THOUSANDS of food lovers were given the chance to sample local goods while being entertained by street performers at Colne Food Festival.

The town centre was packed throughout the day on Saturday with punters looking for a bargain, as traders offered a wide range of produce.

Face painters and a flashmob were also on hand to entertain youngsters.

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The event was the brainchild of Colne trader Ash Sutcliffe, who organised the first event off his own back before winning election to Colne Town Council last May.

Now backed by the council’s event committee, the beefed-up festival included also hosted local singers, musicians and donkey rides throughout the day.

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, who attended the event, said: “I thought that it was a very successful event and that it gave the town a really positive atmosphere.

“It keeps on growing every time it’s held and there was entertainment for the whole family.

“The whole day was fantastic and everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves.

“I would say that thousands of people turned up throughout the day and it was busier than a normal Saturday in the town.

“There was a flashmob as well as face painting and a wide range of stalls.

“I hope that the local traders also saw the benefits of so many people in the town centre.

"I would like to pay tribute to the hard work that Councillor Ash Sutcliffe has done to help organise this event for another year.

“The event is now part of the town council and I think that it’s really important that these kind of events are staged for the local community.”

Among the acts that took to the stage on Saturday were included singer Amy Rose Atkinson, storyteller Sue Allonby and balloon modeller and entertainer Darren Lee.

Cllr Joe Cooney, who is a member of Pendle Council, said: “It was an excellent event and it was great to see so many people in the town and it being so busy.

“We are already planning to hold another one in July.”