THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the glorious weather at the weekend for the Ludlow Food Festival. 

The three-day event from Friday to Sunday (September 8 to 10) saw chefs from across the country descend on Ludlow Castle, including BBQ expert and food writer Genevieve Taylor and famous fire chef, educator and food writer, Chris T-Bone Chops.

A particular attraction was the fire stage, where visitors could see live demonstations from the likes of Adam Markham, from Kadai Firebowls, the Beefy Boys' Anthony Murphy, and Malaysian chef, Chaya Maya.

Ludlow Advertiser: Chaya Maya cooking up a demonstrationChaya Maya cooking up a demonstration (Image: Paul Rogers)

Ludlow Advertiser: Adam Markham from Kadai FirebowlsAdam Markham from Kadai Firebowls (Image: Paul Rogers)

Other highlights included Louisa Ellis and Nick Bennett, who were both finalists on Masterchef: The Professionals, Sarah Rossi (also known as Taming Twins), a Worcestershire-based food blogger and internet sensation, and Mike Keen, an adventurer and chef who is fresh back from a solo kayak journey along the coast of Greenland. 

Jess Parker, spokesperson at Ludlow Food Festival, said: "The weather was very much on our side and the exhibitors said they enjoyed it.

Ludlow Advertiser: Visitors at Ludlow Food FestivalVisitors at Ludlow Food Festival (Image: Paul Rogers)

"We had some hiccups with the Wifi, but you're always going to have your challenges. It's an important event for the town and it sets us on the map.

"It was really positive."

As well as the main activities in the castle, the streets were also alive, with visitors packing the town. 

One of the most popular activities during the weekend was the sausage trail, where anyone who purchased a ticket could taste three different sausages from local butchers.

Ludlow Advertiser: Nikki, Chloe, Olivia and Molly Ray from D.W. Walls & SonNikki, Chloe, Olivia and Molly Ray from D.W. Walls & Son (Image: Paul Rogers)

Each sausage had to be marked out of the 10, with particiapants allowed to enjoy their favourite in a bun at the finishing point. 

D.W. Walls & Son, based in the town's high street, was deemed the winner for its Gloucester old spot pork with apple, sage and onion. 

Second place went to Carters of Ludlow, with AH Griffiths Butchers coming third. 

Next year's food festival will mark 30 years since it first started. It will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024.