HAMPSHIRE Fare has launched this year’s Winchester Food Festival.

The organisation invited supporters of the festival to the launch event, held at The Little Kitchen Bistro in Stockbridge Road on Thursday, May 23.

Invitees could meet other event backers and try food and wine from some of the businesses that are members of Hampshire Fare.

Hampshire Chronicle: The launch of the Winchester Food Festival 2024The launch of the Winchester Food Festival 2024 (Image: Chris Atkinson)

There were also speeches from the key organisers, including Hampshire Fare commercial manager Natasha Dochniak, who thanked the supporters for their aid in putting this year's event together.

READ MORE: All hail the ale at Winchester Food Festival - range of beer and cider on offer

She said: “I would like to say some special thank yous to Winchester BID, Winchester Cathedral and Winchester City Council. Together we've really grown the Winchester Food Festival and taken it to another level with A Taste of Winchester.

“But, of course, we can't do that alone, so I would like to thank Clark and Son, Snows and Lexus - who have come on board as our car partner - and we also have John D. Wood who have also come on board as a partner.

“So, I think, between us all we're going to make some really great things happen.”

Natasha told the Chronicle: “The Winchester Food Festival returns on Sunday, July 14 in the Outer Close of the Cathedral.

“The event has really grown this year, we will have more than 30 of our Hampshire Fare members, and the idea is for people to come along, buy some lovely produce and then enjoy a picnic in the grounds of the cathedral.

SEE ALSO: Food festival celebrating local produce returning to Winchester this July

“In the afternoon we will be having chef demos and talks on stage, there will be free kids activities, so there really will be something to cater to everyone. On July 8 to July 13, we’ve got A Taste of Winchester happening, and there will be lot of hospitality businesses around the district putting on lots of events and special menus, so people are should keep an eye on the website.”

She continued: “Hampshire Fare’s mission is all about supporting and championing local – this is an excellent way to showcase how much rich produce we have on our doorstep here.”