RAIN and an early autumn chill failed to put a dampener upon Ludlow signature event of the year.

People from the local area as well as other parts of the country and overseas converged upon Ludlow Castle for the Food Festival.

The opening day was characterised by morning drizzle, a brief early afternoon appearance of sunshine and a serious downpour towards the end of the day.

While this set the tone for the weekend weather so did the appearance of some of the best chefs in the country who gave demonstrations on two dif ferent stages.

There was also a highly successful young chefs’- competition that attracted more than 20 entries on the theme of afternoon tea.

Chris Bradley from Mr Underhill’s was the compare for an event that demonstrated that Ludlow’s foodie reputation will be in safe hands when the time comes to pass on the baton to the next generation.

The rain on Friday kept the organisers led by operations director Beth Heath and supported by an army of volunteers on their toes.

A leak in the roof of the main marquee and some distinctly sogg y g round were amongst the problems that had to be handled.

The Food Festival started in 1995 and was in its 19th year.

While the weather put paid to hopes of taking the number of visitors beyond the 20,000 figure that is regularly achieved the town was extremely busy over all three days.

A programme of different food trails encouraged people to not just stay in the Castle Ground but to explore the town and see what the shops have to offer.

There were 180 different trade exhibitors scattered around the venue and great emphasis was placed upon allowing people to have a go by taking part in the various workshops.

Ludlow Food Festival brings millions of pounds directly into the local economy and also markets the town to an audience of people who will also come back during the year