New Forest Food Festival ups its game for second event at Hinton Admiral

FOLLOWING the huge success of the inaugural New Forest Food Festival last year, the event will return this summer and organisers say it will be “bigger and better”.

The event will be held on the Hinton Admiral Event Field on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th August, and will feature a cookery demonstration tent run by food champion Hampshire Fare.

Participating chefs, who will be announced over the coming weeks, will demonstrate all the tricks of the trade and show attendees how to recreate restaurant worthy dishes at home.

The festival will showcase New Forest and regional produce, with a mix of artisan bread, cheese, chilli jams, cakes, chocolate, shortbread, fudge and gluten-free snacks.

Those who enjoy a tipple will be spoilt for choice, with a wide selection of drinks including craft ales, New Forest Cider, award-winning spirits including moonshine, and more.

Pop-ups will cater to every taste, with street food including barbecue, crepes, seafood, paella, pizza, Caribbean, gelato, traditional Indian, and Asian fusion.

Live music acts by the likes of George Croucher, Carley Varley, Archie Ray and Band, Harriet Jane, CarbonCopy, Charlie Greenwood, and Jemima & The Five will provide the entertainment over the weekend.

Kids are in for a treat with magical bubble displays from the Enchanted Performers Theatre Company, craft activities and garden games including welly wanging, sack racing, egg -and-spoon races, and three-legged races.

Coles Funfair will also be in attendance, delivering a mix of nostalgia and adrenaline with thrilling rides and classic fairground attractions.

Festival organiser Richard Shirley said while the focus of the festival is food, there will be lots to keep young ones happy.

“We will have a dedicated ‘kids zone’ with lots going on including a fire-eater, a magician, hair braider and face painter, to name just some,” he said.

Festival-goers can also browse the craft market, featuring local and regional producers. On offer across a wide array of stalls will be textiles, jewellery, soft toys, paintings, wood craft, collectables, ceramics, sculpture, and soft furnishings.

The event will be dog friendly, with well-behaved pooches on leads welcome.

For those who want to make a short break of the event, there’s a choice of accommodation to choose from. There will be a small, family-friendly pop-up campsite, or visitors can book a room at The Retreat New Forest.

Alternatively, choose from one of the self-catering properties in the Hinton Admiral Escapes collection. All three accommodation options are a short stroll or drive away.

For further information and tickets, which cost £8 for adults when purchased in advance for one day (£10 on the day), or £14 for two days, visit www.newforestfoodfestival.co.uk

Under-16s go free.