OUR SPONSORS
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival CIC is a not-for-profit organisation. Our success is down to the amazing support that we receive from our sponsors and volunteers. So we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all those organisations who invest time and money into making our festival a fantastic event for the whole community.
PLATINUM
SILVER BRONZE
Directors
Mary Reader (Chair)
Simon Stewart
Loz Walters
Eliot Walker
Colin Nash
Tracy Minson
Organising
Katya Benedetto
Sarah Bolter
Julie Hebdidge
Jon Hughes
Sarah Hughes
Venetia Randall
Mel Ross
Pat
Richard
Pulford
Burton
3rd
Tina Jaffray
WELCOME TO THE HIGHCLIFFE FOOD & ARTS FESTIVAL 2026
After the huge success of last year and having been presented with a silver award yet again in the competition for best event in the BCP area, the team have been working hard to bring you another festival. We have been sad to say goodbye to Tina Jaffray who chaired last year’s event. She has contributed so much over the years that she has been involved. However, we have increased our team with more volunteers, to hopefully secure the future. We partner with Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council, who support us financially, and this year we are welcoming Meadens Omoda Jaecoo as our headline sponsors. They will be showcasing four of their cars on the Green. Also back are many other sponsors who have supported us for several years.
For the first time we have teamed up with Macmillan Caring Locally as our charity partners, and are supporting their new project of ‘Hospice at Home’. They will be collecting during the festival and as we are still a free-to-enter event, we hope you will be generous with your donations.
We are thrilled to welcome back over one hundred and fifty food, drink and craft stallholders and are particularly proud of the food and drink artisan traders, who are managed by 33rd Management, and our sixty-four craft stalls, specially curated by The Little Craft Shack, one of whom will be ‘Beyond Brushes by Annie,’ who has created our wonderful programme cover for us.
Our cookery theatre, Mary’s Kitchen, sponsored by Portman Stone, has a stellar line up and for the first time is hosting a cocktail masterclass with
tasters! TV’s Bake Off star Nelly Ghaffar is back, and other demonstrators will cover subjects from Vegan to Vietnamese. Leading local chefs are taking part from our best restaurants. Sponsor Colin Nash and our local butcher, Joe Willoughby, will be showcasing the best meat dishes.
Our range of children’s activities includes the popular Circus School, Grow Your Own, Biscuits by Sarah B, and craft sessions run by the Guides. The Bubbleologist and Chefs on Stilts will also be back, keeping our younger visitors happy.
As you walk through the stalls, be sure to stop by the three music stages organised by the very skilled musician Sarah Bolter. With a jazz-to-soul theme running throughout, and a sprinkling of musical theatre, we are delighted to welcome back Swing Unlimited, Highcliffe School, The Fifinellas and many other groups, both professional and amateur.
We are also grateful to the Highcliffe Businesses, such as The Globe, Tesco’s and Brearley House, who allow us to use their car parks and help with storage, both before and during the festival. Special thanks must also go to the many residents living near to the festival, who change their routines to keep us safe by parking their cars elsewhere, due to the road closure.
There will be regular updates on our website, Facebook and Instagram pages so please check those for any changes we may have to make.
The Directors and Committee
Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival CIC
HIGHCLIFFE & WALKFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council are proud that we were able to support the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival this year with a grant to ensure its continued success. This event is pivotal in bringing a much needed boost, not only to businesses in Highcliffe, but to raise the profile of our village as a vibrant and welcoming community.
The Parish Council delivers a range of services on behalf of the community. The council provides allotments, sports pitches with pavilions and owns and manages two nature reserves: Nea Meadows and Lakewood. We also provide consultation on planning applications and grants to community organisations.
For more information on the work we do, take a look at our websitehttps://highcliffewalkford-pc.gov.uk/ Or look at the notice in Highcliffe Library for details of our meetings
OUR CHOSEN CHEFS
Mat Follas – MD of Mûre Liqueurs
Mat won the TV series BBC Masterchef in 2009, then opened his first restaurant, It was awarded 2 AA Rosettes and was recommended in the Good Food Guide. Mat is now focused on making some of the best liqueurs and spirits available from his distillery in Dorchester, as well as running foraging days. He often judges cookery competitions and is a regular judge on Masterchef and at the Great Taste Awards.
