The first annual rural event that comes to mind in Hampshire is the New Forest Show (30 July – 1 August 2024). It celebrated its’ centenary in 2020 and has always been primarily an agricultural show, judging a range of livestock and vegetables initially and then expanding to include showjumping as well as other displays, entertainment, and activities.
The New Forest is of course best known for its’ ponies but in Autumn, you will often see pigs too. New Forest Commoners live in land or property with ‘Rights of Common’ attached and one of these is ‘Common of Mast’ otherwise known as Pannage. This entitles New Forest Commoners to turn out their pigs to feed on acorns, providing a source of food for them but also reducing the number of acorns which can be toxic for ponies and deer. The high quality of pork from the New Forest forms the basis for the Hampshire Haslet, a traditional dish, made from minced pork, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, in a pastry crust.
The Wickham Horse Fair is much older, dating back to 1269 and is thought to be one of the oldest horse fairs in England. Traditionally taking place on 20th or 21st May, the travelling community come to Wickham to race their horses as well as trade them, and there is usually a funfair and market in the village square. It is a Charter Fair, granted a Royal Charter by King Henry III and there were other similar charters granted for fairs across Hampshire in Alton, Petersfield and Alresford.
On the third Sunday in May the Alresford Watercress Festival takes place with street markets, food, falconry, cookery and of course a chance to celebrate all things Watercress! Wild watercress is typically found in fast flowing chalk streams so is common in Hampshire (along with Dorset and Wiltshire). There are many watercress beds around Alresford, hence the name given to the Watercress Steam Train Line that runs between Alresford and Alton. A relatively new addition to the Watercress Line experiences are their Real Ale Trains (RAT) which showcase local breweries.
The chalk substrate found in Hampshire is the same as that found in Champagne. Our changing climate with warmer temperatures in southern England means that there are now over 40 vineyards across the county and far from being the cottage industry it once was, Hampshire Wine is now a well-respected product with local vineyards taking turns to host an annual ‘Fizz Fest’ in Summer, showcasing the most prestigious brands.
With Easter now behind us and (hopefully!) warmer days ahead, I hope you find time to enjoy some of our local fairs, foods and drinks. There are of course, many more than those mentioned here so if you would like to tell us about any Hampshire traditions that we may not be aware of, then do please email us. It would be especially interesting to hear about any upcoming events where the VCSE sector will be taking part, maybe in your local village hall? Do let us know!
