Preparations are well under way for the 2010 Hampton Food and Arts Festival, with organisers expecting a bumper crowd to share in the tiny village’s annual celebration of seasonal food and local culture. With little more than a month until the event kicks off on Sunday May 16, organising committee chair Kerri Seccombe is more excited than ever about the potential of this year’s event.
“Quality, seasonal food will again be the star of the show,” says Kerri, “but this year we’ve recognised that people are more aware than ever about the importance of where their food is grown and how it’s cooked. Worldwide, there’s a trend toward local, sustainably grown food and this year’s Festival will reflect this movement.” Fresh fruit and vegetables sourced from the Hampton district’s famous red soils will be featured in a series of cooking demonstrations by acclaimed Queensland chefs, Matt Golinski and Alistair McLeod. Well known for their television appearances, Golinski and McLeod share a passion for using in-season produce in their recipes, and are expected to keep the crowd entertained with their combination of expertise and lively banter.
To further celebrate the local food theme, Matt Golinski will present an introduction to the international Slow Food movement. Kerri Seccombe said that this is a new feature of this year’s Festival.
“Matt has a long involvement with the Noosa Slow Food convivium, and we’re excited that he’s agreed to present the Slow Food concept and its principles of growing and eating food that is good clean and fair.
We’re hopeful that the 2010 Hampton Festival will see the birth of a High Country Slow Food convivium and will be encouraging Festival goers to express their interest at a special Slow Food display,” said Seccombe.
In addition to the food focus, the Hampton Festival will offer plenty for those simply seeking a great day out in the high country. A diverse array of restaurants and wineries will offer freshly cooked meals throughout the day, and two stages of live music, headlined by jazz diva Grace Knight, will keep toes tapping. Kids are well catered for by a newly built playground and children’s entertainment precinct.
The 2010 Hampton Food and Arts Festival will be held on Sunday May 16 in Chapman Park, Hampton. Gates open at 9.30am and entry is $10 (under 12’s free). A free bus service will run from Toowoomba and Highfields to Chapman Park courtesy of Bus Queensland Toowoomba, check times and lots of other info at the Festival website, www.hamptonfestival.com.
For more information contact Kerri Seccombe, Marketing and Publicity, Hampton Food & Arts Festival on (07) 4697 9066 or info@hamptonfestival.com.