Colin Nash – Proprietor of Colin Nash Restaurant, Hinton
Award-winning Colin is a passionate supporter of local farmers, fishermen, producers and suppliers of seasonal fresh food. He supports sustainable marine practices, by offering line-caught fish, and hosting Christchurch Harbour’s clean water campaign. He opened his restaurant at the Retreat three years ago and much of his food and drink comes from the Hinton Estate.
James and Erika Golding
James fulfils multiple roles and is chef-director of Rockwater restaurants. He is also head of education at the Table Talk Foundation and is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, as well as Food Ambassador for the New Forest Marque and Dorset Food and Drink. James is a regular on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and will be joined on stage by his lovely wife Erika.
Nelly Ghaffar – TV personality and author
Nelly Ghaffar was catapulted into the public eye after competing on the Great British Bake Off in 2025, where her infectious personality captured the hearts of the viewers. Since the show, Nelly has created a loyal fan base with over 254K followers on her social media channels. She has now published her first book ‘Be Free’ which will be available at the festival.
Ryan Smith – MD of Veil Speakeasy
With a lifelong career in the hospitality industry, Ryan has dedicated his craft to the art of mixology—creating memorable drinking experiences through balance, flavour, and technique. He is the founder of The Veil, a local bottled cocktail brand created to bring bar-quality drinks beyond the bar.
OUR CHOSEN CHEFS
Alex Aitken – Proprietor of The Jetty and Consultant Director to Harbour Group of hotels
Multiple award winner Alex, opened his first restaurant Le Poussin in Brockenhurst in 1983. He later opened Whitley Ridge in the New Forest, where he won a Michelin star, championing seasonal and local produce from the very beginning. The Jetty Restaurant in Mudeford is the flagship restaurant in this area and seen as the special place for excellent food with wonderful views.
Charles
Lebas
– Proprietor of Bistro My Way
Originally from Normandy, Charles is renowned for his authentic French bistro in the heart of Highcliffe. The cosy atmosphere and excellent food have made it a hugely popular venue with locals and visitors alike. Charles has lived in Highcliffe for twenty years and worked at the renowned Jetty and Pebble Beach restaurants before opening his own business.
Vito and Francesca Capozza – Da Vito, Old Milton
Having taken retirement from running the very popular Il Palio in Brockenhurst, Vito was celebrating his 70th birthday with the family, when it was decided that he would open another restaurant with his daughter Francesca and their family. Da Vito has become one of the most popular eateries in the area, offering traditional Italian favourites with a twist.
Magda Zuber - Vegan Magda Bespoke Catering, for weddings and events
Magda specialises in running weddings and events, and also runs cookery courses. With a dash of humour and a commitment to sustainability, she brings her love of plant-based cooking and travelinspired recipes to life. Each story and recipe reflects her adventures, the wisdom of those she has met along the way, and a belief in making compassionate choices.
OUR CHOSEN CHEFS
Gerard Molloy - Lead chef at the Cookery School at the Chewton Glen
Gerard is a highly qualified chef and winner of the Irish Young Chef award. He has over fifteen years’ experience working in top restaurants across Ireland and the UK. He is now teaching a selection of courses that bring an international flavour to The Kitchen Cookery School, such as Italian Classics, Southeast Asian Street Food, Middle Eastern cuisine, and much more!
Joe Willoughby – Proprietor of Butcher Joe’s, Highcliffe
Joe’s career began at a young age with local Dorset butchers, followed by positions in London where he honed his techniques supplying meat to high-profile restaurants and chefs. His shop emphasises locally sourced produce, where he can ensure traceability from farm to plate, fostering high standards of animal welfare and will be open throughout the festival.
Octavian Cote – Head chef of The Oaks, Pub Brasserie
Octavian was born in Romania and has worked in a wide range of kitchens, from Michelin-starred restaurants to small privately owned businesses. He has also spent time working in food development, creating menus and training teams. He will be bringing a team of chefs to the festival to share the range of affordable but delicious dishes on offer at The Oaks.
