ONE of the biggest events in the Hampshire food calendar takes place th today – Alfresford’s Watercress Festival.

Thousands of visitors attend each year in celebration of the gorgeous green salad leaf from 10am.

 Alongside the watercress, Hampshire Farmers’ Markets (HFM) will be bringing more than 50 producers to Broad Street. Plus there will be stalls selling arts, crafts, jewellery, clothing and household items.

“HFM has been part of the Watercress Festival for nine years now and it’s not only a great day out for visitors, but a great opportunity for us to introduce them to our hardworking members,” said Alex Handford, business manager at HFM.

She added: “To even be able to qualify to become a member of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets, producers have to fulfill some strict criteria. They must source at least 20 per cent of their ingredients from the county, or within a 20-mile radius.

"Plus any produce that’s grown, reared or raised must spend at least 50 per cent of its time with the producer.”

At this year’s festival, HFM will be focusing on promoting the provenance of their producers; as well how imperative local and rural businesses are to the economy.

 There will be plenty of cooking by some of the county’s best chefs at the demonstration unit through the day including last year’s MasterChef winner Jane Devonshire, who lives in Four Marks.

There will be music and dance with performances by Morris dancers and school children, who will accompany the Watercress King and Queen.

The children distribute the first of the season’s watercress harvest to festival-goers.

Other activities for children include circus skills workshops, face painting a petting farm and climbing wall.

Plus visitors will also have an opportunity to take a look at Alresford’s historic Fulling Mill and the Eel House - a short walk along the banks of the picturesque River Arle.

Not only will visitors leave worn out from the day’s dancing and merriment, but also with bags full of local food and drink (and of course, the odd bag of watercress).

For a full list of Hampshire Farmers’ Markets producers who will be at the festival visit www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk