THOUSANDS of people descended on Ulverston over the Bank Holiday Weekend for the first festival of foodie treats.

Stallholders at the Taste Cumbria Festival were ‘delighted’ with the reception they received from hungry visitors who were keen to satisfy their appetite for good local produce.

Stephen Morris, from the Pudding and Pie Café, Kirkham, said: “For a first-time event, this was a great turnout.

“It has been really busy and people have been delighted to sample the goods and to buy some afterwards.”

Ulverston town centre hosted more than 45 producers, from artisan bakers to marshmallow makers, with a programme of Taste Cumbria’s chef demonstrations running each day.

Visitors also participated in an ale trail around nine separate venues that played host to more than 60 beers from 20 different breweries. Steve Lee from the Artisan Bakery, Staveley, said they had just about sold out their huge variety of hand-baked breads, while Maciek Moranda from Sillfield Farm, Endmoor, said customers had ‘virtually cleared’ the stall of their wild boar sausages, pate and game burgers.

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Festival-goers were also able to sample home-grown Bedrock Gin and Standing Stones Vodka from Spirit of the Lakes Ltd at Thornthwaite.

John Davidson, of Spirit of the Lakes, said: “We regularly take part in the Cockermouth Festival, which is now well established, but Ulverston is obviously going to be the South Cumbria anchor for Taste Cumbria and we will certainly be interested in returning next year.”

A real family day out, there were also crafts and activities for children as well as live music.

Marie Whitehead, who organises Taste Cumbria events and festivals, said: “The response to Taste Cumbria Ulverston has been phenomenal, and for a first year festival to have over 45 producers, it's really amazing!

“We have worked really closely with Ulverston Town Council to ensure this event is a great weekend for everyone!”

For more information about the festival or to book tickets for any of the future Taste Cumbria Food Festival events, go to the website taste cumbria.com.