THOUSANDS braved the uncertain bank holiday weather forecast to get a taste for the very best of food at its finest at a festival.

Around 70 traders showcased their goods at the Great British Food festival yesterday at the historic Stonyhurst College in the Ribble Valley.

Among them were artisan food producers and street food vendors, with tasty treats to pick at the popular event including pulled pork, steak, ostrich burgers, Thai and Caribbean food.

Organisers are expecting an overall crowd of around 10,000 over the course of the three-day event which is on today and tomorrow also.

Along with wonderful food and drink producers, there were headline chef demos, food talks and live music to enjoy on the lawns.

The chef demo stage once again welcomed great names from the Great British Bake Off, Luis Troyano and Jane Beedle alongside Katie Davies from Britain’s Best Home Cook all demoing over the weekend.

Verity Sharples, event manager, said: “We’re expecting a crowd of around 10,000 over the three days.

“There has been a fantastic atmosphere and such loving and friendly people attending.

“People have really taken to the festival and enjoyed their day.

“There were many local producers at the event including Bowland Brewery and Tricky Dickie’s Sticky Toffee Pudding Company, of Barnoldswick.

Food festival-goers included Annie and Jim Christopherson, from Gisburn, who said they ‘really enjoyed’ the event.

They said: “This is the first time we’ve been and we’re impressed with the quality of the food available

“Generally the standard of goods being produced is good unlike other places which have not been so good.”

Gwen Harris, who travelled all the way from Wetherby in Yorkshire to attend the event with her three friends, added: “We’ve loved the food and gin and there has been a good atmosphere.

“It’s a lovely venue also and the weather has been better than expected.”