A NEW volunteer-led food festival is set to come to Wickham in September, combining local produce with a taste of the town’s medieval character.

The inaugural Taste of Wickham festival will take place in the town square on Sunday, September 14.

The free showcase will feature local produce, barbecues, tasters and cookery demonstrations.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy music, dance and shopping, while children will be catered for with a bouncy castle, face-painting, play bus and animal petting area.

Cllr Angela Clear, chair of Wickham Parish Council, said: “It is our chance to shine and bring the local community and visitors to the village together, and remind them of the variety of shops, restaurants and fun that Wickham has to offer.”

The organising team includes local traders and producers, volunteer organisations and Wickham Parish Council. Twenty-five local volunteers will join the team on the day to steward and provide information.

Grants from Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council and the Big Lottery Fund will help to cover the cost of the festival.

Mayor of Winchester Cllr Eileen Berry will open the Taste of Wickham festival at 10am, with activities running until 4pm.

For more information visit tasteofwickham.co.uk.