Food and drink producers from across Suffolk, north Essex and beyond turned Sudbury into a gastronomic centre at the weekend, with everything from artisan marshmallows to locally made ice cream up for sampling.
The cloud filled skies and rain showers failed to cast a shadow over the fourth annual Taste of Sudbury Food and Drink Festival, which took place yesterday.
More than 70 stalls selling such diverse products as rhubarb vodka liqueur, locally-shot venison, homemade mead and chilli chocolate spread, were set up on Market Hill and in St Peter’s Church, all vying for festival-goers’ interest and custom.
A main stage set up in the centre of Market Hill hosted a number of food-related challenges and cooking demonstrations throughout the day, with compere Mark David providing the commentary.
Each demonstrating chef took part in an ‘Omelette Challenge’ which saw them pitting their skills against each other to make a three-egg omelette in the fastest time.
There was an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for filleting a whole salmon in record time.
Meanwhile members of the public were also invited up on stage to have a go at making sausages.
Their efforts were judged by local chef Nick Barrett.
Sudbury mayor Sue Ayres, who opened the festival, said it was good to see so many visitors enjoying the culinary offerings.
“It has become a very popular event which now draws in people not only from the Sudbury area but from much further afield,” she said.
Last year’s festival attracted around 4,500 visitors and organiser Jane Hatton said they were on course to equal that number this year, despite the showery, overcast weather.
“We have had a steady stream of visitors and St Peter’s Church has been packed for most of the day,” Mrs Hatton said.
“There has also been an increase this year in the number of people using the park and ride service from Delphi, which is a very good sign.”
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