Food festivals this summer you won't want to miss

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3 days ago

If there's one thing I've learned in my time with Hampshire Fare, it's this: Hampshire knows how to throw a good food festival.
Whether it's a bustling country show or a relaxed local market, our county comes alive in the summer months with events that celebrate the best of our local produce, producers, and people.
This summer is shaping up to be one of the tastiest yet, and Hampshire Fare will be right at the heart of the action.
We'll be out and about giving away our free Local Produce Guides, chatting to visitors about local food and drink, and shining a spotlight on the incredible talent among our members.
Hampshire Fare Cookery Theatre at the recent South Downs Food Festival (Image: Amanda Harrison) I'm especially excited to be hosting the cookery theatre at both the New Forest Food Festival and The Romsey Show, where we'll be welcoming some of the region's finest chefs and producers for live demos, tastings and foodie inspiration.
So, if you love great food and drink, and let's face it, who doesn't, then here are some dates for your diary.
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First up, July 13 is the Hampshire Food Fare at Dummer Down Farm near Basingstoke.
It's a relaxed and friendly market-style event co-hosted by us and Dummer Down Brewery.
Chef James Barber from Bradbeers at the Romsey Show (Image: Supplied) Expect over 30 stalls packed with delicious local food and drink, live folk music, and plenty of street food.
It's free to attend and has easy parking, so there's really no excuse not to pop down and discover something new.
Then from July 29 to 31, it's the big one—the New Forest & Hampshire County Show.
This is one of the UK's most prestigious agricultural events and a true celebration of rural life.
The Local Produce Market features many Hampshire Fare members, and there's a packed schedule of demos by top chefs.
Don't forget your picnic blanket, the peaceful picnic area hosted by the Forestry Commission is the perfect place to relax with your haul of local goodies.
From August 16 to 18, we head to the New Forest Food Festival at Hinton Admiral.
This one is a real celebration of the Forest's local larder, with pop-up food stalls, artisan markets, craft bars, live music and children's entertainment.
I'll be hosting the chef demo stage where we'll bring together some of the most exciting names in local food to cook, chat and share their stories.
Next is Sizzlefest, the South's biggest barbecue festival, on September 5 and 6 in Millbrook, Southampton.
Organised by our member Socal BBQ Shop, this event is all about fire-cooked flavours, live music and outdoor cooking fun.
Whether you're a seasoned grill-master or just love the smell of sizzling sausages, it's a must-visit!
Saturday 6 September brings us to The Alresford Show, set in the stunning Tichborne Park.
A one-day celebration of rural life, you'll find prize livestock, vintage tractors, and a great selection of local food and drink stalls.
There's even a dog show if your four-legged friend fancies some glory!
And finally, on September 13, we return to one of our favourites: The Romsey Show.
This event has a fantastic atmosphere and I'll be back hosting the Hampshire Fare Cookery Theatre.
It's the beating heart of the show's foodie offering, featuring live demos, tastings, and plenty of local flavour.
It's a brilliant way to meet the people behind the produce, and pick up some cooking tips while you're at it.
With some events free to attend and all brimming with deliciousness, these festivals are a perfect way to celebrate the best of Hampshire food and drink.
So come along, grab a Local Produce Guide, and say hello, we'd love to see you there!
For all these events and more be sure to check our website www.hampshirefare.co.uk.
Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare writes the Echo fortnightly column A taste of Hampshire.