Get it in the diary and loosen those belts – Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival is back with a bang for 2023. The event is taking place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June throughout Highcliffe village centre on Lymington Road and on the Recreation Ground.

I am once again on the organising committee, and putting on a fantastic event for the whole community is at the heart of what we do. A special thank you goes to all our generous sponsors who make the whole thing possible, especially Gold sponsors Chewton Glen and Portman Stone.

From cockles and curry to churros and melted cheese raclette, there will be plenty to tickle your tastebuds. With a big emphasis on local traders, you’ll find New Forest Shortbread, Book and Bucket cheese from Cranborne, Cakey Love treats from Christchurch and Sancha goodies from Southbourne. When you get thirsty, why not jump on the 1966 red Routemaster London bus for a refreshing tipple?

Learn from the best

The cookery demonstration tent always draws a crowd, and with the brilliant line-up this year it will be no exception. The demo tent has been kindly sponsored by Portman Stone and the celebrity chef’s food will be supplied by Highcliffe’s local fisherman, Russell’s Plaice.

Taking the headline slot on Sunday 11 th June is Cyrus Todiwala. He’s best known for Café Spice Namasté, which opened in London in 1995. Cyrus was awarded an MBE in 2000 and an OBE in 2009. At the festival, he will demonstrate blending traditional Indian techniques and flavours with more unusual ingredients.

Returning to the stage this year is Christchurch-born Chef Director of The Pig Hotel Group, James Golding. He’ll be joined by his long-time pal – TV chef, author and cookery school owner Lesley Waters. You can also catch the chefs from our most-loved local restaurants: Alex Aitken from The Jetty, Kevin Brown from Lord Bute, Colin Nash from The Lamb at Winkton, Luke Matthews from Chewton Glen, Ismael Pajaro from The Oaks, Will Firmin from Crow Spotter and Peter Axworthy from OFFBEET, among others.

Creative community

The festival seamlessly blends the finest local produce and chefs with some of the best local artists and crafters. The craft stalls are carefully curated by Loz and Kat from The Little Craft Shack – a community of creatives from Dorset, Hampshire and further afield. As you stroll around the Green, you’ll find live demos dotted amongst the gazebos.

There are two stages of live music at either end of the village. As well as singer-songwriters, you’ll hear Latin, Swing, Celtic, Folk, Big Band – and more. And have you heard The Fifinellas, a vintage and postmodern vocal harmony trio? Your ears are in for a treat!

Free fun for the kids

We all know that if the kids are entertained, everyone is happy, which is why there is a programme of free activities in the dedicated kids’ tent. There are workshops for toddlers right through to age 11. From yoga, meditation and fitness to musical theatre, street dance and nature-themed crafts, you won’t hear “I’m bored” once. (A massive THANKS to all the providers giving their time - Mad4Dance, Pure Drama, Bertie and Betsy, FunFit with Karen Matthew, Calmwaves Wellbeing and Dorset Rewilding).

In addition, our popular treasure hunt is running all weekend with a prize for everyone who finds all the clues. On both days, little people can get green-fingered in the ‘Grow Your Own’ tent. On Sunday, your child can try their hand at plate-spinning, stilt-walking and more in our circus skills area.

This year’s Kids Kitchen, sponsored by Highcliffe Residents Association, is being run by Biscuits by Sarah B. Sarah is offering 1-hour long biscuit decorating sessions on the themes of animals and eat your veg. The different sessions are suitable for ages 5-10 and 8-15, cost £10 per workshop and must be booked in advance here.

If there is any time left after all that, there’s a brilliant playground for infants and older children on the Green where the festival is being held.

For the latest information and line-up, check the website: highcliffefoodandartsfestival.co.uk