Discover the Winchester Food Festival: A Culinary Extravaganza

As the summer sun graces the historic city of Winchester, food enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike will gather for a gastronomic celebration like no other.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 14th July, as the Winchester Food Festival promises a day filled with delectable delights, local produce, and culinary creativity.

A Feast for the Senses

Nestled in the heart of Hampshire, Winchester's scenic beauty and rich history provide the perfect backdrop for this annual event. The festival is a testament to the region's vibrant food culture, bringing together an eclectic mix of food stalls, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply looking for a fun day out, there's something for everyone to savour.

Local Produce and Artisanal Delicacies

One of the highlights of the Winchester Food Festival is the emphasis on local produce. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal cheeses, the festival celebrates the best of Hampshire's bounty. Wander through the market stalls and discover a variety of locally sourced ingredients that reflect the region's agricultural heritage. Chat with the farmers, sample their goods, and take home a taste of Winchester's finest produce.

Culinary Demonstrations and Masterclasses

For those eager to hone their culinary skills, the festival offers an array of live cooking demonstrations and masterclasses led by renowned chefs. Watch as culinary maestros transform simple ingredients into gourmet dishes right before your eyes. Gain insights into their techniques, learn new recipes, and perhaps even get a chance to taste their creations. These sessions are not only educational but also incredibly inspiring for aspiring cooks and food lovers.

A Taste of Global Cuisine

While the festival celebrates local flavours, it also embraces the diversity of global cuisine. Explore the international food stalls and embark on a culinary journey around the world. From sizzling street food to exotic spices, the festival brings a world of flavours to Winchester. Indulge in a variety of dishes, each prepared with passion and authenticity, and experience the global melting pot of culinary traditions.

Family-Friendly Fun

The Winchester Food Festival is a family-friendly event, with activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages. Children's cooking workshops, face painting, and interactive games ensure that the little ones have just as much fun as the adults. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the vibrant array of food and entertainment, makes it a perfect day out for families.

Practical Information

The Winchester Food Festival will take place on Sunday, 14th July, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The event will be held at the beautiful Outer Close of Winchester Cathedral offering plenty of space for visitors to explore, eat, and relax. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the entrance on the day of the event.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor to the area, the Winchester Food Festival is an unmissable event that celebrates the joys of food and community. So come along, bring your appetite, and immerse yourself in a culinary extravaganza that showcases the very best of Winchester and beyond.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Winchester Food Festival website. We look forward to seeing you there for a day of delicious discoveries! 

For up-to-date information on this scrumptious July week visit www.winchesterfoodfestival.co.uk or follow on Instagram and Facebook via @winchesterfoodfestival.

Winning Line-Up of TV Chef Stars Announced for Nottinghamshire's Festival of Food and Drink

Nottinghamshire's Thorseby Park is hosting the East Midland's foodie heaven event of the year when it will be home to Nottinghamshire's Festival of Food and Drink.

Happening over two magical days (it's back for its 11th year!) on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September, the weekend is to be a stunning foodie showcase of in excess of 160 stalls featuring an eclectic melange of artisan food and drink, gifts, crafts, and homewares, too. 

So visitors will be able to buy food, spices, herbs, drinks, etc and buy some fantastic equipment to prepare the new foods and new wares to serve it on!

Rosemary Shrager made herself super popular with  the public via her appearance on 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here' when she was able to display her versatile cooking skills. Her recent shows include Cooking with the Stars, The Big Family Cooking Showdown and The Real Marigold Hotel. 

Rosemary's worked with Pierre Koffman at Tante Claire in London, plus Jean-Christophe Novelli. She was also head chef at Moyns Park, dealing with catering for the Mountbatten's private and corporate events.

Famed chef, TV presenter, and published author Phil Vickery has served as a highly popular member of This Morning for over 22 years. He's earned the accolade of being the show's longest-serving chef. He's done live demonstrations and features, plus bringing  to the show's loyal viewers pre-recorded segments from a wide range of outside locations.

Phil boasts numerous culinary honours, including a Michelin Star, 4 AA Rosettes, Good Food Guide's Restaurant of the Year, Times Restaurant of the Year, Egon Ronay's Guide Dessert Chef of the Year, and British Meat Chef of the Year.

