Residents invited to attend Taste of Wickham Festival
By Jenny Atherton & Eliza Bailey
LOCAL RESIDENTS have been invited to attend the Taste of Wickham Festival as it returns “bigger and better than ever” as this popular event returns to the Square next month; where it will boast over eighty artisan food, drink, gift and garden stalls as part of an exciting free occasion.
The event is due to take place on September 15 and is scheduled to run from 11am to 5pm with organisers saying it will be “more than just a village festival”. It has been sponsored / supported by Wickham Parish Council, Hampshire County Council, Welborne and TJ Waste; whose help has proved crucial.
Attendees can explore a range of different stalls selling food such as Greek Gyros, Meon Valley Hog Roast, New Forest Shortbread, products from the Village Bakery, hand crafted cakes and charcuterie. Local makers will be showcasing their crafts, jewellery, plants, homewares and much more.
A theme of France will be evident throughout the day with a special zone celebrating Wickham’s town of Villers-sur-Mer based on the Normandy coast. This space is set to see acoustic musicians alongside artisan cheeses, delicious crepes, magnificent macarons and other French-themed stalls.
Activities are set to continue in the Village Marquee as visitors have the opportunity to join Mr Baker and discover sumptuous recipes alongside expert baking advice. There will further be a chance to meet a local beekeeper, learn how to craft a hand-tied bouquet, explore the history of the village with Wickham History Society and enjoy live comedy with Stiches Comedy Club.
Families can enjoy an entire zone at the festival with suitable and interactive activities available for all ages; which include storytelling, hands on crafts and a Princess meet / greet session. This will be joined by live magic, face painting, small children’s rides, Punch & Judy and giant bubble shows from the Bubble Man throughout.
Non-stop music is also planned to be held on the main stage; which includes sea shanties with Spinnaker Shanty, excerpts from Shrek the Musical (Fareham Musical Society), toe-tapping tunes from Spinnaker Brass, the Sing Now Choir and party band Sax n Trax. Dance performances from Street Beatz and dance workshops with the Swing Dance Company will also be held throughout the afternoon.
Finally the new Alice in Wonderland adventure trail is due to take families around the village’s fantastic local businesses to hunt for a number of storybook themed clues; which can be collected and every child can gain a free prize on completion. This is suitable for groups and families to complete together
Entry is completely free to this event with visitors invited to ‘park and stride’ from the free parking facilities nearby, whilst a free park and ride service from McCarthy’s Farm Shop with coordinated by the 1st Wickham Scout Group. Readers can explore more information on the event through this poster design and the full Taste of Wickham programme is available by visiting www.tasteofwickham.com.
PICTURED BY TASTE OF WICKHAM FESTIVAL: Poster advertising the festival that will be held on September 15 and offer free activities for everybody.
