Another weekend equals another Food Festival. If you love food, the Bournemouth Area does not disappoint. This weekend, there are two to choose from; Poole Seafood Festival and Christchurch Food Festival. I have opted for Christchurch for two reasons; 1) I’m a vegetarian and 2) last year, it was the first event I attended post-lockdown, so a visit is surprisingly nostalgic.

This year’s festival has been extended to cover the entire Jubilee Holiday weekend, running from Thursday to Sunday on the Quay in Christchurch (otherwise known as The Quomps). Entry is free.

There are plenty of food and drink stalls where you can taste and buy produce, as well as street food, bars, cooking demonstrations, live music and entertainment.

Choosing a time to visit is tricky, as the weekend weather is looking changeable, but we think we have found a sunny interlude amongst the showers.

Having read that the Festival is expecting 60,000 visitors over the weekend, we assume that parking is likely to be tricky. Last year, we ended up parking a mile from the venue. So, as we only live two miles away, we opt to walk.

Upon arrival, first things first, a quick drink is required to quench the thirst after walking to Christchurch. A visit to the wine marquee is therefore in order.

Usually, I just enjoy wandering and randomly browsing the food stalls, but with visitors due for the weekend, first stop (or second if you count the wine bar) is one of my favourites; the Isle of Wight Garlic Farm to purchase garlic mayonnaise for a Bank Holiday barbecue. There is quite a choice, but we settle on the Toasted Garlic Mayo.

Garlic Mayo mission accomplished, the rest of the morning can revert to aimless wandering, sampling/buying the goodies on offer and watching some cooking demos.

In addition to cooking demonstrations, there is plenty of other entertainment. The schedule contains a diverse selection of local music and dance; bands, choirs, musical theatre, belly dancing… There’s also a sheep show with sheering demonstrations and a Circus Skills Workshop. There’s something for everyone to ensure an enjoyable day out. I shall certainly be back again next year…