Following on from his impressive win on Iron Chef UK, TV chef and author Marcus Bean will be serving up a variety of dishes on Saturday. Marcus is also a regular on ITV's This Morning and a whole range of other cooking shows.

The host of the Festival's cookery theatre is Chris Bavin a stalwart of the fresh produce industry for over two decades and is known for presenting the BBC programme Eat Well for Less. Chris will be in charge of the cookery demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Set in the amazing;y beautiful grounds of Thoresby Park, the festival will give foodies a fantastic day out. At £10 a ticket, it's going to be an affordable, fun experience for the entire family.

Guests will enjoy some of the best that the UK has to offer in food and drink terms. Enjoy top street food vendors, bars, and cocktail venues.

You'll be entertained with live music sessions throughout the weekend. There will be a special Kid's Cookery School, a Circus School and arts and crafts, too, plus lots more to see and do for the entire family.

Tickets can be purchased via the festival website, here:-https://festivaloffoodanddrink.com.

Look out for the VIP tickets (there's a limited number, so don't miss out!) plus children and family ticket options. And kids under six years go free. The festival is also dog friendly so visitors can bring their furry friends, too.

It's Back! Winchester Food Festival Returns!

Hampshire Fare, the county-wide food, drink and craft group, is thrilled to announce the return of the Winchester Food Festival after a successful inaugural event last year, which That's Food and Drink were pleased to be able to blog about last year.

This culinary extravaganza takes place on Sunday, July 14, in the picturesque Outer Close of Winchester's ancient Cathedral.

Working in close collaboration with Winchester BID and Winchester Cathedral, this year's festival promises to be even bigger and better. It's a free-to-enter event, and is a celebration of the finest local produce from Winchester and its environs.

The 2024 Winchester Food Festival is set to feature an even larger array of stalls, with fun and activities for all ages. There will also be exciting cookery demonstrations by top chefs  

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your senses? Get ready to mark your calendars because on Sunday, July 14th, the Winchester Food Festival returns with a delectable lineup of gastronomic delights, promising a day filled with gourmet indulgence, culinary discoveries, and unforgettable experiences.

Nestled in the heart of Winchester in the environs of the ancient Cathedral, this annual festival has become a beloved tradition for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Drawing inspiration from the rich culinary heritage of the region and beyond, the Winchester Food Festival celebrates the diversity and creativity of the food scene while showcasing the finest local producers, artisans, and chefs.

From artisanal cheeses to freshly baked bread, from succulent meats to decadent desserts, the festival offers a feast for every palate. Whether you're a devoted foodie seeking out the latest culinary trends or simply looking to enjoy a leisurely day of sampling exquisite flavors, there's something for everyone to savor at this gastronomic extravaganza.

One of the highlights of the Winchester Food Festival is the opportunity to meet the passionate individuals behind the products. Engage in conversations with local farmers, brewers, and artisans as they share the stories behind their craft and offer insights into their techniques. Discover the dedication and expertise that goes into creating each artisanal cheese, small-batch beer, or handcrafted chocolate, and gain a newfound appreciation for the artistry of food production.

But the festival isn't just about tasting delicious food—it's also about learning and exploration. Attendees can participate in interactive cooking demonstrations led by renowned chefs, where they'll pick up invaluable tips and techniques to elevate their culinary skills. From mastering the perfect risotto to perfecting the art of cocktail crafting, there's always something new to discover in the world of food and drink.

And let's not forget about the vibrant atmosphere that permeates the festival. With bustling market stalls, and a lively ambiance, the Winchester Food Festival is a celebration of community and conviviality. Gather with friends and family, soak up the sunshine, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of this culinary extravaganza.

As you wander through the festival, don't forget to support the local vendors and producers who pour their hearts and souls into their products. Whether you're purchasing a wedge of artisanal cheese, a jar of homemade preserves, or a bottle of craft beer, every purchase directly supports the hardworking individuals who make the festival possible.

New this year, before Winchester Food Festival starts will be a week-long programme of events from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July under the aegis 'A Taste of Winchester'. Hampshire Fare will work with Winchester's City Council to engage with local food and drink producers, makers and hospitality businesses within Winchester, inviting and them to be involved in the build-up to the festival by staging their own activities, from tastings and  masterclasses to special offers and special menus. 

