They ate, they drank, they shopped and they explored – visitors to Kirkby Lonsdale enjoyed some fabulous local fare at the Taste Cumbria food festival at the weekend.

It was the third time the event has been held in the town and the event included a producers’ market, expert demonstrations, children’s foodie fun and lots of free samples.

Lunesdale Hall played host to the Taste Cumbria 'demo stage', where visitors could meet the likes of Oli Martin of Hipping Hall, fresh from his appearance on Masterchef: The Professionals' local lads Luke Whittle, who works at the Michelin-starred Forest Side in Grasmere, and Scott Fairweather, of The Black Swan at Ravenstonedale; and Nick Edgar, of The Ryebeck at Bowness, who also held a Michelin Star at The Samling at Windermere.

There were also masterclasses in cocktails, fish, smoked meats and wine from knowledgeable Cumbrian businesses.

There was a brief glitch after a combination of melted cheese and a blow torch set off the Lunesdale Hall’s fire alarm but that did not dampen anyone’s enthusiasm.

Down among the stalls in Market Square was Martyn Whittaker of Stainton with Adgarley, near Barrow, He is a regular at the Taste Cumbria festivals across the county, where he sells his range of handcrafted chopping boards and kitchen equipment, created from responsibly-sourced timber from across the South Lakes.

He said: “I came to the first Taste Cumbria festival here in 2017 where I met Oli Martin and I now supply Hipping Hall with my products.

“I love Kirkby Lonsdale. It’s not far from the Lakes but it can feel like you’re in a different county. It’s different. It’s been a good weekend – there’s been lots of interest from all the visitors.”

A first-time Taste Cumbria stallholder was John Cliff of Skyclad, based at Gawthwaite, near Ulverston. He and his business partner Robert Silverwood have been creating their caramel vodka, chocolate rum and orange and lemon vodka for less than a year.

“We’ve had great feedback,” said John.

“Everybody seems to love what we are doing and Kirkby Lonsdale is such a great location for a food festival.”

The next Taste Cumbria event takes place in Ulverston on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26.