THE sun shone brightly and the fizz flowed freely as members of Hampshire Fare gathered for a momentous occasion.

The launch of the 15th annual food festival saw producers and suppliers from all over the county come together at The Pig in Brockenhurst for a celebration of local produce.

Cheese makers, charcuterie companies and even wasabi-infused vodka producers spoiled their counterparts, city councillors and other interested parties with their Hampshire goods as they looked forward to the forthcoming month, jam-packed with activities across the county.

The first of the Winchester events start next week, with afternoon tea at Marwell Hotel, Hampshire on a plate-inspired menu at Chesil Rectory, an apple strudel demonstration at Shawford's Sacher and Strudel, as well as specially-designed menus at Lainston House and the Holiday Inn - with numerous dates offered throughout the month.

The White Horse in Otterbourne hosts their summer fete the following week, and Riverside Cottage near Barton Stacey hosts a family tea-time special and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens offers afternoon tea.

Chef director at The Pig, James Golding, officially launched the evening.

"Today is about getting all the best Hampshire producers together in one place so we can showcase what local produce is all about," he said. "We have producers here today that we use on a daily basis as well as a load of others and it's about giving them the chance to show it all off."

"It's also a chance to have a nice drink here at The Pig."

Canapés and Hattingley sparkling wine made several rounds as guests eagerly chomped down handmade pizzas, salmon and smoked meats.

Hampshire Fare commercial manager Tracy Nash said: "It's about celebrating Hampshire as a vast county of interest that has the thread of good quality food and drink running through it. It's the biggest food festival in a county, in the whole of the UK, and it's almost too big but we work really hard to work with people. We've had so much involvement with members wanting to do something."