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council sais: “This inclusive community event allows residents and visitors to savour the flavours from our  district. A week of culinary events will add another exciting dimension to the festival and will help to support local businesses.

People attending the festival will be able to indulge in a large and diverse selection of local delicacies, such as tasty micro-greens, trout, coffee, orchard juices, cheeses, honey, beers, and gins.

New this year, before Winchester Food Festival starts will be a week-long programme of events from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 July under the aegis 'A Taste of Winchester'. Hampshire Fare will work with Winchester's City Council to engage with local food and drink producers, makers and hospitality businesses within Winchester, inviting and them to be involved in the build-up to the festival by staging their own activities, such as tasting events, masterclasses, special deals and special menus. 

Councillor Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council sais: “This inclusive community event allows residents and visitors to savour the flavours from our  district. A week of culinary events will add another exciting dimension to the festival and will help to support local businesses.

Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare's Commercial Manager, said: “Our county has a wide range of wonderful food and drink producers, and we're thrilled to grow our event to celebrate A Taste of Winchester. The Cathedral provides an amazing backdrop. We can't wait to share our plans."

If your business is interested in sponsoring the event, please email (natasha.dochniak@hampshirefare.co.uk).

Don't miss out on this delectable celebration of local food and drink. Mark your calendars for July 8– 14!

Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply someone who loves good food and good company, this is an event not to be missed. Come join us as we celebrate the art of food and drink and indulge in the flavors of the season. See you there!

Food Festivals Around the Globe: A Tantalising Tour of International Flavours

Food is more than just sustenance; it's a cultural experience, a way to connect with others, and a gateway to exploring different traditions and flavors from around the world. 

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culinary delights of different cultures is by attending food festivals. 

From street food extravaganzas to gourmet gatherings, food festivals offer a tantalising tour of international flavours that will leave your taste buds tingling and your senses heightened. Let's embark on a mouth-watering journey as we explore some of the most exciting food festivals around the globe.

La Tomatina - Buñol, Spain:

La Tomatina is perhaps one of the messiest yet most exhilarating food festivals in the world. Held annually in the small town of Buñol, Spain, this tomato-throwing extravaganza attracts thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe. Participants engage in a friendly battle, hurling ripe tomatoes at one another amidst a sea of red pulp and laughter. After the chaos subsides, the streets are transformed into a giant communal dining area, where revelers feast on delicious Spanish cuisine and sip on sangria late into the night.

Taste of Chicago - Chicago, USA:

As one of the largest food festivals in the world, Taste of Chicago is a culinary mecca for food enthusiasts. Held in Grant Park, this festival showcases the diverse culinary landscape of the Windy City, featuring dishes from over 80 local restaurants and food vendors. 

From deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to gourmet cuisine from renowned chefs, there's something to satisfy every palate at Taste of Chicago. Live music, cooking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities add to the festive atmosphere, making it a must-visit event for food lovers of all ages.

Dotonbori Street Food Festival - Osaka, Japan:

Osaka is renowned for its vibrant food scene, and Dotonbori Street Food Festival is the epitome of culinary excitement in this bustling city. Held along the iconic Dotonbori Canal, this festival showcases the best of Osaka's street food culture, with vendors serving up a mouth-watering array of takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and grilled skewers. The aroma of sizzling yakitori fills the air as visitors wander through the lively streets, sampling bite-sized delights from one stall to the next. With its energetic atmosphere and delectable offerings, Dotonbori Street Food Festival is a feast for the senses.

Oktoberfest - Munich, Germany:

No list of food festivals would be complete without mentioning Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany. While beer is undoubtedly the main attraction, Oktoberfest also offers a smorgasbord of traditional Bavarian cuisine to complement the libations. 

From hearty pretzels and sausages to schnitzel and sauerkraut, there's no shortage of hearty fare to soak up the suds. Visitors can partake in lively folk dances, carnival rides, and parades, making Oktoberfest a celebration of Bavarian culture and hospitality.

Food festivals are more than just a culinary experience; they're a celebration of culture, community, and the universal joy of sharing a meal with others. Whether you're indulging in a tomato-throwing battle in Spain, sampling street food delicacies in Japan, or raising a stein at Oktoberfest in Germany, food festivals offer a tantalising tour of international flavors that will leave you craving more. So grab your fork and join the festivities as we embark on a mouth-watering journey around the globe. Cheers to good food, good company, and unforgettable culinary adventures!

