What a cornucopia of events there is to choose from in 2023. The box office is now open at Devizes Books, or online.
More stalls than ever before, music and a Wadworth pop up pub with traditional food and games. Shop, graze on delicious street food, play skittles, and enjoy the music of The Decades.
Wadworth are Co-Headline sponsors of the Festival
Food has never sounded so good! A three course meal to music, each course introduced and ingredients serenaded by epicurean musicians James Ure and Herbie Flavours, including the debut of one song specially written for this festival.
James and Herbie are on a journey around the UK spreading their love of music and food with you all.
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Hillworth ParkIf you go down to the park today, you’re sure to have fun and games. And colouring. And stories. And songs. And a yummy teddy-themed picnic! Bring your special teddy and an adult to make sure teddy behaves.
A guest announces that they are vegan – what to cook? Come and explore a couple of amazing dishes that would fit the bill. Part demo, part hands-on and stay for a delicious lunch. Soft drink included.
WoodboroughA retro two course lunch in Le Marché, Woodborough, surrounded by antiques, curiosities and crafts. Eat, drink, and maybe a little light shopping? The emporium includes stalls from local craftspeople, so there is plenty to see.
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With cryptic questions loosely connected to Food and Drink, this is a firm fixture at the Festival. If you instantly realise ‘Punch Moll has Gun’ is not a different outcome for seaside puppets but an anagram of Ploughman’s Lunch, this is the quiz for you. Nibbles will be provided to feed the brain cells.
Access is up two flights of stairs, no lift.
Described by Yotam Ottolenghi as ‘the ultimate food scholar’ Bee Wilson will be in conversation with Xanthe Clay (Telegraph food columnist) about her first cookery book ‘The Secret of Cooking – Recipes for an easier life in the Kitchen’. Coffee,home made cake, and some tasters of Bee’s recipes will be served.
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‘Saxon Forager’ Craig Brooks will introduce you to Viking and Anglo Saxon age cuisine, with demonstrations of recipes from his book. As seen on Channel 5’s The Vikings this summer. There will be a chance to sample some of the dishes.
Who doesn’t love the iconic British pud? Start with a small savoury, but the main event is a selection of six traditional of puddings [served with lashings of custard of course]. Try each of the puds and vote for your favourite!
AllingtonA two-course lunch in a light-filled, purpose built dance and exercise studio. Hear about ballet dancer Lotte Berk’s “ultimate design in body exercise”. Leotards and leggings optional!
This event sponsored by 
Learn about tea, quiz about tea, and blend your own tea – prizes for the best quizzers and blenders. The winning blend will be served in Tea Inc for a month! Tea, coffee and cake will be provided.
After a cocktail, be conducted on a tour of Spain, with readings from Cervantes, Laurie Lee and more. A fine meal that says Viva España will include a wonderful selection of tapas, an authentic main course, and dessert involving naranjas.
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St John’s Church Bell Tower Imagine yourself a campanologist in the Bell Ringers’ room in St John’s Bell Tower. A two course lunch in a very special place, with a short talk on the fascinating wall carvings Difficult steep stairs, so unsuitable for those with mobility problem
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A murder from the 1990s is still unsolved. Can you work out who dunnit, over a delicious three course meal? The All Cannings Players present Treachery Unearthed in a night of spying, drama and death. There’s a prize for the amateur sleuth whose little grey cells are in top working order.
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The last word in food quizzes. Three course lunch, where you will be asked to identify ingredients, as well as other food related quiz rounds including pictures. Soft drinks will be served. Tables of 4
Because all guests need to be eating the same dishes for quizzing purposes, we regret we cannot cater for special diets at this event.
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MelkshamLearn the story behind the newest Wiltshire Gin and Rum distillery and hear about the new Wiltshire Whisky. This spirit, lovingly crafted by owner Andrew Wilson, is still in the barrel and will be available in 2026. Taste the variety of gins and rum currently produced by Ten Hides, and see where it is produced. Accompanying nibbles included
Enjoy a dinner party in a private home – but you will only be told where you are going a day or two before. Hosts will serve an aperitif and at least three courses. This is always popular – look at the feedback we have had: ‘Bob and Jen were excellent hosts, and the meal delicious’, ‘fabulous food and great company!’, and ‘a lovely meal in the company of an interesting mix of people’.
Maximum of two tickets per booking, and singletons very welcome.
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Join the wonderful chef/forager/fermenter Alex McAllister-Lunt and full-time forager, part time fermenting experimentalist Rob Gould, to cut through the mysteries of lactofermentation and master the nuances of making your own artisan-style vinegars, including some vinegar and a lactoferment to take home.
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Alex and Rob will introduce you to Koji, the organism behind miso, soy sauce, mirin and sake. There are all sorts of variations round the world, and you will taste samples, and make some of your own to take away.
Prohibition is in place, but sneak down to the shooting range for cocktails in a hidden bunker. Cheese and charcuterie platters, and three drinks included. If you need more, smuggle in your own disguised as soda pop. 1920s dress if you wish. Dancing to some 1920’s jazz.
Ten Hides will be offering tastings of their gin and rum. Some bottles available for purchase.
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Enjoy the flavours of the world, for just 50p a taste. Come with us from Austria to Zimbabwe, exploring real home cooking from local residents who have far flung roots. New countries cooking this year include Brazil, Korea and Bulgaria.
Each nationality prepares about 100 sample portions. Service starts at 12.30 and continues until the food runs out. The early bird catches their choice!
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Treat your dog(s) to an hour long guided walk on the downs above Horton, ending with a sumptuous picnic tea (in barn if wet). Dogs get a party bag to take home. Leads required, particularly when walking through fields with livestock.