The Forde Abbey Summer Fair, set in the beautiful award-winning gardens founded by Cistercian monks over 800 years ago, will be a foodie’s paradise this year with the addition of a new Food Court and a fabulous selection of locally produced gastronomic delights in the Farmer’s Market.

Companies like Stewed and Baked with their slow-cooked, gluten free meals, Devon Fishcake’s Fiery option with Chillies and Cajun Spices, what according to GQ Magazine are ‘the best sausage rolls we’ve ever tasted’ from Little Jack Horner’s, and a Dorset Pig Party’s hog roast are just a few of the culinary delights on offer to everyone coming to the Fair.

The Farmer’s Market will be bigger, better and tastier than ever before with everything from Wooton Dairy’s wonderfully named Dumpling and Muddlewell cheeses, cider from Bridge Farm, to Zoe’s Cider Fudge, Fussells’ Oils and Dressings and Fine Country Lifestyle’s tarts and salads.

For those with a sweeter palate, we dare you to try and resist the great tasting desserts, puddings and cakes from the Barley Sugar Bakehouse or the freshly made crépes from The Crépe Escape.

There’s plenty more to see and enjoy at the Summer Fair at Forde Abbey, recently used as a location in ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ starring Carey Mulligan and Michael Sheen, including over 150 classic cars and vintage tractors, and a dog show and working dog scurry.

There are over 60 shopping stalls to browse around and you could pick up some lovely equestrian art at the Chard Riding for the Disabled stand.

There’s also a western riding display, falconry and the Heaven’s Gate Dog Agility team in the main ring, as well as carriage drives and a chance to try your hand at fly fishing, and there’s lots going on for younger visitors as well including an amazing juggler and a Punch and Judy show.

This year’s Charity Summer Fair is raising money for Chard and District Riding for the Disabled group and The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution.

When: Thursday 30 July 2015
Where: Forde Abbey, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU
Time: 11am – 4pm
Entry: Entry to the Fair Adults £7.50,
Children (5-14) £2.50
Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £18.00
Children under 5 free.