To learn about local food festivals just Google "Food festivals near me."

(Image courtesy of Iulian Scutelnicu from Pixabay)

Thousands Expected to Attend Taste East Devon Food Festival

Thousands of exited and eager foodies are expected to make their way to Devon to attend the Taste East Devon Food Festival this month.

East Devon is preparing for a bustling, vibrant month of September when thousands of visitors flock to to the district to join local foodies to attend a whole host of events during the Taste East Devon Food Festival (9th-24th September). 

Back for its exiting third year, the festival promises to showcase the very best that the area has on offer, with some exciting new additions and sold out events at River Cottage, Darts Farm, Coldharbour Field Kitchen and Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary. 

From mouth-watering food markets and street food extravaganzas to immersive gastronomic workshops and ultimate and exclusive dining experiences, the 16-day festival really does have something for everyone.

What's the opinion of the region's well-known celebrity chef and television personality, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall? He said: “This is so much more than a traditional food festival. It's a truly unique chance for people to experience East Devon in an entirely new light. We can't wait to welcome visitors to our little corner of the South West and share all the amazing food and drink it has to offer. 

“I'm obviously pleased to be hosting the new Gut Health Revolution event at Darts Farm. It's a sold out event and I'm very much looking forward to sharing my own enthusiasm for the topic, alongside experts from the gut health industry.” 

Another key player on the East Devon food scene, Michael Caines, who is the chef and patron of Lympstone Manor, said: “This food festival takes a different format to most others, which are generally fixed in one place. 

"It provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a wide range of food, drink and hospitality businesses within the 16 days enjoying everything from wine and beer tastings to sociable feasting evenings and fine dining experiences. 

"During the festival, please do ensure you come down to Mickey's, in Exmouth, to give our delicious Taste East Devon Lunch Menu a try or why not head over to Lympstone Manor for a special Vineyard tour and wine tasting lunch with Lyme Bay?”

Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Chair of Taste East Devon and owner of Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, says: "Last year's festival was a fantastic, huge success. It solidified the fact East Devon has an incredible food community, and it was amazing to see so many award-winning businesses join together and really put our district on the food map. 

“This year, we've popular events returning and a range of exciting new events on offer, too. It's set to be bigger and better than ever before. Whether you're a food lover, a cooking enthusiast, a resident of East Devon or a visitor to the region, we invite everyone to join us and indulge in East Devon's wonderful produce.”

Leader of East Devon District Council, Councillor Paul Arnott says: “Obviously, we're tremendously proud of our local roots. East Devon is our home, we're keen to support activities that bring people together, encourage community spirit, support the local economy and local producers.  

"Taste East Devon allows businesses with shared values to collaborate and shout about the diverse, high quality food and drink offering we have here in East Devon. Being able to celebrate the district in this way is such an incredible privilege.” 

To launch the festival, experience the City to Sea Taste Trail at Darts Farm (9th September). 

Hone your steak skills with a masterclass with Luke Vandore-McKay at High Grange (10th September). 

Indulge at a Lyme Bay Winery and Quickes Cheese Tasting (12th, 14th, 16th, 19th and 21st September). 

Start the weekend with a Cocktail Masterclass at Copperwood (16th September), followed by the Party at the Pig (17th September). Enjoy the last of the summer rays with a fabulous afternoon tea at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary (18th September). 

Eat to your heart's content with the big Taste East Devon Feast at River Cottage (22nd September). As the festival comes to a close, take the family along to Smallicombe Farm for a Farm to Fork Family Experience and Lunch (23rd September) before celebrating the festival at Taste East Devon's Party in the Vineyard at Heron Farm (24th September). Explore the full programme of events at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. 

Taste East Devon is kindly supported by founder members River Cottage, THE PIG-at Combe, Darts Farm, Mazzard Farm, Otter Brewery, Donkey Sanctuary and Lympstone Manor. Sponsors include East Devon District Council, Ashfords, East Devon Excellence, Goosemoor Foodservice, SunGift Solar and NFU Mutual (Tiverton and Honiton Agencies). 

To find the full programme of events visit the official Taste East Devon Food Festival website at www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk. Details of how to book each event and accommodation providers can be found on the website. To stay up-to-date you can follow @tasteeastedevon on Instagram and Facebook.  

