This year’s Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival was one of the busiest since the event began, according to organisers.

East Anglian Daily Times: People enjoying the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTPeople enjoying the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

During the opening hours of the two-day event, held on Sunday and bank holiday Monday, more than 40,000 people accessed the town centre via Abbeygate Street – a slight increase on last year’s numbers.

A record number of stallholders – more than 120 – also traded at the festival, with several selling out completely before the end of the event.

Visitors who attended the festival are now being asked to complete a brief online survey regarding their opinion on the event, with the chance for person to win £100 in shopping vouchers.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds Business Improvement District (BID), said: “This was another great year and it was lovely to see people enjoying a wide variety of food, drink and entertainment in the bank holiday sunshine.

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds at the Jack Stein cooking demonstration at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTCrowds at the Jack Stein cooking demonstration at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“We were really busy across both days and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it’s important to review what people particularly liked and where they think we could improve for next year.

“We are already talking to our business members and the traders who take part for their feedback, but we want to hear from visitors this year as well.”

René van den Oort, owner of Beautiful Beers in St Johns Street, who traded at the festival, said: “This was an opportunity for people to try some new craft beers that I sell from smaller breweries, which they are unlikely to find in their local pub or supermarket.

“I was able to spend some time talking to existing and new customers who returned later for more. Meanwhile a number of people who saw my stand at the festival followed up by visiting the shop too.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Crowds at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTCrowds at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival on Sunday. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Highlights of this year’s festival included displays by celebrity chefs Paul Rankin and Jack Stein, a farmers’ market and cookery demonstrations by some of the best loved restaurants in the town centre. It was complemented by a range of free family entertainment including an urban beach and a mini-farm.

Visitors who attended the festival and would like to give their feedback, with a chance to win £100 in vouchers, can click here.