Organisers prepare for big crowds at Taste of Wickham festival

The annual family event, which last year drew in more than 5,000 people sees The Square in the historic market town turned into a hive of freshly produced tasty treats and live entertainment on Sunday September 11.

Following the big success of last year’s event, organisers are now looking to make this year’s festival bigger and better as they bid to bring in more crowds.

Heidi Isa, one of the organisers behind the event, who works at Winchester City Council, said: ‘This year we are looking to get more people than ever head down to the event.

‘We’ve got more stalls this year, more local business have got involved, all the food being served has been sourced within a five mile radius of the village.

‘It’s very much a celebration of Wickham and its culture, so we want to make it look like visitors are stepping back in time hundreds of years ago to what the medieval market will have looked like, albeit with a few modern touches thrown in.’

Live music from local bands will also be there to entertain the visitors with the food on offer providing everything for vegans to pizza enthusiasts.

The free event is run by a team of volunteers.

Due to the excess numbers of visitors heading to the market village, the organisers have put on a park and ride that will run from Westlands Farm in Pricketts Hill.

In addition to the food and live music, there will also be face-painting, cookery demonstrations from local chefs, children’s entertainment and a goat petting pen.

Marjorie Preston, another one of the event’s organisers said: ‘There is so much on offer this year with this event showcasing 60 years of the businesses in Wickham.

‘Come on down and enjoy!’

The festivities will get underway from 10am and will last until 4pm.

Organisers are expecting crowds of at least 5,000 to attend one of the village’s biggest annual events.