Great British Food Festival is Back!

The GBFF is now halfway through their festival tour, with six events across the UK to go. Beginning the second half of their tour at Knebworth House, Stevenage on the 15th & 16th July. And they'll be eager to bring the foodie fun to Hertfordshire again.

They have 100s of artisan producers, street food stalls and bars accompanied by some fabulous celebrity chefs, bakers and talented musicians.

You can do some shopping, grab some food and then have a well-earned relax with a local beer (or two) listening to some great live entertainment with the whole fam! Don't forget, they are canine friendly too.

www.GreatBritishFoodFestival.com.

Don’t Forget About Dad on Father's Day

Give your Father a gift that he will absolutely love, if he is a foodie. Tickets to the Great British Food Festival. 

With a fantastical array of top chefs, artisanal bakers and musicians from across the whole of the UK, he'll have the time of his life!

From brownies to cheese, noodles to churros, they have it all at the Great British Food Festival.

They'll have hundreds of top artisan producers, street food stalls and bars (including vegan and gluten free options)

Choose from 6 beautiful UK locations, create some priceless memories and show your Dad some proper foodie fun! With up to 35% OFF on our website and delivery by email in less than a few minutes, it's a no brainer for your Fathers Day gift!

https://greatbritishfoodfestival.com/tickets.php

Locations are: Knebworth House, Hardwick Hall, Wentworth Woodside, Margam Park, Borde Hill and Arley Hall.

Coming to a Show Near You: Foodie Dates Announced for Great Taste Markets 2023

Food lovers all over our nation will be able to experience an array of award-winning artisan food and drink products.

The Guild of Fine Food is absolutely thrilled to present its 2023 Great Taste Market line up to kick off the summer season.

Great Taste is the world's largest food and drink accreditation scheme where every product is judged on taste alone, the Great Taste Markets showcase a curated selection of the award-winning products, and their producers, at some of the best shows and events across the country.

From sumptuous savoury foods and exquisite confectioneries and impressive drinks, the markets promise an extraordinary, flavour-filled experience for all visitors.

The markets offer a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts from all corners of the UK to:

Experience some of the best tasting food and drink products in the whole world.

Purchase directly from the talented artisans who are behind the products.

Engage with the makers and discover how to best serve and savour their exceptional creations at home.

The confirmed dates and venues for the Great Taste Markets 2023 are:

Taste of Summer: Regent's Park, London, 14 – 18 June 2023 https://london.tastefestivals.com

Scottish Game Fair: Scone Palace, Perth, 30 June – 2 July 2023 https://www.scottishfair.com

Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: Surrey, 4 – 9 July 2023 https://rb.gy/l7v1y 

RHS Flower Show: Tatton Park, Cheshire, 19 - 23 July 2023 https://rb.gy/qronb

The Game Fair: Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, 28 - 30 July 2023 https://thegamefair.org

The Big Feastival: Oxfordshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://thebigfeastival.com

Carfest South: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire, 25 - 27 August 2023 https://carfest.org

Welsh Game Fair: Vaynol Estate, Bangor, 9 - 10 September 2023 https://www.welshgamefair.org

Malvern Autumn Show: Three Counties Show, Worcestershire, 22 - 24 September 2023 https://www.malvernautumn.co.uk

Spirit of Christmas: Olympia, London, 30 October - 5 November 2023 https://www.spiritofchristmasfair.co.uk

Country Living Christmas Fair: Business Design Centre, London, 8 – 12 November 2023 https://www.countrylivingfair.com

Woman & Home Christmas Live: County Hall, London, 18 November 2023 https://www.womanandhomechristmas.com

Christabel Cairns, who has the enviable job ar operations & marketing director at the Guild of Fine Food, says: "This is our biggest year yet for Great Taste Markets. We will be showing Great Taste food and drink products to a potential 600,000 visitors. We really just can't wait for food and drink lovers across the country to have the chance to taste some Great Taste winners for themselves.

“The markets are a brilliant opportunity not only to try and buy award-winning products, but also to meet the makers themselves. Every product is not only delicious but has a story behind it and what better way to find out than by meeting and supporting the producers in person?”

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Great Taste Markets and experience the exceptional craftsmanship and unrivalled flavours that have earned these artisans their well-deserved Great Taste accolades.

