The Watercress Festival

This nationally acclaimed annual festival attracts thousands of visitors to New Alresford in Hampshire to celebrate all things watercress. The streets of this Georgian town are closed to traffic  to transform the heart of the town into a family friendly free (*parking charges apply) festival.  

From street markets, food & drink stalls, cookery demonstrations with renown world class chefs, the Hampshire Farmers Market, a  "Kids Zone" featuring Falcon Displays and Circus Skills, there really is something for everyone. For many the highlight of the day is Watercress Eating Championship which takes place at 15:00 on the main stage - a must see event hosted by our very own redoubtable Paul Rees keeping the participants in order and the crowd in stitches.

The festival opens at 10:00 and closes at 16:00, with the streets of New Alresford being returned to normal within a few hours.