CHEESE, chilli, sausages and watercress are just some of the fresh produce people will be able to sample and buy, with a number of food and drink festivals taking place in Hampshire throughout the summer.
1. Cheese and Chilli
Where: North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester
When: June 1 and 2, from 10am to 6pm on Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday
Price: An adult day ticket costs £8, concession ticket is £6, with weekend tickets costing £11.50 and £9 for each. Children under the age of 15 can go in for free.
This adventurous festival includes everything from chilli eating competitions, live music, wrestling shows, cooking demonstrations and much more.
2. Jam Jerk
Where: Pinkmead Farm, Botley, Curbridge, Southampton
When: Saturday, June 8 from 11am to 12am
Price: Super-early bird tickets for adults are £34, young adult £15, children under eights go free
The festival celebrating Caribbean food and music has a line up of David Rodigan, The Marley Experience, Colin Dale and plenty of other acts to enjoy.
3. The Alresford Watercress Festival
Where: The Railway Station, Station Road, New Alresford
When: Sunday, May 19 between 10am and 4pm
Price: This is a family-friendly free festival.
This festival includes street markets, food and drink stalls, cookery demonstrations with renowned world-class chefs and the Watercress Eating Championship which will be happening at 3pm.
4. Southsea Food Festival
Where: 69 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Portsmouth
When: Saturday, July 20 to Sunday, July 21
Price: The prices for the festival are yet to be released
The festival's 16th anniversary, which last year featured over 70 food and drink stalls, will be returning this July. The festival will stretch around Clarendon Road, Palmerston Road, Osbourne Road and Avenue De Caen.
A host of restaurants and businesses will be displaying their wares, offering food from the South Coast that takes inspiration from all corners of the world. You can also see meals being produced or pick up some new skills with live displays from the pros.
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5. Sausage and Cider Festival
Where: North Walls Recreation Grounds, Winchester
When: Saturday, August 17
Price: General admission adults £30+ £3.95 booking fee, £10+£1.95 booking fee for under 18’s. A full list of prices can be found at sausageandciderfest.co.uk/winchester.
This food festival includes live music, chilli eating competitions and a chance to compete within the fastest sausage eating contest of one metre of sausage.
6. Foodies Festival
Where: North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester
When: July 19 to July 21
Price: Early bird prices include adult tickets begin from £20, concessions from £19 and children £4
This action-packed festival includes Masterchef champions, Michelin-starred chefs cooking their signature recipes and kids cookery theatre. Live music will also be features from Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza.
7. Winchester Food Festival
Where: Winchester Cathedral Grounds
When: Sunday, July 14 between 10am and 5pm
Price: Free entry
Winchester’s second annual Food Festival organised by Hampshire Fare and Winchester BID is set to offer a range of local delicacies, including micro-greens, trout, coffee and cheeses. More information on the festival can be found here.
8. South Indian Food Festival
Where: Oasis Academy Lords Hill, Romsey Road, Southampton
When: Sunday, May 19 from 11am until 3pm
Price: Free entry
This fun-filled day packed with South Indian cuisine involved a variety of flavourful dishes such as dosas, idlis, biryanis and more. This event is hosted by the Arts and Cultural Society and is an opportunity to experience the vibrant flavours and spices of South India.
9. The Big Eat
Where: Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley Abbey
When: Saturday, May 25 to Monday, May 27
Price: Free entry
This food festival is littered with street food favourites, Hampshire traders and tribute bands, as well as entertainment for the children. From Britpop revolution takeovers, silent discos and a touch of Zeppelin, there is something for everyone.
10. South East Vegan Festival
Where: Saint Mary’s Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton
When: Saturday, July 13 from 10am to 5pm
Price: £4 on the door
This food festival sells all vegan food at 90 stalls, drinks, crafts, cosmetics, gifts, clothing and more. They will also have guest speakers giving talks about how our choices affect us, other lives, and the world.
All profits will be going directly to Farplace Animal Rescue.
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