ABOUT 1,000 people from all corners of East Lancashire braved the rain to see the best that Darwen had to offer at the town’s annual food festival.

The event, which was held at the outdoor market, had sweet and savoury delights, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, a beer tent and children’s rides.

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Organiser Councillor Brian Taylor, who is also the town mayor, said that the event was a success and hoped it would lead to more visitors going to Darwen.

Cllr Taylor said: “Every time we hold Darwen Food Festival the heavens open.

“But thankfully people still came despite the rain.

“One of the aims of this is to showcase the best that Darwen has to offer.

“I think we’ll get an increased footfall in the day time on the back of this.

“The day traders didn’t seem to have much stock left and the indoor traders reported an increase in footfall. So it’s win, win.

“I would like to thank everyone who came and supported the event.

“A special mention to the cooking demonstrators.

“I thought they did a fantastic event.”

The event, which was opened by the deputy mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Cllr Colin Rigby, was funded by Darwen Town Council, with officer support from the borough council.

Darwen Market operation manager Gwen Sangster, who did a cake-making demonstration, said: “It was a shame about the weather but people still came out.

“These events are always really popular and the people of Darwen really come out as support them.”

Lauren Brown, who attended the event with her daughter Macy-Leigh, said: “It’s something different. I think its good to get all the local produce out to the local people.”

Cllr Rigby said: “Events like this do a lot of good for the town and the town council should be praised for funding it.

“This is good for the town of Darwen and Blackburn could learn a few lessons from an event like this.”