CROWDS of food lovers flocked to Ludlow Castle over the weekend as the Ludlow Food Festival celebrated its 31st anniversary.
Artisan food and drink producers from across the Marches and beyond filled the castle grounds for the three-day event, offering everything from fire-cooked dishes and tastings to live demonstrations, talks and family activities.
Festival organisers thanked visitors, traders, exhibitors, chefs, demonstration hosts and volunteers for helping make the event a success.
A spokesperson said: "Everything would have been impossible without our wonderful volunteers all weekend and every single one of you who bought a ticket.
"We appreciate you and hopefully we'll be back next year."
Among this year's headline attractions were Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw, food writer Mallika Basu and food entertainer George Egg. Visitors also had the chance to see Marcus Bean, Jad Youssef and Pasta Grannies creator Vicky Bennison.
The festival's popular live-fire demonstrations returned, hosted by DJ BBQ, with chefs including Adam Purnell, Anthony Murphy of The Beefy Boys, James Whetlor and Mike Keen taking to the stage.
The celebrations came just weeks after organisers warned that next year's festival could be the last in its current format, citing rising costs and ongoing economic pressures facing large-scale events.
Founded after a group of food enthusiasts met in a Ludlow pub to discuss ways of promoting local produce, the festival has grown into one of the UK's best-known food events, helping establish the town's reputation as a leading food and drink destination.
Share