THE mini heatwave that has Britain sweltering has not deterred locals from coming to Winchester Foodies Festival.

Punters were out in their hundreds, with some seeking shady spots as the event geared up towards the evening's festivities.

The Chronicle spoke to some of the people who have come from around the country to make the festival happen.

One of the stalls, Holy Moly, was serving up a delicious, ethically-sourced guacamole made from Mexican avocados.

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The Holy Moly team (Image: Sebastian Haw)

Raphael Wharton-Prosper, 31, told us how the fruit is frozen two hours after it is picked, to ensure it gets to customers' tables as fresh as can be.

Elsewhere, there was London-dry gin on offer from Guildford distillers Silent Pool.

We learned that this kind of beverage has to be over 37 per cent and that it is distilled with botanicals, as opposed to them being added afterwards. 

At their refreshingly blue and shady stall, Fiona Sutherland and Judy Kenner served us up an excellent thimbleful of gin and tonic 

SEE MORE: Winchester Foodies Festival's only local artisan: Alexander O'Neill

Bristol-based poke bowl outfit were also present. Boss Jason Rustage, 33, and Roberta Jasmontaitesh, 32, told us: "It's been a slow start but it should pick up towards the evening."

Other attractions included a wine-tasting tent, a Thai cooking course and myriads of stalls selling fare from all around the globe.

Among the other highlights will be MasterChef champions, Thomas Frake and Hampshire-based Shelina Permaloo will be rustling up some of their signature dishes in front of audiences.

Also attending will be Professionals 2023 finalist Kasae Fraser, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch bread expert Jack Sturgess, MasterChef finalist Madeeha Qureshi, ITV This Morning's wine experts Joe Wadsack and Tom Surgey, BBC Radio Solent presenter Louisa Hannan and TV chef, author and cookery school owner Nigel Brown.