Over 25,000 food enthusiasts converged on Clitheroe for the town’s annual food festival.
Organisers Ribble Valley Borough Council today heralded the event as a triumph of ‘food diversity’ that broke its record of 20,000 visitors.
Many businesses in the town reported increased footfall and sales, notably from many first-time visitors to the town.
The festival, sponsored by the Compleat Food Group, Fort Vale Engineering and Holmes Mill.
This year’s festival rounded off a week of events being held throughout Ribble Valley.
The Ribble Valley Taste Fest featured a feast of activities and special events, including pizza-making, farm visits, guided walks and distillery tours, many of which were sold out within days of tickets going on sale.
David Birtwhistle, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s economic development committee, said: “This year’s Clitheroe Food Festival attracted around 5,000 more food enthusiasts than in recent years, which is a phenomenal achievement.
“Festivalgoers from across the region enjoyed top-quality artisan produce, a feast of family entertainment and a warm Ribble Valley welcome.
“We are proud to have created what has become one of the UK’s premiere food festivals and are already receiving expressions of interest for next year’s event.”
Nicola Hopkins, Ribble Valley Borough Council’s director of economic development and planning, added: “Our festival team worked behind the scenes for many months to bring this fantastic event to fruition and I would like to thank them for their sterling efforts.
“We also received support from our festival volunteers, particularly Clitheroe Rotary and Whalley Lions, which is much appreciated.
“This year’s festival smashed all records and once again shows the ability of a small authority to punch way above its weight in delivering major projects that produce significant outcomes for residents, visitors and businesses.”
