CELEBRITY chefs James Martin, Raymond Blanc and Atul Kochhar joined guests at a prestigious opening party for the 10th anniversary Hampshire Food Festival on Thursday.
The event, hosted by Lime Wood Hotel and chef Alex Aitken, was organised by county food group Hampshire Fare. Chairman Derek Beaves said: “This 10th anniversary Hampshire Food Festival is a marvellous celebration of the diversity and quality of Hampshire’s food and drink. Not only does it raise the profile of our farmers and producers, it puts Hampshire firmly on the map of UK food destinations.”
The festival, which is backed by Hampshire County Council, runs throughout July.
The council’s executive member for economic development and rural affairs Ray Ellis said: "The Hampshire Food Festival has a huge positive impact on the county's economy.
“Last year's festival generated an estimated £3.1million of visitor spending and attracted 155,000 visitors. This gives numerous Hampshire's businesses - many of which are small, rural enterprises - a real boost." Visitors to the festival can take part in around 100 different events across the county ranging from farm open days and vineyard tours to celebrity chef cookery demonstrations.
For details of all events throughout visit www.hampshirefare.co.uk or call 0845 6035638 for a free programme.
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