Trout ‘n’ About 2026 raises a record £12,500 for good causes

Record-breaker… Trout ‘n’ About 2026 raised £12,500 for local good causes

Charities and community organisations in and around Stockbridge will receive thousands of pounds after this year’s Trout ‘n’ About generated a record surplus.

Earlier this month, thousands of visitors explored nearly 200 stalls – across the High Street, Festival Field and Vine Yard – at our annual summer celebration of local food, drink and crafts.

Now the festival accounts have been finally tallied and organisers have reavealed that there is a £12,500 surplus to distribute among local schools, churches, charities and community groups, nominated by Trout ‘n’ About volunteers.

T ‘n’ A Chairman Bob Powell said: “We’re ecstatic! Trout ‘n’ About is all about raising money for good causes, and this year we’ve raised more than ever before.

“Our thanks go to all our volunteers, traders, sponsors and everyone who helped make this such a fantastic day. It really is a huge team effort.”

A record 23 local sponsors backed this year’s festival, including Gold Sponsors Access Care, Hildon Water, Embley School and Test Valley Borough Council.

All smiles… outside the offices of Gold Sponsor Access Care, on Stockbridge High Street

Bob said the support of Stockbridge businesses had been particularly important.

“We had a great response from local businesses, especially the shops, pubs and restaurants on the High Street.

“They understand that Trout ‘n’ About brings thousands of people into Stockbridge and creates a fantastic atmosphere for the town.

“It’s brilliant to see so many of those businesses supporting the festival and helping us put money back into the community.”

Visitors arrived early, with temperatures forecast to reach 30C during the afternoon. But the heat did little to dampen the atmosphere.

Winchester Morris Men wowed crowds outside the Town Hall, while in the garden of The Greyhound visitors queued along the riverbank for fly-fishing lessons.

Picture perfect… Dave Rippington, from Silver Sponsor Thyme and Tides Deli, poses for a Hampshire Chronicle photographer (with a sea bass from his freezer)

At Thyme and Tides Deli, joint owner Dave Rippington posed with a sea bass (from his freezer) for a Hampshire Chronicle photographer… and ended up appearing on the paper’s front page!

Outside Prego Deli, visitors raised a glass to the Tipsy Trout inflatable pub, pumped up for the day by popular landlord and landlady Dave and Mandy Buck.

Meanwhile, Stockbridge Amateur Dramatic Society performed excerpts from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest at its stand.

When one cast member was delayed by a train, SADS chair Sarah Litton stepped in – script in hand - at the last minute. Her performance was rewarded with rapturous applause!

Nominated local charities and good causes will be presented with their Trout ‘n’ About cheques during a ceremony at Stockbridge Town Hall, in December.

Hooking-a-duck… The team from Gold Sponsor Hildon Water, at their Trout ‘n’ About stand