HAMPSHIRE is preparing to celebrate all things food and farming throughout July with over 60 tempting events taking place across the county.

Sponsored by Hildon Mineral Water, the Hampshire Food Festival line-up includes: vineyard, farm and distillery tours; pop-up dinners; cooking masterclasses and more.

Festival organisers, Hampshire Fare, launched the eighteenth Hampshire Food Festival on Wednesday, 13 June to press, sponsors and business associates in the grounds of Hill Place, in Swanmore.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “Today we are excited to be able to showcase some of the many events taking place during July’s Hampshire Food Festival. The festival involves food and drink producers from across the county and is a real celebration of the flavour of our county."

“I urge people to tap into what is on offer locally and use the festival as a time to discover new producers or find out more about their favourite Hampshire ingredients.”

Festival sponsors, Hildon, were on hand to refresh guests throughout the afternoon with bottles of their mineral water.

Samantha Greatbanks from Hildon, said: “We are proud to support the Hampshire Food Festival because we believe in working with local companies, and bringing together the best of local produce.

“Hampshire is very lucky to be home to some of the UK’s most prestigious producers ranging from wine to buffalo to water. The Hampshire Fare team work so hard bringing together the best from our geographical area and we are delighted to be part of it.”

The Hampshire Food Festival will take place July 1 to 31 at venues across Hampshire.

Many events require booking but others are free and guests can turn up on the day.

Visit hampshirefare.co.uk for the full programme of events taking place.