In its 7^th year, Hampshire Food Festival on the south coast of England is one of the UK’s largest food festivals. Organised by Hampshire Fare, the county food group, Hampshire Food Festival retains its individuality by the sheer variety of events on offer and the range of individuals, businesses and communities who take part in celebrating their local food. This year, Saturday Independent Magazine’s food writer Mark Hix and BBC2’s Masterchef Goes Large judge Gregg Wallace will be demonstrating recipes using Hampshire sourced ingredients, together with plenty of chat, questions and answers in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief in Winchester on July 8^th. Food writer Sophie Grigson will be demonstrating recipes in Alton town centre on July 1^st when Alton will be alive with local food stalls, entertainment and special menus at local eateries. Chef Raymond Blanc will also be dishing up fine Hampshire fare on July 1^st at a special organic farm open day hosted by ex Formula One racing driver Jody Scheckter’s Laverstoke Park.

 

Numerous Hampshire food and drink producers will also be opening their doors for special walks, talks, demonstrations, workshops, tastings and open days, and Hampshire eateries are laying on special menus using local produce. Hampshire Farmers’ markets will be in full swing at weekends during the festival, and these are prime opportunities to buy fantastic Hampshire produce for eating at home. These include the largest farmers’ market in the UK at Winchester on Sunday June 25^th and July 9^th. Says Sophie Boxall who is organising the Hampshire Food Festival “this really is a fantastic opportunity to visit Hampshire, try out the tremendous variety of delicious food and drink produced here, and also to explore the beautiful Hampshire countryside and market towns. Hampshire is synonymous with trout and watercress, and we also have great beer and wine, cheeses, icecream, seasonal fruit, vegetables, meat and game to be proud of, and Hampshire Food Festival is the perfect showcase for this!  

 

Hampshire Food Festival runs from Saturday 24^th June to Sunday 9^th July with daytime, evenings and weekend events at numerous venues across Hampshire throughout the fortnight. To receive a free Hampshire Food Festival programme, call Hampshire Fare on 01962 845999 or email hampshire.fare@hants.gov.uk.