Food & Drink
Winchester Food Festival 2023. © The Electric Eye Photography
Published: March 17, 2024 | Updated: 17th March 2024
Food, drink and craft group Hampshire Fare has announced the return of the Winchester Food Festival for its second year running.
Taking place on Sunday, 14th July in the Outer Close of Winchester Cathedral, the free to attend festival will celebrate the finest local produce from the Winchester District and beyond. It is being organised in collaboration with Winchester BID and Winchester Cathedral.
The 2024 Winchester Food Festival will feature an expanded array of stalls, activities for all ages and chef demonstrations. Attendees can indulge in a diverse selection of local delicacies, including micro-greens, trout, coffee, orchard juices, cheeses, honey, beer, and gin.
Preceding the festival this year will be a week-long programme of events under the umbrella ‘A Taste of Winchester’.
This will see Hampshire Fare working with Winchester City Council to engage local food, drink producers, makers, and hospitality businesses based within the Winchester area and encourage them to get involved in the build-up to the festival by holding their own events and activities.
Cllr Lucille Thompson, Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture at Winchester City Council said: “This inclusive community event allows both residents and visitors to be invited to savour the flavours from across the district.
“A week of culinary events will not only add another exciting dimension to the festival but will also help to support local businesses and encourage both visitors and residents to ‘shop local, think local and support local’, especially during independent business month.
“Winchester City Council is delighted to be working in collaboration with Hampshire Fare, Winchester BID and Winchester Cathedral to celebrate the district’s food and drink offer.”
Natasha Dochniak, Hampshire Fare’s Commercial Manager, said: “Hampshire has an abundance of exceptional food and drink producers, and we are delighted to be growing our event to celebrate A Taste of Winchester.
“The Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop for the Food Festival, and we can’t wait to share our plans for the week as they unfold.”
Dr Paul Spencer, Winchester Business Improvement District (BID), echoed this sentiment: “Winchester BID is thrilled to once again support the Winchester Food Festival. Winchester is a haven for food enthusiasts, and July 14th will be a feast for them. We also look forward to seeing our members working together in A Taste of Winchester and celebrating Independent Business Month.”
The Outer Close of Winchester Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop the Food Festival and the perfect setting to savour a picnic of local delights while enjoying the chef’s stage performances.
John Blake, Winchester Cathedral’s Commercial Director, said: “We are pleased to be hosting this wonderful event again and see it grow. We are excited to welcome Hampshire Fare, their members and the public to celebrate the great flavours of the county.”
The Winchester Food Festival is made possible by the support of local businesses, and Hampshire Fare have announced their first partner, Clarke & Son, who are Hampshire Fare’s legal partner.
William Anderson, Director and Head of Corporate & Commercial Practice, Clarke & Son said: “We are really happy to partner with Hampshire Fare to celebrate local produce and craft at the Winchester Food Festival.
“This festival embodies the spirit of collaboration, and we are proud to play a part in fostering community connection and supporting the local businesses of Hampshire.”
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