On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July 2011, an exciting new event at West Dean explores the best of Mediterranean food, drink, live music and dancing

MedFest will capture the diversity and richness of the regions cultural and gastronomic traditions with this year paying particular attention to Spain and Lebanon. To get into the spirit of things, Roots Around the World are working as musical partners and international flamenco company Cancion Gitana will stage Flamenco performances. A wonderful and vast selection of stallholders are also attending MedFest to provide a representative sample of regional take away foods, gourmet food products, crafts and plants.

Sarah Wain, Garden Supervisor, will reveal to the home grower how to emulate the Mediterranean climate. While displays will take place within the walled garden and glasshouses of over 40 different crops, ranging from chickpeas to cucumbers, artichokes to aubergines and grapes to garlic. Cookery demonstrations from local cook and Guild of Food Writers member Rosemary Moon should send you away impassioned and ready to create a taste of the Med in your own back garden and kitchen.

Opening hours: Saturday-Sunday 9th/10th July 2011, 10.30 – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)Discounts and fast-track tickets are available to purchase in advance at www.westdean.org.uk

MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean at West Dean Gardens, West Dean, NearChichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX. 01243 818 210. www.westdean.org.uk/events