Hampshire Food Festival

James Martin, Raymond Blanc and Atul Kochhar joined guests at a prestigious opening party for the 10th anniversary Hampshire Food Festival last night, hosted by Lime Wood Hotel and chef Alex Aitken in the New Forest.

The chefs gave their support to launch The Hampshire Food Festival, organised by county food group Hampshire Fare. Hampshire Fare Chairman Derek Beaves said: “This 10th anniversary Hampshire Food Festival is a marvellous celebration of the diversity and quality of Hampshire’s food and drink. Not only does it raise the profile of our farmers and producers, it puts Hampshire firmly on the map of UK food destinations”.

The Hampshire Food Festival, which is backed by Hampshire County Council, runs throughout July to the 31st. Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development and Rural Affairs Cllr Ray Ellis said: "The Hampshire Food Festival has a huge positive impact on the county's economy. Last year's Festival generated an estimated £3.1million of visitor spending and attracted 155,000 visitors. This gives numerous Hampshire's businesses - many of which are small, rural enterprises - a real boost."

Lime Wood’s Hotel Director Justin Pinchbeck said: “Lime Wood is proud to host the launch of Hampshire’s 10th Food Festival to celebrate the best of local food and drink. Whilst working with local suppliers our New Forest location showcases the wonderful variety of fresh seasonal Hampshire produce available for our customers to enjoy.”

Visitors can take part in around 100 different events across the county ranging from farm open days and vineyard tours to celebrity chef cookery demos.

For details of all events throughout October, download the Hampshire Food Festival programme at www.hampshirefare.co.uk or call 0845 6035638 for a free programme to be posted to you.

The Hampshire Food Festival is supported by Hampshire Fare’s Corporate Partners Ecover UK Ltd, Festival Place Shopping Centre, Fuller Smith & Turner PLC, Leepeckgroup, Newsquest (Hampshire) Ltd, The Southern Cooperative, Wave 105 FM, and Corporate Friends Greenhouse Graphics and The National Trust.