So, exactly what is Great Taste? 

It's recognised as a stamp of excellence and actively sought out by food lovers and retailers alike, Great Taste, organised by the Guild of Fine Food, values taste above all else. All products in the line-up for judging are blind-tasted: every product is removed from its packaging so it can't be identified, before entering a robust, layered judging process.

New for this year and to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Great Taste, the Guild of Fine Food offered 50 micro producers the chance to put one new product in front of its expert panel of Great Taste judges for free. 

The bursary was aimed at micro producers who have never entered Great Taste before or have a new product, which has never been entered before. The bursary panel, which consisted of Adrian Boswell, buyer at Selfridges, industry commentator and food entrepreneur Mallika Basu, and PR & marketing expert AJ Sharp, selected the 50 most eligible entries.

(These look very exciting events to look forward to!)

Hampshire Food Festival 2023 Goes Big!

Hampshire Fare is thrilled to be able to announce that this year's 21st Hampshire Food Festival will be  even bigger with a whole summertime of events running from 1st July to 31st August.

Says Tracy Nash, who is the Commercial Manager for Hampshire Fare: “The Hampshire Food Festival has always been one of the most ambitious in the whole country in terms of scale and reach. 

"However, this year we've decided to make it an even bigger celebration of food and drink running across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight throughout the entire summer. 

“People love local! We have seen a growing interest in provenance and an increase in staycation experiences which means that there is a huge hunger out there for food and drink events and experiences. 

"Hampshire Food Festival's engaging and exciting programme is just what everyone needs! The Festival is this summer's must-visit with a great line-up of top chefs, involvement from Hampshire's buzziest cafes, pubs and restaurants, and a showcase of some of the best food and drink from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Hampshire Fare's award-winning Hampshire Food Festival has been helping to put Hampshire on the map as a foodie destination for over two decades, providing farmers, growers, makers and producers with an opportunity to showcase their produce to a wider audience through a varied programme that includes tours, tastings, chef demos, markets, menus, workshops and more. 

This year's Festival features two brand new events organised by Hampshire Fare. These are Celebrate Hampshire, a two-day event (1st-2nd July) hosted by Festival Place, Basingstoke, that launches the Festival and is centred round a lively Chefs' Kitchen, and the first ever Winchester Food Festival (9th July). 

To be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, Winchester Food Festival includes a produce market, demos by local chefs, among them Lenny Carr-Roberts, who is a familiar face due to his television appearances on James Martin's Saturday Morning show on ITV, plus there's a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly and healthy dishes with nutritionist Mary Needham of social enterprise, Munch.

Altogether there are over 230 diary dates with events for everyone from foodies to families, those looking to upskill, as well as others who want to chill to a relaxed party vibe. The diverse range of events includes Shakespeare in pub gardens, supper clubs and sausage-making demos. There are BBQ masterclasses, brewery and vineyard tours, farm open days wild foraging experiences, pop-ups in cherry orchards, a special tasting menu in an art gallery, plus the brand-new New Forest Food Festival.

Tracy Nash, concludes: “This year the Hampshire Food Festival is bigger than ever and packed with new events and great fun entertainment. The Festival has become a well-established highlight of the summer calendar and gives everyone, locals and visitors, a delicious opportunity to discover the area's cities, countryside, market towns and villages through the region's exceptional abundance of food and drink.

“Thank you to all our partners and supporters, in particular the Festival's headline sponsor this year, SoCal BBQ Kitchen. This event wouldn't be possible without their generous assistance.”

A digital version of the Hampshire Food Festival Programme is available on the Hampshire Fare website (hampshirefare.co.uk/local-produce/publications). Festival events will also be posted on the Events page of the website and highlighted by #HantsFoodFest23 across social media.

Hampshire Food Festival was established by Hampshire Fare in 2000 with an ambition and scale not seen elsewhere. It ran for a fortnight during summer and included walks, talks, tours, tastings and cookery demonstrations as well as produce markets and special menus. By 2008 it had evolved into a month of activities during July. This year, for the first time, the programme of food and drink-related activities runs across two months, July and August. 

