GROWING numbers of people are going vegan in a bid to be ethical and look after their health.

That is the message from one of the organisers of the country's biggest vegan festival which returned to the city this weekend.

Up to 10,000 people are anticipated to visit VegfestUK, which is now in its ninth year, over Saturday and Sunday, organiser Alan Lee said.

The Brighton Centre, in King's Road, transformed into a haven for vegans and vegetarians, as well as a place of discovery for those considering a change in lifestyle.

Trade stands allowed visitors to try out and taste a host of products which were on sale as well as sample the delights at at least 20 food and drink stalls. There were also cookery demonstrations, workshops as well as ethically sourced and made clothes, shoes, beauty products, household items and literature on the topic.

Mr Lee said the festival had seen a surge in interest from those opting for a healthier and more ethical lifestyle.

He said: "Veganism is growing in popularity. People are increasingly aware of the damage animal agriculture does and of their health. The more available these alternative items and plant-based products are, the easier it is to have this lifestyle.

"Being vegan is much cheaper now. It is increasingly an ethical choice for people. The festival, which also runs a trade show in London in October now, raises awareness of the options out there and makes it easier for people to buy products.

"It's particularly successful in Brighton because the city is traditional quite open to new ideas and ways of life and we have seen veganism and vegetarianism grow in popularity over the years."

Maria Criscuolo - who turned vegan about a year-and-a-half ago - travelled with her mother Julie, who has been vegetarian for 25 years, from Surrey for the event.

The 18-year-old said: "I decided to be vegan because of the harm to animals, environmental issues and the health benefits come on top of that.

"We come here to get ideas and it is nice to see the range and to try products before buying them. You don't always get that option you might have to travel to get them or order them.

"It also shows other people that we don't just eat lettuce.

"Before, I was vegetarian and I would just put cheese on everything.

"I find it quite easy to be vegan, I cook alot. I actually feel healthier, I lost weight - in a good way - I think I eat more vegetables now than I did before. I now do more exercise too.

"All my friends are quite interested. I cook a lot for my friends and they are amazed. I would say to anyone who hasn't tried vegan food before, just give it a go, you might not like it and that is fine but it won't kill you."

Mrs Criscuolo said: "I was a bit worried a first about what she would eat but there is a lot of choice."

A restaurant which boasts the only vegan pizza in the country also thought veganism was a growing trend, with its food being in higher demand than ever.

Tim Barclay, co-owner of Purezza which opened 18 months ago, was serving crowds of people in search of their vegan pizza at Vegfest.

Its St James's Street restaurant in Brighton re-opened on Thursday after a refurbishment to crowds of people looking to sample the food.

He said: "I think they are popular because we are 100 per cent vegan. Our food tastes good, we use quality, organic ingredients and the cheese we use is half the fat and calories of normal mozzarella.

"Festivals like this are great for people who enjoy vegan food, want to find more or would like to try it out."

  • VegfestUK continues today at the Brighton Centre until 5pm. Tickets available on the door. Visit brighton.vegfest.co.uk/