The county of Hampshire is a unique mixture of rolling lush hills, tranquil chocolate box style villages and ancient woodland, combined with vibrant cities and buzzing market towns. A rich cultural heritage, varied coastline and unspoilt countryside makes Hampshire a ‘top of the list’ place to live.
This months see the annual Watercress Festival in the sleepy village of Alresford.
Alresford and watercress go way back. Wild watercress has been picked and eaten locally for centuries, yet it wasn’t until the introduction of the railway in 1865 that it reached a far wider population. Today the mineral-rich spring waters of the River Arle still offer perfect growing conditions and the watercress beds around Alresford are one of the country’s main areas of production. Hailed as a ’superfood’, the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in watercress are recognised alongside its tasty versatility.
Now in its 6th year, the Alresford Watercress Festival has grown from its humble beginnings to attract over 10,000 visitors. Held in the town streets between 10am and 4pm, the food festival draws together both the local community and food lovers from far and wide. One of the main highlights is the street calvalcade at 10.30am with jazz musicians, Morris dancers and local school children accompanying the Watercress King and Queen atop a horse and cart, distributing the first of the season’s watercress harvest to festival goers.
Throughout the day, cookery demonstrations will star several award winning Hampshire chefs, including executive chef Andy MacKenzie, (Hampshire’s Food and Drink Chef of the Year) and head pastry chef Mark Tilling (2008 British Chocolate Master), both from Winchester’s Lainston House Hotel. They will be joined by Cresson Creative’s Jennifer Laing, Gold Star winner in the prestigious national Great Taste Awards 2008.
A huge Hampshire Farmers Market and many other local food and drink businesses will showcase locally produced foods. You can also enjoy a large arts and crafts market and display of vintage cars. There are activities for children of all ages, including cookery and circus skills workshops and face painting, and everyone can enjoy the delights of the many street entertainers and musicians. You can take a tour around one of the local watercress farms to find out more about this local superfood, and visit Alresford’s historical Fulling Mill, Eel House and medieval Soke Bridge on a short walk along the River Arle.
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