The Arle Valley Benefice : The Alresford Watercress Festival

The Alresford Watercress Festival

347029345 147307608325989 4023 On the third Sunday of May each year, Alresford becomes the site of a huge street festival. Over 80 stalls showcase the very best local food and drink producers. Others sell arts, crafts, jewellery and clothing, items for house, garden and much else besides.

345630255 283250927385891 6860 Well-known chefs demonstrate delicious watercress-inspired dishes. More adventurous visitors can take up the challenge of the World Watercress Eating Championships - now in the Guinness Book of World Records.

345066600 907848146973872 7930 Throughout the day, musicians and street performers entertain on the main stage, in St. John’s Church and on the streets. For the young, there are circus skills workshops, face painting, Punch & Judy shows, petting farm and much more.

345453247 1451808152303387 188 Our famous Watercress cafe opens from 10am to serve the best tea, coffee and cake in town with fabulous entertainment in church and great atmosphere both inside and out. Get cool in church in hot weather or under the shady trees of the churchyard or shelter from rain in the JPH or church.
We have it all!

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Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
Click here to see more.

Visitors click here

Planning your Visit

New to Church?

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Here is some information about our benefice and its constituent churches, designed for those who are new to our community.

What is The Arle Valley Benefice? We are four Church of England churches, serving the town of New Alresford and the villages of Old Alresford, Ovington and Bighton.

What is your vision and mission?

Our Vision
Rooted in God
Inspiring Community
Engaging Through Love

Our Mission
We seek to be a welcoming, thriving and growing Christian family, working to discern God’s vision for us whilst witnessing to, and living out, Christ’s message in our community with a relevance that resonates in the 21st Century.

Individual Churches
Where are benefice churches located?
St. John the Baptist is the main Anglican church for New Alresford
St. Mary the Virgin Church is in the village of Old Alresford
St. Peter's is in the village of Ovington
All Saints is a church in the village of Bighton

How do I find out more about each church?

The webpage of each church has sections on:

About us: the identity and values of each church
Services: detailing service times and worship styles

Do any of the churches have mid-week events or study groups?
We offer many groups for fellowship and spiritual growth, including social events, bell ringing, prayer groups, and more. See our Benefice Groups & Activities.

Is there a welcome or newcomers’ program?
Each church has its own system of making newcomers welcome.

Do I need to be a member to attend services regularly?
Not at all. All are welcome to attend any service.

General Enquiries

Who can I contact if I have further questions?
Please email the Parish Administrator, Penny Forbes on 01962 733545 or email the office.

How can I keep updated on events and services across the benefice?
Visit the What's On page on this website or subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.