Rosie Nguyen – Proprietor of Vietrose Restaurant in Bournemouth
Rosie came to Bournemouth over 20 years ago from Hai Phong in Northern Vietnam. She feels confident that Vietnamese food is among the very best cuisines the world over. Rosie now has a small restaurant, where she offers home style cooking in Winton, Bournemouth, and looks forward to bringing the taste and soul of Viet’s food to the stage at the festival.
HFAF 2026 COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS
Sponsored by Portman Stone
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE
2026
Time Demonstrator Theme
SUNDAY
14TH JUNE 2026
Time Demonstrator Theme
11.00am
12.00noon
James and Erica Golding
1.00pm
Colin Nash Colin Nash Restaurant at the Retreat
Sharing their secrets from their Tuscan hideaway
Join this awardwinning chef showcasing local produce from Boat to Forest
11.00am
12.00noon
Chef Colin Nash and Joe Willoughby from Butcher Joe’s
Francesca and Vito Capozza from Da Vito Trattoria
New Milton
Proudly presenting delicious meats from our local butcher
A traditional Italian Feast with a twist from this very popular trattoria
2.00pm
Ryan Harris-Smith Veil Speakeasy
Nelly Ghaffar Contestant from the Great British Bake Off
A cocktail Masterclass with tasters!
Back for a joyful cooking session and launching her new book ‘Be Free’
1.00pm
Magda Zuber plant based food lover and chef
Sharing the secrets of creative vegan cookery
2.00pm
Rosie Nguyen from Vietrose in Winton The secrets of colourful Vietnamese cooking
3.00pm
Mat Follas Mûre Liqueurs 2009 Masterchef winner
Using liqueurs to create sumptuous recipes
3.00pm
Octavian Cote Executive chef
The Oaks
The Oaks proudly presents their seasonal menus
4.00pm
Gerard Molloy Chewton Glen Kitchen Cookery School Delicious Pan Asian cooking
4.00pm
Alex Aitken
Chef proprietor the Jetty and Charles Lebas Bistro My Way
This skilled duo present the Jetty meets the Bistro
THE LITTLE CRAFT SHACK
The Little Craft Shack is delighted to be part of the annual Highcliffe Food & Arts family festival for another year.
For the weekend, we have curated a wonderful selection of Arts & Crafts with over 60 stalls including ceramics, woodwork, fused glass, artwork, jewellery, photography, mosaics, macrame and clothing, all handmade by local artists. This free family festival is a favourite of ours as it seamlessly blends great local producers & top chefs
alongside some of the finest local creatives. On this page we share with you a fantastic selection of some of the Arts & Crafts that will be available at this year’s festival.
We hope a stroll around The Arts & Crafts Village on Highcliffe Recreation Ground will leave you feeling inspired.
AT OUR FAMILY EVENT, THERE ARE NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES TO ENJOY, SO PLAN FOR A GREAT DAY OUT.
Circus Skills – The everpopular Circus Skills workshops are back on The Green all weekend! Have a go at juggling balls and scarves, hula hooping, diabolos, plate spinning and much more. These colourful and fun sessions are unique, engaging, and help to cultivate mindfulness while boosting self-esteem. Learning new circus skills is incredibly rewarding and gives a real sense of achievement.
HUMAN FRUIT MACHINE – Macmillian Caring Locally ROLL UP, ROLL UP… THE HUMAN FRUIT MACHINE IS BACK!
We’re so excited to bring our legendary Human Fruit Machine to the Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival — and trust us, you won’t miss it! Our amazing Macmillan volunteers will be front and centre, ready to dazzle with their energy, enthusiasm, and questionable dance moves! Hit the buzzer! Watch our volunteers throw some serious shapes!
See what fruity combos they pull from the baskets.
Make a match = WIN A PRIZE!
We’ve got goodies for lucky winners, including our adorable Mac Monkey cuddly toy, and plenty of lollipops for the kids (and the notsokids)
A game of pure chance, laughter, and silliness for all ages — come and have a go!
