Southsea Food Festival 2025 has generated £1.52 million for Portsmouth’s local economy, according to an independent study, whilst attracting a record-breaking 63,400 visitors over two days to the popular South Coast event.
An independent economic impact assessment conducted by local research firm Evosa has revealed the significant financial boost delivered by this Portsmouth City Council event. The festival achieved unprecedented visitor numbers, with research showing that nearly half of those surveyed made the journey specifically for the food festival, whilst 38% indicated plans to revisit Southsea businesses following their experience.
The 2025 event featured a record 80 participating businesses, with over half originating from Portsmouth itself, demonstrating the richness and variety of the area’s culinary landscape. Feedback proved overwhelmingly positive, with traders awarding the festival a 92% good-to-excellent rating, matched by 94% of visitors expressing similar satisfaction levels.
The festival’s expanding appeal beyond Portsmouth was evidenced by 30% of attendees travelling from outside the city, underlining its significance as a crucial component of Portsmouth’s tourism economy.
Portsmouth City Council Leader Councillor Steve Pitt commented:
“Southsea Food Festival exemplifies how we can champion local enterprises whilst drawing thousands of visitors to our city. The £1.5 million economic injection demonstrates the true worth of such events—benefiting not only direct participants but the broader business community. We’re delighted to witness Southsea establishing itself as a premier destination for food enthusiasts throughout the region.”
Celebrating its 17th year, Southsea Food Festival has developed into one of the South Coast’s premier and most beloved culinary events. A notable 2025 innovation was the Kitchen Stage, featuring live cooking demonstrations from acclaimed local establishments including Smoke and Mirrors, The Briny, and Natty’s (Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year).
Located in Southsea‘s centre, the festival converted Palmerston Road precinct, Avenue De Caen, and neighbouring high streets into a dynamic celebration of cuisine and community spirit. Attendees sampled diverse offerings ranging from smokehouse brisket and soft shell crab to plant-based specialities and Portsmouth’s celebrated aged rum.
The festival forms part of Portsmouth City Council’s comprehensive initiative supporting small enterprises and championing the city’s flourishing independent food and retail industries.
Preparations have commenced for Southsea Food Festival 2026, scheduled to return next July.
