A Suffolk town is making final preparations for its annual sausage celebration when a staggering 10,000 of the meaty morsels are expected to be gobbled by hungry crowds of connoisseurs.
Organisers of tomorrow’s Great Framlingham Sausage Festival say the town has entered into the spirit like never before, with pubs, restaurants and shops all hosting special events for the big day.
From beer and cider festivals to silent discos and pet grooming sessions, this year’s event features far more to entice guests beyond the regular “sausage trail”.
With 15 producers and 18 varieties, organiser Jenny Stockman said around 10,000 sausages would be eaten.
“It’s going to be a real party,” she added. “We’ve always said it’s to champion local producers, but now it feel like a whole day of celebrations, continuing right through into the evening.”
In keeping with the festive atmosphere, organisers have arranged for a “party bus”, complete with neon lights, to transport visitors around the trail. And for the first time, this year’s event will include musical performances in Market Hill.
One of the town’s best known musicians, Ed Sheeran, has been invited to attend. Although the Suffolk singer is currently in the midst of his US tour, he has tweeted about his love of sausage rolls, which could lure him home.
Mrs Stockman said Ed had an “open invitation” to the award ceremony, which takes place in Framlingham Castle, or the Castle on The Hill, as it is known to Ed’s fans.
Barry Chevallier-Guild from Aspall will be presenting awards to producers and venues receiving the most public votes, including the coveted “best banger” trophy.
Other star guests include Teddie the dachshund, who has been the festival mascot since 2014 and is said to have developed something of a celebrity following.
A popular addition to last year’s festival was the inclusion of gluten free varieties. This year will see even greater focus on gluten free, with the Ipswich Coeliac Group manning a stand.
Some people in the town have already begun making suggestions for next year’s festival. Councillor Bob Roberts, speaking at Thursday’s Framlingham Town Council meeting, suggested a “sausage throwing competition”, which had been popular at Harwich’s sausage festival.
The festivities begin at 10am.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here