Chefs on Stilts – Chefs Stilton and Sue Fley will once again be elevating the fun at this year’s festival thanks to https://higherbeingscircus.co.uk/ A great photo opportunity for all the family
Face painting – on the Green and by Tesco (fee applies) Bubbleologist - come to the High Street to see amazing bubble displays and have some brilliant bubble fun. Don’t forget our play park, perfect for anyone wanting to run off some excess energy, and our Children’s Tent, where you can meet the local Guiding leadership team and enjoy a range of fun craft activities.
Don’t forget our play park for all those wanting to run off some excess energy
Highcliffe and Walkford in Bloom present
GROW YOUR OWN ON THE GREEN
TWO FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES:
Pot your very own vegetable to take home, nurture and cook. Beans or Sunflowers. Make a birdfeeder to encourage visitors into your garden. Limited availability - Free of charge
We are a group of local residents who are passionate about making our local area a better place to live. Join us on 10th May, 17th June or 7th & 9th July – Meeting outside Tesco at 9.30am
Check out the Website for more info https://highcliffeandwalkfordinbloom.co.uk/
The Old School, 254-256 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, BH23 5ET
JOIN SARAH B TO DECORATE YOUR OWN SET OF MINI BISCUITS.
SESSIONS FOR 8-11 YEAR OLDS
SATURDAY
10.30am – 11.30am 2pm – 2.45pm
SUNDAY 10.30am – 12pm | 1.15pm – 2pm 2.15pm Free – Have – a – go session
Kawaii Cuties Themed Biscuits – basically cute biscuits with faces on!! PRICES ARE £8 (45 MINS) | £10 (1 HOUR) | £12.50 (90 MINS)
If your child is aged 5 – 7 years, please ensure an adult stays with them to assist if necessary.
https://www.biscuitsbysarahb.co.uk/product-category/biscuit-decorating-classes/
ENTERTAINMENT
SATURDAY 13TH JUNE 2026
Recreation Ground
10.00am-10.45am Christchurch Music Centre led by Emily Neagle-www.christchurchmusiccentre.co.uk - for players under 18. If you play 5 notes or more drop in to Godfirst Church Saturday mornings.
11.00am-11.45am Highcliffe School led by Richard Bannister Various student ensembles –follow on @HighcliffeMusic
12.00pm-12.45pm Barton Court Studios
Performing Arts Kids 5-16yrs www.bartoncourtstudios.co.uk/07957425194/bartoncourtstudios@outlook.com
1.30pm-3.00pm Swing Unlimited Big Band www.subb.co.uk /Swing Unlimited’s No1 Big Band!
3.30pm-5.00pm Sarah Bolter & Not Just Sax guest singer Karl Charity (Sax-vocal led jazz/funk band) www.sarahbolter.co.uk/07867567194/sarahbolter@hotmail.com
Tesco Express
10.00am-10.45am Barton Court Studios (adult show choir) www.bartoncourtstudios.co.uk/07957425194/bartoncourtstudios@outlook.com
11.00am-11.30am Highcliffe Charity Players info@highcliffecharityplayers.com/Pete-07887774395
12.30pm-2.00pm Solstice (Piano/ Vocals Jazz duo) Saul Hughes-07950525230/sauljhughes9999@gmail.com
2.30pm-4.00pm Celtic Confusion (Celtic/Folk) www.celticconfusion.co.uk/gillthefiddle@hotmail.co.uk
4.30pm-5.00pm Highcliffe Charity Players info@highcliffecharityplayers.com/Pete-07887774395
The Clock Stage - High Street
10.00am-11.30am Karl Lattimer (singer/pianist) karl@karllattimermusic.co.uk – 01929 556432/07582728362
11.45am-1.15pm Karl Charity (singer/trumpet) Klcmusic@Karlcharity.co.uk– www.karlcharity.co.uk/07885672404
1.30pm-3.00pm Susie Kimber duo (singer-Jazz/pop/soul) www.susiekimbermusic.co.uk/susiekimbermusic@gmail.com/07771822085
3.30pm-5.00pm Polly Morris (singer/guitarist) pollymorrismusic@gmail.com/pollymorrismusic.co.uk/07809329896
ENTERTAINMENT
SUNDAY 14TH JUNE 2026
