THOUSANDS of foodies visited a South Lakeland town over three days to sample the finest offerings of Cumbrian goodies.

More than 15,000 visitors made their way to Ulverston for the fourth annual Taste Cumbria festival to enjoy stall offerings, chef demonstrations and entertainment.

Festival organiser Anna Lyttle said: “What a fabulous weekend we had in Ulverston. They don’t call it the festival town for nothing. There was such a great buzz around the streets and so many smiling people enjoying everything our great producers had to offer.

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“Yet again, the weather was kind to us. The downpour on Saturday didn't arrive until almost the end of the afternoon so that didn’t spoil anyone’s fun."

More than 70 stalls offering a huge array of food and drink, from meat to cheese and from cakes to chutney, were set up at the event, and visitors were able to tuck into local fare at a picnic area, while children joined in themed arts and crafts sessions.

One of the new features at this year's festival, supported by Ulverston Town Council, was a pop-up restaurant at the Sir John Barrow monument on the top of Hoad Hill, where Kevin Tickle, of The Forest Side in Grasmere, cooked for ten guests.

The VIPs included the new mayor of Ulverston, Cllr Paul Smith, Adrian Rawlinson, managing director of Marl International and Phil Wilson, GlaxoSmithKline site director.

Greg Stephenson, marketing manager for Wildsmith Hotels, one of the organisers of the pop-up restaurant, said: “The monument made a fantastic setting in which to enjoy some wonderful food which demonstrated just why Cumbria is the best larder in the country.”

The festival also featured laughs on the Saturday night, when a comedy open mic event was organised at the Laurel and Hardy Museum by Another Fine Fest.

Nobody had to go home thirsty either, as the Sun Inn hosted a beer festival throughout the weekend.

“I have to thank our producers and demo experts as well. Every visitor was absolutely spoilt for choice when it came to eating the amazing food. It’s fair to say the event team did their fair share of that too – it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it!” Ms Lyttle said.