HASLEMERE welcomed a little piece of Italy to the town last Friday, at the exciting launch of this year's Food Festival. Town mayor Stephen Mulliner (pictured below) opened the 'Italian Market' in the town centre, the first in a series of events for the Food Festival, following on from the successful farmers' market last week. The market featured a delightful range of Italian specialities including oils, cheeses, meats, pasta, biscuits, breads and chocolates. Simon Faro, manager of the market, said: "We are very pleased to have been included in the Haslemere Food Festival, and hope that the public enjoy our Italian foods." Mr Mulliner was given a tour of the market and thanked everyone involved in setting up the event including The Food Festival Team, Waverley Borough Council and particularly the manager and staff of JD Wetherspoon for allowing the use of their car park and their ongoing support. He said: "This is a great event to start the main part of the fortnight – it brings a vibrancy to the town centre and encourages visitors to the town. "While they are here they will be spending time in the area, having an opportunity to see what Haslemere has to offer on a daily basis." For full details of the other events during the fortnight visit haslemere.com/ foodfestival. l APPLEGARTH Farm in Headley Road, Grayshott, is encouraging residents to call in this Saturday as the fun of the Haslemere Food Festival continues. Visitors will have the chance to enjoy a tasty barbecue or take part in the festival's 'Tastings Trail', with tickets available from several venues, including Applegarth.  People will also be able to try out some of the delicious British cheeses and home-made, organic foods.  For more details contact on 01428 712777 or e- mail [email protected]">[email protected].