LUDLOW Food Festival got off to a sizzling start.

People from all over the country and overseas were amongst the thousands to come into the town for the first day of the Food Festival.

They were treated to a menu that included demonstrations from some of the top chefs in the country and nearly 200 exhibitors.

Many innovations included an extension from Ludlow Castle into the Assembly Rooms.

The event that is expected to bring more than 20,000 people into Ludlow over the weekend has put the town on the national and international map as a centre for the best in food and drink.

Shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses were feeling the benefit of the extra trade.