Alresford Watercress Festival

30/06/2026

Giving Back to Our Community

One of the things that makes the Alresford Watercress Festival so special is that every visit helps support our local community.

We are absolutely delighted to announce that over £15,000 has been donated to local charities, clubs, schools and community organisations following this year's festival – including more than £8,000 for Abby's Heroes. 💜

This incredible achievement is only possible because of the support we receive from our visitors, traders, sponsors and everyone who chooses to park in one of our festival car parks. Income generated from parking, trader pitch fees and sponsorship is reinvested back into making the festival happen and, most importantly, into supporting the organisations that make our community such a wonderful place to live.

To be able to return over £15,000 to local causes is a phenomenal achievement for a not-for-profit community festival, and it simply wouldn't be possible without you.

To everyone who visited, volunteered, traded, sponsored or supported the festival in any way – thank you. Every pitch booked and every parking space used has helped make a real difference.

Together, we're not just celebrating watercress – we're investing in our community.

26/05/2026

Still thinking about the festival ....check out the moments of fame on This Morning. Thank you to the team there for sharing the VT.

Check out the footage of Phil Vickery taking on the champ!

23/05/2026

As well as raising awareness of the wonderful crop, the Watercress Festival Committee aim to raise funds for local charities. Since the festival started, 22 years ago, the festival has raised a whopping £109,260.70 for charity.

20/05/2026

With over 70 donated prizes this years raffle was a great success. If you won a prize you will have been contacted on the number you left with the team.

Top prizes went to the following ticket numbers :

04603 - £500
03390 - The Grange Tour
03435 - Lexus Picnic Hamper
02359 - Louis Pommery Tour
06538 - Yeti Cool Box

18/05/2026

BARTERS BEST USE OF WATERCRESS COMPETITION WINNERS
Due to the number of entries this year the judging was split in into 2 categories - Food and Craft

FOOD CATERGORY

Winner
Bon + Rose with their Watercress Lime Sorbet. A delicious smooth gelato, watercress peppery flavours with a hint of lime.

Runner Up
Steam Train BBQ Watercress "Hot" Sauce. Great sauce smooth with a kick of chili and garlic enhancing the robust taste of the watercress. The steam train label design was a great link with the product and the watercress line.

Highly Commended
Two + One Olive Oil with a fabulous cake - simply lovely.

CRAFT CATERGORY

Winner
Sew +Sew Crochet with a gorgeous Watercress Plushie. A replica complete crochet plant pot, with watercress plant, smiley face.

Runner Up
Will and Dusk a beautiful painting – featuring aspects of Alresford – Steam train, +watercress

17/05/2026

Keep an eye on your surroundings while you’re out and about today.

Trust your instincts. If you see anything that doesn’t feel right report it to a AWF Team member, security, a police officer or online at gov.uk/ACT

In an emergency call 999.

17/05/2026

And we’re off

17/05/2026

Calling all cycling visitors - for your safety and that of our other visitors you MUST dismount when approaching the festival and push your bike through the town.

Road closure orders are in place from 6:00am.

16/05/2026

Please be aware that photography and filming will be taking place during the festival.

By attending, you may appear in images or video used in national and local media coverage, on social media, and across festival marketing materials including our website.