FARNHAM’S Food and Drink Festival took place last Saturday and was enjoyed by thousands of food enthusiasts.

The festival, which was organised by Farnham Town Council and supported by principal sponsor The Wheatsheaf and gold sponsor Farnham Sixth Form College, took over the whole of Castle Street.

People came to Farnham in their droves to taste, sample and buy culinary delights from over 100 food and drink producers.

Jill Hargreaves, the town council’s lead member for tourism and e,vents said: “Our food festival is one of the biggest of its type in the South-East and is as popular with food and drink producers as it is with consumers.

“Stallholders travel from far and wide to be a part of the festival and customers were delighted with the choice, quality and originality of what was available. We hope the market also brings benefit for local businesses as the result of the extra people in town.”

As well as stalls selling everything from wine from Provence and South Downs venison to gourmet marshmallows and local gin, festival-goers made the most of cookery demonstrations and talks.

Cooks and food-lovers could learn about growing hops for beer, from the Hogs Back Brewery, and the French approach to patisserie baking from the Heidi Bakery, among others. There were also musical performances and entertainment throughout the day.

The festival marked the end of Farnham’s annual celebration of food and drink, which included a highly successful Gin Festival and a fortnight-long event which saw local pubs, restaurants and cafes offering a variety of special offers.

Farnham Town Council is now preparing for the Christmas lights switch-on, taking place in Gostrey Meadow on November 18, and the Christmas market on December 10 in Castle Street, The Borough, Central car park and The Bush Hotel.