On the 3rd Sunday of May every year the market town of New Alresford closes the streets to traffic and hosts the nationally acclaimed Watercress Festival.. this year that means this Sunday 20th May.
Watercress, the recognised super food, packed with 15 health giving vitamins and nutrients, is a locally grown crop which now draws together the local community and food lovers from far and wide for a day of festival, food and fun!
Started 9 years ago the Watercress Festival has grown year on year. The event is open from 10am to 4pm and is free. There is a car park locally and a park and ride in Ropley (both of which have a small charge)
The Food Market on Broad Street will have over 50 stall holders from Hampshire Farmers’ Markets with local produce such as meat, cheese and wine to taste and buy. There will also be many other stalls showcasing Alresford’s varied selection of restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and wine merchants to name but a few.
The Festival Market on West Street and Station Road will feature stalls selling arts, crafts, jewellery, clothes, and much more besides. Alresford itself has many traditional independent shops, most of them will also be open for business on Sunday.
A parade at 10.30 will see this years Watercress King and Queen transported through the town in a horse and cart accompanied by many musicians and children.
The Laing Food Award is an award given for the most innovative recipe using watercress and you will be able to try everything from watercress scones to watercress beer!
The World Watercress eating championship takes place at 2pm… why not see if you can beat the current record of eating two 80g bags of fresh watercress washed down with a small bottle of water in 49.69 seconds!
This year too, will see the first World Watercress Soup competition. The search is on for the best recipe so if you think you have the winning formula take your soup along on Sunday.
As if all this wasn’t enough there will be cookery demonstrations by Sophie Grigson and local chefs, music and street entertainment for adults and children alike
For more information see http://www.watercressfestival.org/
Or why not just pop along for a great day out.