EAST Lancashire businesses have combined to help officially launch the fifth annual Clitheroe Food Festival.

The Seafood Pub Company, Barnfield Construction and Thwaites joined forces to sponsor a garden party at Lord and Lady Clitheroe’s Downham Hall to mark the countdown to this year’s event.

More than 150 guests enjoyed a BBQ and seafood dishes prepared by the Seafood Pub Company which runs the Assheton Arms in Downham.

These dishes were complemented by ales supplied by Blackburn brewer Thwaites whilst the branding at the event was sponsored by Barnfield Construction, which is currently erecting the steel frame for Clitheroe’s new Aldi and Pet’s at Home stores.

Guests at the event helped to raise funds for the festival and learned more about the local food and drink producers who will be showcasing their products and the demonstrations which will be taking place.

Seafood Pub Company managing director Joycelyn Neve: “Clitheroe Food Festival is one of the highlights of our events calendar so it was great to be able to help this year’s festivities get off to such a good start.

“The festival brings together a wide range of Lancashire’s best food and drink producers and the atmosphere in the town centre is always fantastic."

This year's event will be staged on Saturday, August 8.