MOUTH-WATERING aromas, tastes, sights and sounds filled the streets of Kington as the 16th annual Festive Food and Drink Festival came to town.

This year’s festival was the biggest ever, with more 95 stands, mainly from Herefordshire, Powys, Shropshire and Worcestershire, providing a huge variety of goods for shoppers and visitors.

It featured the very best of the borders’ producers, hand-picked to give shoppers the best charcuterie, patisserie, meats, chocolate, fudge, preserves and oils.

Flavoured hot chocolates, gins from Penhros Spirits, Eccentric, Knapp and Haven distilleries, ciders from Orgasmic, Bartestree, or Pips Cider and real ale from Swan or Black Label Breweries meant there was something for everyone.

Father Christmas dropped in to Kington library to meet youngsters, and there was a competition for under 11-year-olds to create an edible Christmas decoration.

Festival organiser Pam Peek said: “The event has grown in 16 years to its full capacity in size and quality, making this event the largest free good gestival in the Marches.

“It’s marvellous to have so many visitors on the day and hope it encourages them back to Kington again.”

This year a free park-and-ride service operated to the food festival from Kington Surgery car park.

After the festival, there was a cheese and wine event with a Christmas quiz and carol singing in the marquee. All proceeds went to Macmillan Cancer Support.