The countdown is on for the 10th anniversary of the Lymington Seafood Festival — and this year, there’s even more to celebrate.

Careys Manor Hotel has been announced as the main sponsor of the festival’s Chef’s Stage and Cookery School, bringing serious culinary credentials to one of the UK’s leading independent food and drink festivals.

Showcasing New Forest Culinary Talent

At the heart of Careys Manor’s festival presence is Cambium, the hotel’s modern British restaurant. Head Chef Dylan James and his team will take to the Chef’s Stage with live cooking demonstrations celebrating the very best local and seasonal seafood.

They’ll also return to host and judge the much-anticipated ‘Big Careys Cook Off’ — the New Forest’s first live cooking competition — where talented home cooks compete in front of a festival crowd for culinary bragging rights.

In the run-up to the festival, food lovers can also look forward to:

  • A special seafood-inspired festival menu at Cambium
  • Exclusive “mini masterclass” videos from Head Chef Dylan James
  • Behind-the-scenes culinary tips and inspiration

A Festival Favourite Turns 10

Now in its 10th year, the Lymington Seafood Festival has firmly established itself as the South Coast’s must-visit boutique food event. Visitors can expect:

  • Over 100 seafood dishes — from scallops and lobster to oysters, monkfish and Nordic smoked salmon
  • Street food from around the world
  • A packed Chef’s Stage hosted by TV foodie Chris Bavin
  • A stellar chef line-up including talent from Lime Wood, The Pig and Montagu Arms
  • 14 live bands across three days, with a Coldplay tribute headlining Friday night

A Partnership Rooted in Passion

For Careys Manor, this sponsorship marks a natural next step in a long-standing relationship with the festival. As a hotel known for its diverse dining experiences — from British cuisine at Cambium to Thai at Zen Garden and French dining at Le Blaireau — the team is passionate about championing local produce and celebrating the New Forest’s vibrant food scene.

As the festival enters its milestone year, this partnership promises to elevate the Chef’s Stage experience even further — shining a spotlight on exceptional seafood, local talent and the thriving hospitality community that makes the region so special.

The 10th anniversary edition is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.