THOUSANDS of foodies across Hampshire are set to dig in to one of the biggest events in the county’s calendar this weekend.

Starting on Saturday, more than 75 events will span restaurants, pubs and city streets for the Hampshire Food Festival.

Returning for its 17th year, key events will feature in Winchester, Romsey, the New Forest and Southampton for the festival organised by Hampshire Fare.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager, said: “The food festival is a well-established month of events celebrating all that is tasty about our county. The events are a chance to explore the story behind the food on our plates and really get to the source of our ingredients.

"Whether you are a local food fan or you are yet to explore what we have here, there are plenty of events for you to enjoy.”

Well-known TV chef James Martin provided the foreword for the festival’s programme, adding that the festival is the chance to celebrate all that is going on in Hampshire’s thriving food scene.

The festival is set up by Hampshire Fare, a community interest food group, celebrating both the food and drink culture across Hampshire.

It began in 2000, steadily growing in popularity from an original weekend-long event to now spreading across the entirety of July.

One of the main Southampton-based events includes a masterclass at an award-winning butcher, chosen in a vote through Hampshire Fare and the Daily Echo as the county’s best butcher.

On July 12 from 6.30pm, Uptons of Bassett on Winchester Road will be hosting the class, giving would-be gourmet chefs an insight into the world of wood smoking, using a variety of woods to create different flavours.

Foodies can also tempt their taste buds with a seven-course tasting menu in Romsey every day throughout the month.

Masterchef finalist-created canapes, brewery tours and a music and food festival at The Pig in Brockenhurst are also some of the most anticipated events.

Visitors can also sample the wine from the top seven Hampshire vineyards as well as taste the produce and learn about English wine.

Enthusiasts can also meet the wine makers and attend workshops held by wine experts at Cottonworth on July 23, as the wine festival returns for its fifth display.

Southampton is also set to host a week of alfresco dining on Oxford Street. The street will see stalls and events from July 15, as well as a pop-up fish restaurant featuring at Shamrock Quay on July 22, 23, 29 and 30.

Programmes for the festival are available from farm shops, pubs and hotels around Hampshire.

For a full list of event dates, times and locations, visit hampshirefare.co.uk.