Music Acts & Chefs for the New Forest Food Festival Announced!
Organisers of the second New Forest Food Festival, taking place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August, have announced the music and chef line-ups for both days!
Saturday’s music will kick off with a joyful set by Mad Melodies, a 20-plus strong pop and rock choir like no other, followed by talented singer-songwriter George Croucher, with one of his typical polished and hypnotic performances.
Taking to the stage at 2pm, will be Jemima and the Five with a set list of popular classics, followed by the final band of the day, five-piece Carbon Copy, who promise to ignite the dance floor and ensure a memorable party experience!
Sunday’s music will commence at 11.30 with Harriet Jane, a vintage vocalist based in the south of England, who was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James, and who sings 1930’s to 60’s jazz and swing numbers.
Next up will be Archie Ray, a Cornish Singer/Songwriter who brings multiple genres and various walks of life into a shared space of music by blending the sounds of artists such as Ed Sheeran, Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi, and The Script.
Archie will be followed by Carley Varley, who was spotted busking in the quaint seaside town of Lymington on the New Forest coast and was soon catapulted onto the stages at The Ritz and The Waldorf in London.
The final musical act at the 2025 New Forest Food Festival will be the talented duo Box Set UK, who are currently on a world tour of festivals, and who will be featuring 90’s & 00’s Dance classics played in a folk style & sing-a-longs.
In addition to the music stage, there will be plenty of other things going on to enjoy at the festival.
The Cookery Demonstration will be hosting top chefs on both days: Saturday’s talent includes Gerard Molloy (Chewton Glen), Jennifer Williams (Naked Jam) and Alistair Craig (Montagu Arms).
On Sunday 17 August, taking to the stage will be Christian Orner (Cookery School to SALT Cø.), Colin Nash (Colin Nash Restaurant) and Matt Manns (Burley Manor).
They will demonstrate all the tricks of the trade and show attendees how they can easily re-create the dishes for themselves at home.
There will be a multitude of stalls at the Food Festival, with over 100 traders displaying their wares and showcasing local New Forest and regional produce, with a mix of artisan bread, cheese, chilli jams, cakes, chocolates, gluten-free snacks, and shortbread.
Young attendees can enjoy the dedicated ‘kids’ zone’ with lots going on including a fire-eater, a magician, hair braider and face painter, to name just some.
The event will also be dog friendly, with well-behaved pooches on leads welcome!
For those that wish to make a short break of the event, there’s a choice of accommodation to choose from; there will be a small, family-friendly, pop-up campsite, or why not book one of the luxurious rooms at The Retreat New Forest?
Alternatively, choose from one of the self-catering properties in the Hinton Admiral Escapes collection. All three accommodation options are a short stroll or drive away.
For further information and tickets, which cost £8 for adults when purchased in advance for one day (£10 on the day), or £14 for two days (under 16s go free), visit www.newforestfoodfestival.co.uk.