Thousands of people flock to the Framlingham Sausage Festival

The sausages were sizzling and the crowds crammed into Framlingham for the eighth Sausage Festival yesterday which was hailed a huge success.

Thousands flocked to the town yesterday for the event to sample the traditional English dish with awards being handed out to the best of the bunch.

It’s estimated a total of 10,000 people attended with streets closed and some even turned up before it started at 10am.

Organisers pulled out all the stops for the event and Jenny Stockman, of the Framlingham Business Association which organises the event, said it was a “manic” day.

Sausage connoisseurs started on the “sausage trail” visiting 13 producers stationed at venues across the town, all vying for the title of the “best banger”.

Now into its eighth year, the event has grown to incorporate a varied programme of entertainment and activities including musical performances, street dance and workshops in ceramic painting, art and, of course, sausage-making.

Visitors also enjoyed head massages, comedy and children’s entertainment, while The Railway and Station pubs hosted live music, beer and cider festivals.

Organisers also made this year’s awards party at Framlingham Castle free to attend - and with a headline performance from musician Connor Adams.

Jenny said: “It’s been manic today and we have had lots of newcomers to the event coming for the first time and the weather stayed dry for most of the day.

“The town has been heaving and for the first time I saw people turn up at 9.30am but it’s been an amazing day and its been a great success.”

The winner of the Classic Pork Sausage was Huttons of Earl Soham with Hall Farm Butchers from Framlingham the runner up; New Taste Sensation was won by Sutton Hoo Chicken from Sutton Hoo with Powters from Newmarket runner up; and Best Venue was voted as The Crown Hotel with the runner up The Railway.