FOOD and drink producers from across Cumbria were enough to tempt crowds onto the streets of Ulverston today as it kicked off its second food festival.

Taste Cumbria descended upon the market town for its second year in a row, promising to be even bigger and better than 2014.

Today (May 23) and tomorrow will see Ulverston's narrow streets packed full of almost 50 producers selling their wares along with food demos from the likes of chef Gary McClure and coffee company Carvetii.

With the sun shining, plenty of people donning summer gear were out to enjoy the foodie frivolities.

Broughton-based chef and farmer Gary McClure was doing demonstrations including showing the versatility of chicken, something which he said simply wasn't a 'boring meat'.

"We need to highlight what Cumbria has to offer," he said. "There should be something like this every weekend and places like Ulverston used to have them so this is a good start and everyone should embrace it."

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And with 43 years of experience on markets, Peter Gott, of Sillfield Farm, was championing local producers and the importance of buying local at the festival.

"It's important that people can know where to find local produce so these events help," he said. "We've got to be more English and remember if you pay local producers they will take that money and spend it locally as well."

Shirley Marsden, of Preston, was visiting the festival with grandson Ethan, 3, and her husband who were staying in a caravan park in nearby Bouth.

"We didn't know it was on so it was a bonus for us," she said. "We're going to get some bread and cakes so we have plenty of goodies for the weekend."

For more info visit www.tastecumbria.com/festival/ulverston

The fun continues tomorrow with another serving of all the local favourites as well as more demos on coffee, souffles and wild veg.