Hamble food festival has a new attraction

Hamble is set to play host to the annual Hamble Valley Festival Of Food on September 1.

Hamble Quay is set to come to life with the popular Hampshire Farmers’ Market, family entertainment and live music.

From 10am to 4pm visitors will be able to meander through the market stalls filled with delights such as locally made fudge, British cheeses, local cider, pies, meat, fish, honey, jams and chutneys.

The entertainment is expected to be plentiful with BellaCrafts craft stall, balloon modelling, Punch and Judy, and the Vegetable Orchestra run by SoCo Music Project.

Millers Ark farm will also be there.

For the first time, guests will be able to see piglets, chicks, goats and donkeys at the event.

Sally Dodd who works at Millers Ark said: "all of our animals are tame and friendly so everyone on the day will be welcome to get in the pens and spend some time with the animals."

Also new for this year the Fizzbox Company will be there with its converted rice horse trailer Prosecco van, stocked with Prosecco, Cava, English sparkling wine and champagne.

Meanwhile, JJ’s Cider will be returning with its famous range of west country ciders.

The Hamble Valley Festival Of Food has been organised by The Marketing Collective which owns and manages the Hamble Valley destination brand with the support of all participating food, drink and tourism businesses.

Organisers said the festival's reputation for a great foodie, family day out continues to grow.

Louise Collins, from The Marketing Collective, added: "We love Hamble Valley as a destination and the Festival Of Food is a great way to showcase the amazing local produce that is found in the area. Each year gets bigger and better, and 2018 looks set to be our biggest yet. When you combine a stunning destination, fantastic food, and great entertainment, you really do have the recipe for a wonderful day out."

Free parking will be available during the event.