ALCESTER’s autumn food festival attracted more than 20,000 hungry visitors to sample a wide variety of tempting treats.

The event, held over the weekend, saw more than 100 stalls lining High Street and Church Street offering a vast array of quality local produce.

Chairman of the Forest of Arden Food Festival Frank Wood, who is stepping down from his role after four successful events, said: “I have been lucky, all four festivals have been well attended.

“There was just as many people as at the spring edition and it was just as good as before.

“I would like to thank Di Williams and the rest of the committee for all their hard work.”

A cookery competition was set to run in the Holly Bush Pub to find the best pudding but sadly this was cancelled as it only attracted three entrants.

Organisers said they were disappointed but added that the event itself had been just as successful as before.

Mr Wood praised a free park and ride service for helping to reduce congestion. The service has been run from Springfield Business Park to the town for the last few events. 

“Getting in and going out was better this year but it will never be perfect,” he added.

“People turn up at the wrong time, or turn up at the end and the streets are narrow.”

The event, organised by the Alcester and Forest of Arden Food Festival group, ran throughout the day on Saturday, October 17.