It is a celebration of the benefits to our health and wellbeing of gardening for all ages, healthy eating, inspiring speakers, learning new creative skills, enjoying music plus a wonderful array of children’s’ activities – in the most welcoming environment, the grounds of beautiful Bere Mill on the River Test. The Festival promotes all that is great about Hampshire, from food and drink suppliers to music, workshops and demonstrations, plant experts and nurseries.
As well as a truly memorable, fun and informative experience all the money raised is going to the North Hampshire Medical Fund which supports local hospitals and patients in Winchester, Andover and Basingstoke. The goal was to raise £18,923 for a State-of-the-art Laparoscopic Simulator and Mobile Camera/Monitor System for Gynaecology, General Surgery and Urology at Basingstoke Hospital and as headline sponsors, JM Finn were delighted that the target was exceeded this year.
The event started with a gala evening on the Saturday night the highlight of which was Alan Titchmarsh in conversation with journalist and editor, Philip Geddes. Click here to read more about this.
With more than 2,000 visitors on a glorious June weekend the event featured a variety of local stall holders, demonstrations, workshops, a dog show and a series of talks from speakers including Lucinda Miller, Jane Owen, Lally Snow and Elodie Stanley. There was also a gardener’s question time panel chaired by former Radio 4 host, Stefan Buczacki.
