Visitors flock to Aylsham Food Festival farmers market

Aylsham food festival, Saturday's farmers market. Sam Hearn and Tamzin Garrod, The Land Girls soup stand. Picture: Lucy Clapham (Image: Archant)

Around half a dozen extra stalls joined regular sellers and a steady stream of visitors poured into the town to peruse the produce, and enjoy many of the tasty treats on offer.

The extended farmers market was among the culinary attractions in the town on the third day of its annual food festival.

Paul Smith, events and farmers market officer, said: 'A lot of people have been coming in and out. The footfall has been very, very good, I know that because some of the traders have had to go and re-stock, which is good.'

Live music from jazz band One Foot in the Groove and percussion group Bang On added an extra flavour to the market, and both proved a hit with visitors.

And traders also welcomed some horticultural experts as the panel from BBC Radio Norfolk's Garden Party broadcast live from the market square, taking produce-related questions from visitors.

Away from the market cooking demonstrations continued in the AEG mobile kitchen at Blickling Hall, and local chefs went head to head in a ready Steady Cook-style contest.

And in the town hall youngsters enjoyed free cooking workshops and put their culinary skills to the test in a healthy lunchbox competition.

Nick Huttley and his sons Tom, five, and Edward, seven, were among the families that had a go at making tutti-frutti crumble and spring rolls.

Mr Huttley said: 'They both enjoyed it, they both keep saying they want to make it at home and I can't cook for anything so it's good for me too.'

The festival continues tonight with country music and dancing, and is rounded off with the Big Slow Breakfast tomorrow morning. For full details about all festival events visit www.slowfoodaylsham.org.uk