Hove Vegfest reports surge in interest since horseburger scandal

A weekend-long event for vegetarians in Brighton and Hove has reported a huge surge in interest since the horseburger scandal made the news.

Vegfest organisers said that they sold their final stall spaces a month ago and visits to their website had trebled ahead of the event which starts on Saturday (16 March).

They also said that there had been a big rise in Facebook and Twitter activity as more people looked for vegetarian options to replace processed meat and ready meals.

The organisers said: “It’s incredible. Literally since the day the news broke about what they were finding in the food chain, we have seen a surge of interest in every way.

“There are especially a lot of new businesses springing up that cater for veggies and it seems most of them are sensing an opportunity to reach more potential customers very quickly right now.”

They said that this would explain why they had sold out of all their available stall space for the first time – and that was a month ago.

They added: “We are expecting capacity crowds at the event and especially a big rise in the ‘meat reducers’ – those looking for veggie options but not necessarily wanting to go veggie – just ditch the horseburgers and get some decent healthy options instead.

“VegfestUK Brighton is the right event for people like this right now.

“You can sample the best for free and buy at discount prices while accessing cookery demos, talks and a host of other information about the veggie lifestyle in a friendly relaxed and fun environment.”

More than 5,000 people went along over the two days last year.

The free event is taking place at Hove Town Hall on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm.