost to our economy shows just how valuable events like this are—not just for traders, but for the wider business community. We’re proud to see Southsea shine as a destination for food lovers from across the region.”
Celebrating its 17th edition, Southsea Food Festival has grown into one of the South Coast’s biggest food festivals. New for 2025 supported by Southsea Deli, Waitrose (Southsea) and Express FM was the Kitchen Stage where chefs and restaurateurs from Portsmouth businesses including Smoke and Mirrors, The Briny and Uber Eats Restaurant of the year Natty’s, showcased their specialities to the crowds.
The two-day event took place in the heart of Southsea, forming a vibrant hub of activity around the high streets, Palmerston Road precinct and Avenue De Caen. Food lovers enjoyed locally produced smokehouse brisket, macarons, tacos, soft shell crab, lobster, Philippine Street food, corn dogs, bao buns, regional wines, brewed beers and Portsmouth’s own award-winning aged rum. There were plenty of options for veggies, vegans and even pet dogs.
Check out the list of traders that took part
The event was also supported by Costa Coffee, Victorious Festivals Ltd, Nation Radio, Hovertravel, toob and Portsmouth marketing specialist Evosa.
Southsea Food Festival is part of a programme of activities to support small businesses in Portsmouth. The event celebrates the thriving and diverse food scene of Portsmouth & Southsea’s independent restaurants, retailers, and communities.
Trader Applications for Southsea Food Festival 2026
