Excitement is building at Hampton as the high country village counts down to its 10th anniversary Hampton Food and Arts Festival. Organisers are putting the finishing touches on the May 20 event, which is expected to attract more than 4,000 visitors keen to enjoy the food, wine, music, art and unique country atmosphere under the eucalypts in Chapman Park.
Organising committee chairperson Kerri Seccombe said that there will be plenty on offer to satisfy visitors on Festival day.
“Foodies are well catered for this year. Our guest chefs Dominique Rizzo and Dan Boller will be running cooking demos all day, and our enhanced Festival Market Place will be offering a huge range of locally grown produce. Plus visitors have more than 50 winery, restaurant and market stalls to choose from, with everything from chardonnay to chevon tempting people’s palates.”
Ms Seccombe said one of the highlights of this year’s event will be internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter-guitarist Jeff Lang, who is headlining an exciting music program.
“Rolling Stone magazine described Jeff as Australia’s best roots-music artisan, so we’re really proud to be able to bring a musician of such quality to Hampton,” said Ms Seccombe. “He’ll be well supported by a line-up of Queensland based performers including Danny Widdicombe, Innes Campbell, and Dana Hassall.”
Arts enthusiasts haven’t been forgotten at this year’s Hampton Festival. According to Ms Seccombe, the Hampton Art Exhibition that runs in conjunction with the Festival has received a record number of entries.
“Painting, drawing, sculpture and photography will be on show, and our four Artists In Residence will keep the crowds enthralled with their amazing skills. Plus there’s still a few places available in our Saturday workshops, which will explore a range of botanical themes. Bookings can be made by visiting our website.”
The Hampton Food and Arts Festival, made possible with the support of Heritage Bank Community Branches and Toowoomba Regional Council, opens at 9.30am on Sunday May 20, in Chapman Park, adjacent to the New England Highway. Entry is $10 (under 12’s free) and a free bus service will run from Toowoomba and Highfields courtesy of Bus Queensland Toowoomba. Check times and details at the website, www.hamptonfestival.com
