Summer Fair 2015 highlights

Joey the Lips got everyone into the party spirit, kicking off Friday night with their eclectic funk, soul, blues and disco. Come Saturday, the sun was shining and families arrived in glorious weather.

This year we welcomed Emma’s Donkeys, with Pepper, Florence and Billy proving a great hit with the children. Our kids area was busy all day long and the garden tours with Head Gardener Will Livingstone, foraging walks with John Wright and the highly anticipated pig racing with Farmer Dan were jam-packed. Masterclasses were fully booked in advance and plenty of fun was had by all. The vegan River Cottage food stall proved to be a hugely popular.

This year we introduced Food Alley on Pig Lane with everything from pulled pork buns from Masterchef winner Ping Coombes, through to crab and lobster burgers from Flippin’ Fresh. We were thrilled to welcome back some of last year’s apprentices who have now formed their own food concession nat•ive, who sold out on the first day.

Saturday evening welcomed foot-stomping six piece, Tankus the Henge. River Cottage Head Chef, Gelf Alderson barbequed delicious beef merguez burgers which were washed down with pints of Sheppy’s cider or River Cottage EPA.

Sunday brought yet more clement weather, along with further cookery demonstrations from River Cottage’s very own Gill Meller, a gin talk with Dorset’s finest Conker Gin and a meaty feast with Steven Lamb and Good Game. And then, before we knew it, it was time to call time on another brilliant event.

Thanks to all of those who sponsored the event; Ashgrove Kitchens Limited, Clipper Tea, Crumbs Magazine, Esse, Food Lover Magazine, The Landsman, Sally Everton Associates, Taste Buds Magazine and Zip Heaters.

Buy your tickets here for next year’s Spring Food Fair 2016. See you then!