Recreation Ground
10.00am-11.00am Christchurch Vintage Brass Band Vintagebrass.co.uk MD-Steve Chislett
12.00pm-1.00pm Changing Colours Jazz Orchestra
Brent Vaughan-brentvaughan7@gmail.com/07836264215
1.00pm-2.00pm Funky J Fitness Funkyjfitness.co.uk/Julie House
2.00pm-3.00pm Changing Colours Jazz Orchestra
Brent Vaughan-brentvaughan7@gmail.com/07836264215
3.45pm-5.00pm LOOSE CHIPPINGS (Pop classics from 60’s to present day) @loosechippings25/holmanp@sky.com
Tesco Express
10.00am-11.30am Swing Unlimited Community Big Band- Subb2 www.subb.co.uk –MD Patrick Peiro -amateur musicians of all ages from the local community
12.00pm-1.00pm The Fifinellas (vocal group) www.thefifinellas.com/fifinellas24@gmail.com/07766517762
1.15pm-1.45pm Ska Contingent SKAcontingent@hotmail.com/www.facebook.com/TheSKAcontingent
2.15pm-3.00pm The 147 CHOIR Julz500@hotmail.co.uk/07791024314/Julie Staines
3.30pm-4.45pm The Charlotte Leighton Duo (acoustic pop/rock guitar & vocal covers) cevoicecoaching@gmail.com/@charlotteelizabethvoice (FB)/@charlotteelizabethvoice_ (IG)
The Clock Stage - High Street
10.30am-11.30am The Ragtime Revellers (Good time traditional jazz) Becs1993@outlook.com/www.ragtimerevellers.co.uk/07716816126
12.00pm-1.30pm David Mein (singer/guitarist) www.davidmeinmusic.com/david_mein@hotmail.com/07950532250
2.00pm-3.15pm The Fifinellas (vocal group) www.thefifinellas.com/fifinellas24@gmail.com/07766517762
3.45pm-5.00pm Forest Saxophone Quartet Contact Helen – 07709988555/helenjcornford@gmail.com
HOW TO FIND US
We encourage festival visitors to leave the car at home and travel to the festival via Bus, Train, or Bike
‘You can get to Highcliffe over the festival weekend on Morebus routes 81 and 82. These routes can drop you a short walk away and are now running more frequently on Sundays. Single fares are £3 or less and dayriders and group tickets may offer even better value. Download the Morebus app today to plan your journey, buy tickets and track your bus in live time.’
Step 1 - Download the app to find your nearest vehicle. There are hundreds located across towns and cities.
Step 2 - Find your bike and tap to unlock. Off you go! Step 3 - When you get to where you’re going, park up in one of the designated Beryl bays and enjoy the festival.
Leave the car at home to reduce your carbon emissions by two-thirds. Hop on board to Hinton Admiral Station. From there, it’s just a 20-minute walk to the Festival Area — or you can take a train to a nearby station and take the bus: Christchurch Station: Walk to Fairmile and catch the 81/82 bus towards Lymington or New Milton Station: Walk to Whitefield Road and catch the 81/82 bus towards Bournemouth
CLIFF TOP CAR PARK Disabled parking
594 spaces | Waterford Road, Highcliffe. BH23 5DF
What3words: ///mountains.helpfully.tools
Card, phone, cash, online/app, Pay by phone / Just Park / RingGo https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/parking/find-a-car-park/highcliffecliff-top-car-park | Charging points: 6 | Disabled spaces: 26 on website Please park responsibly in the area.
You can find all the local traffic restrictions by entering BH23 5ET into the search box - https://bcp.traffweb.app/traffweb/1/ Parking&trafficrestrictions
Blue Badge holders, please refrain from parking in Waterford Road or Wharncliffe Road while the traffic diversion is in operation. There is some disabled parking in Wortley Road and Cliff Top Car Park
Please note Parking Bays in Wharncliffe Road and Waterford Road have been suspended from Friday 12th June – Sunday 14th June to allow smooth running of diversion traffic