Hampshire Fare works strategically with Hampshire County Council, along with Corporate Partners: Clarke & Son, Festival Place, Fuller Smith & Turner, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Ideal Collection, Rownhams House & Gardens, SOCAL, Southern Co-Op, Starfish Creative Design, and our Corporate Friends: Bankbrokers, Harvest, Menzies, NFU Mutual New Forest, Bournemouth & Isle of Wight, and Upham Group. Business South, University of Portsmouth and Breckenridge are Strategic Partners.

Hampshire Fare is a not-for-profit CIC working with nearly 400 members. These encompass food, drink and craft producers, and hospitality businesses, including cafes, caterers, pubs, restaurants and retailers such as box schemes, butchers, farm shops and village stores. They all share a commitment to sourcing local, supporting their communities and contributing to a sustainable future for the county's food and farming industries. 

Hampshire Fare was established in 1991 with an evolving role to champion local food, drink and craft, increase awareness among the public and trade of the wide range of local produce available, encourage high standards and best practice, assist producers to compete as viable enterprises, and foster all members' development. This is achieved through business opportunities, routes to markets, events, marketing and publicity.

Introducing the First Winchester Food Festival

For many people of a certain age mention of Winchester Cathedral evokes memories of the hit 1960s song "Winchester Cathedral, written by Geoff Stephens and performed by his The New Vaudeville Band.

However, Winchester has a greater interest to readers of That's Food and drink, as the Cathedral City long been known as a great place for foodies.

And this summer the city will have its first dedicated free festival showcasing its fabulous local producers and talented chefs. 

And That's Food and Drink is pleased to hear this news and pleased to be able to share it with our readers.

It's schedules to happen on Sunday, 9th July, and the new Winchester Food Festival is being organised by Hampshire Fare and will showcase delicious produce from the Winchester District and the wider Hampshire area.

Winchester Food Festival will be held in the Cathedral's Outer Close, and will open from 10.00am with a Chefs' Kitchen running from 12 noon. 

Top chefs from favourite restaurants will be sharing tips and creating tasty recipes using local produce provided by Festival sponsor Quob Park Free Range & Organic.

The line-up will include Damian Brown from Chesil Rectory, Miff Kayum from Kyoto Kitchen, and Lenny Carr-Roberts, of The Bugle, Twyford, The Fox, Crawley, and Shoal, Winchester, who started his career at Le Gavroche, but is probably best known for his television appearances alongside TV Chef James Martin.

Tracy Nash, of Hampshire Fare, said: “Winchester Cathedral provides the perfect backdrop to this new FREE festival. We have been wanting to hold a truly local summertime food festival in Winchester for a long time. 

"And we're We are really pleased and delighted that so many businesses from across the Winchester District have stepped forward to help us hold what will be a key event in the Hampshire Food Festival calendar, and a new event for Winchester, going forwards.”

Available produce will range from superfood micro-greens to locally caught trout, coffee, orchard juices and no-alcohol cocktails to gins infused with local botanicals, plus fudge, fizz, fresh veg, breads, honey and cheeses. 

There will be BBQ cooking with SOCAL, plus there will be a big focus on community and green issues with Winchester Beacon, the local homeless charity and the Festival's charity partner, collaborating with the social enterprise, Munch, to shine a spotlight on creating delicious budget-friendly dishes. Registered nutritionist Mary Needham will be sharing tips on getting the most from ingredients, how to reduce food bills without compromising on flavour and simple ways to make healthy dishes.

Dr Paul Spencer, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Winchester BID is really delighted to be supporting the Winchester Food Festival as part of the Hampshire Food Festival. Winchester is a fantastic place for foodies and this new event will celebrate local producers and businesses in the beautiful setting of Winchester Cathedral. Come along! Visitors can also visit the Hampshire Farmer's Market and explore the city centre. It will be a fantastic day to be in Winchester!”

John Blake, of Winchester Cathedral added: “We are thrilled to host the inaugural Winchester Food Festival in the Cathedral's historic grounds and are excited to partner with Hampshire Fare for what, we sincerely hope, will become an annual event in the city's festival calendar.”

The event is free for the public to attend and has been made possible thanks to much-valued support from local businesses, including Quob Park Free Range & Organic; NFU Mutual Winchester & Wickham; The Winchester Bakery and Shorewood Homes.

For more information about Winchester Food Festival follow @winchesterfoodfestival on social media or visit www.winchesterfoodfestival.co.uk.