The annual Sausage Festival welcomed 30 per cent more visitors this year rather than last year despite the bad weather.

Revelers flocked to the event held at Muncaster Castle over the Bank Holiday, pushing attendance figures significantly higher than in 2023.

The west Cumbrian castle hosted the sausage-making competition inviting contenders for the annual Sausage Champion title, with The Cumbrian Boerewors Company eventually bagging the prestigious Golden Sausage Trophy.

The family-run firm, headed by Dawid Croukamp alongside his wife Michelle and son Oliver, stood victorious amidst the competition.

The Westmorland Gazette: The Sausage Champion title was a highlight

Overwhelmed with joy and pride, the team celebrated the recognition and public approval of their family recipe adapted Boerewors.

The Sausage Festival's format meant three different 'Sausage of the day' winners were chosen before the final victor was announced.

The tasting crowd sampled six sausages each day, followed by voting for their preferred selection.

Runners up included the Crakeside Meat Company and Melville Tyson.

However, the Sausage Festival extended beyond the banger battle.

The Crafted in Cumbria Fair got off to a soaring start on the same weekend offering a spectacular shopping encounter with local crafters on display.

In a further gastronomic delight, Taste Cumbria introduced food stalls brimming with sweet and savoury treats.

Dog lovers had reason to celebrate too as the festival also hosted the Sausage Shaped Dog Competition making for playful enjoyment for both owners and their pets.

The competition recorded its highest participation with sausage dogs and other breeds alike participating in the spirited canine contest.

Muncaster Castle has future events lined up, with the Medieval Muncaster Festival scheduled for later this month.

Tickets and event details are available on the castle's official website www.muncaster.co.uk/.

Finally, the increase in visitor numbers was welcomed by both organisers and supporters alike.

The Lakes Hospitality Show 2024 primarily supported the Muncaster Sausage Festival.