There’s something special about a sunny Sunday by the sea, surrounded by sizzling street food, artisan stalls, and the buzz of a vibrant community. This year’s Southsea Food Festival delivered all that and more, and for us at The Biltong Merchant, it was nothing short of epic!
Held every July along Palmerston Road and Southsea Common, the Southsea Food Festival is one of the South Coast’s most loved culinary events. For two full days, the area transforms into a bustling hub of global street food, artisan producers, live music, and happy crowds — all soaking up the sunshine and seaside vibes.
This year’s festival (5–6 July 2025) was no different. From takoyaki and churros to rum tastings and vegan wraps, there was something for everyone — and we were proud to be part of it. Read more about the event here
A Stand-Out Day at the Southsea Food Festival
From the very first hour, the energy was electric. Queues quickly formed around our stand — and they didn’t let up. At times, we had queues of three to six people deep and it felt as if the whole of Southsea had discovered biltong at once.
By 2:30pm, we’d sold out of every last bit of biltong, and by 4:00pm, we’d also sold all the droëwors, with not a morsel left. Just wide grins, empty trays, and a very happy Biltong Merchant team.
Here’s what Stefan had to say in a quick message after the Southsea Food Festival: “AWESOME DAY! Sold every last bit of stock!!! 😳😍🥰 I’m still euphoric about it – to say I’m pleased is an understatement. I’d like to thank everyone for making it such a massive success. These moments remind us why we do what we do.”
What Makes the Southsea Food Festival So Good?
Nestled by Portsmouth’s historic port (the UK’s second-busiest after Dover), the town of Southsea blends authentic seaside vibes with vibrant local culture. It’s a creative community filled with local makers, artists, small food businesses, and event organisers who genuinely care about what they do.
The festival’s hub along Palmerston Road ties in with the year-round “Love Southsea Market,” and the visiting "Hampshire Farmers Market", both of which are held there monthly. It’s a melting pot of seaside charm and fresh local produce. Palmerston Road and Southsea Common provide the perfect backdrop for events like this; connecting locals and visitors in a beautiful, laid-back setting.
More Than Just Food: Building a Community
Food festivals like this aren’t just about great flavours — though let’s be honest, our biltong brought its A-game. They’re about connection. Meeting fellow foodies, sharing stories, introducing new fans to authentic South African flavours, and being part of a buzzing community of independent traders.
Yes, we came to sell biltong, but what made the day truly memorable was the human connection.
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Connect: Talking to folks who’ve never tried biltong before or who already love it helps build connections.
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Community: Networking with fellow independent producers, all part of Southsea’s maker-foodie network.
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Local culture: Tuning into the Southsea market ecosystem, with its monthly producers’ focus and seaside leisure
There’s something heart-warming about being part of an event that puts small businesses, big flavours, and real people at the heart of the experience.
So, Was It the Best Biltong in the UK?
We asked the question before the festival and after Sunday’s complete sell-out at the Southsea Food Festival; we’ll let the queues, empty trays, and smiling faces do the talking.
Considering the repeat customers, curious first-timers who came back for seconds (and thirds), and the constant buzz around our stand, it’s safe to say our biltong made an impression. People didn’t just buy it, they raved about it.
Of course, we’ll always leave it to you to decide, but based on Sunday’s response, it might just be among the best biltong available in the UK. For those who don’t yet know, here are some tips on storing biltong the right way.
What’s Next After the Southsea Food Festival?
If you missed out on Sunday (or just want more!), don’t worry, we’re already restocking. New batches of biltong and droëwors are already available online. Simply visit the Biltong Merchant’s website to order your next pack of biltong or droëwors.
But be quick… you’ve seen how fast it goes!
Our next event comes hot on the Southsea Food Festival's heels - it's the monthly Love Southsea Market on Saturday 19th July and we can. not. wait! 😍😋
Especially as it also just happens to be the Emirates Sail Great Britain Grand Prix event at Southsea seafront, so the place is going to be absolutely buzzing, as thousands of high speed, high energy sailing enthusiasts come to our beautiful city to cheer on the daring teams of the lightning fast F50 catamaran craft during two days of high octane, edge-of-your-seat action.
At The Biltong Merchant we’ve learned something from chatting with skippers and sailors alike: they can’t get enough of good biltong! Lightweight, shelf-stable and seriously tasty, our biltong delivers clean, sustained energy you can rely on between tacks or miles offshore—nutrition that’s every bit as delicious as it is practical.
Bring on the 19th July - The Biltong Merchant is ready!
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