Wildebeest burgers and Sussex ales were on the menu today at the Foodies Festival on Hove Lawns, which celebrity critic Loyd Grossman hailed for its diversity.

The festival tours the UK and features live cooking shows from Michelin-starred chefs, wine tasting and stands serving up a variety of delicious cuisine.

Mr Grossman, dressed in a black suit and blue Puma plimsolls, said there was a great mix of people selling food to take home and eat on the spot. "It's great to be by the sea with such knowledgeable audiences, and people in Brighton have a greater propensity to be adventurous with food. The festival shows a general revolution about food - 15 years ago this show wouldn't be here," he said.

The Wild Gathering food stand reflected Mr Grossman's views, with its llama sausages and springbok steaks providing options for the more adventurous. "The wildebeest burgers are selling fast, they're very popular'" one of the stand's chefs said.

The drinks masterclass tent featured a light-hearted but informative introduction to real ales by Melissa Cole, author of 'Let Me Tell You About Beer'. "Beer should be fun," she declared, before inviting people to try a selection of Sussex ales while explaining how they are brewed.

Around the lawns were a tea terrace selling cream teas and snacks, a bar created from a double-decker bus and a sandy beach area complete with deckchairs.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the event in the sunshine, with live bands playing jazz music and favourite cover versions.

By James Cutler