Hampshire ‘foodies’ are busy preparing for a month-long celebration with a host of top chefs showing there support.
Raymond Blanc, James Martin, Ed Baines and more are taking part in the tenth Hampshire Food Festival which gets underway on Thursday, July 1. Last year more than 150,000 people attended events all across the county, pumping £3.1million into the economy.
Television favourite James Martin commented: “I have lived and worked in Hampshire for the past 16 years and I am passionate about the amazing diverse produce the county has to offer. From great fish to amazing meats and plentiful amounts of fresh salads and vegetables, there is everything here for the keen foodie.
“But it’s the likes of food festivals and markets that enable you to taste all the things that are grown on your door step that you probably weren’t aware of. So go see it, embrace it, taste it and you never know what you might find – one thing’s for sure if it’s great food you’re after then join in the festival.”
Ed Baines, John Burton Race and Olly Smith will be at Festival Place on Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4 from 11am to 4pm for a host of inspirational demonstrations.
Raymond Blanc said: “As someone who applauds any effort to get people to support local food producers, I am very, very pleased that The Hampshire Food Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary, I congratulate Hampshire Fare on their ten years of telling the world about the excellence of the produce of the county.”
Details of all events are in the free Hampshire Food Festival programme which can be downloaded at www.hampshirefare.co.uk or call 0845 6035638
