A BASINGSTOKE shopping centre will soon be hosting an event ideal for foodies.

Festival Place has partnered with Hampshire Fare, organisers of the Hampshire Food Festival, for an artisan food market.

The market will be held today (Thursday) and tomorrow (Friday) in the amphitheatre outside Vue cinema.

An official opening ceremony will take place at 10am today when deputy mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Onnalee Cubitt will welcome the producers to Basingstoke.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager at Hampshire Fare, said: “Hampshire Fare is really excited to be working closely with Festival Place to bring tempting flavours of local food and drink to shoppers, workers and residents in the area.

“The first event, the Amphitheatre Artisan Fare, will showcase local gins, jams, honey, cheese, beer and more all made here in Hampshire. Come along and discover more.”

Some of the producers involved are Mortimer Chocolates, Bee Good, Penton Park Brewery, Hill Farm Juice, Gorilla Spirits and Andwells.

Neil Churchill, centre director at Festival Place, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been given this opportunity to collaborate with Hampshire Fare for an event that champions local producers and supports the invaluable work that they do.

“As a key sponsor we are looking forward to working closely with the team at Hampshire Fare and hoping this will be one of many events that we will be hosting at Festival Place over the next few years.

“We look forward to growing our relationship with Hampshire Fare.”

The July-long Hampshire Food Festival is organised by Hampshire Fare, a non-profit organisation working closely with over 400 businesses, supporting producers, retailers and chefs throughout the county.