The rain refused to dampen spirits on Saturday, as hundreds of people flocked in their droves to the Clitheroe Food Festival.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Following its absence over the last couple of years, due in part to the Covid pandemic, the highlight of the Ribble Valley annual event calendar triumphantly returned, delighting food fans from across the county - despite the dismal weather. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

From 9.30am on Saturday, foodies, drink enthusiasts, and anyone just looking for an excuse to celebrate the typical Lancastrian summer weather, descended on the streets of Clitheroe to sample local produce and spend an afternoon being entertained in the pouring rain.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The grounds of Holmes Mill and Bowland Brewery were jam packed, and saw people enjoying beers, gins, prosecco, sushi, burgers and sweet treats, while singer-songwriters graced an outdoor stage providing a chilled, melodic backdrop. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Pat Cornall was at the event with her husband, Tony, and two other couples, and said: "We came to the last food festival before Covid and it was wonderful - the sun was shining and it was packed.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"We've been here since about 11.15am and even though it's raining everyone is still up for it.

Lancashire Telegraph:

"We came down on the bus so we could have a drink and to be honest, the atmosphere is brilliant.

Lancashire Telegraph: Tony Cornall, Andrew Drake, Damien Fielding, Jilly Fielding, Karen Drake and Pat CornallTony Cornall, Andrew Drake, Damien Fielding, Jilly Fielding, Karen Drake and Pat Cornall

"It was either the choice of coming here in the rain and making the most of it, or sitting at home looking out of the window at the rain and being miserable. 

Lancashire Telegraph: Gin Fizz from Leeds, attended their first ever food festival after launching three months agoGin Fizz from Leeds, attended their first ever food festival after launching three months ago

"The food is brilliant, we had an onion bhaji and a double gin and tonic for breakfast - it's been fantastic."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Road closures were put in place around King Street, Castle Street, Market Place and surrounding lanes so that a plethora of stalls could be set up in the town centre. 

Lancashire Telegraph:

From stands selling halloumi fries to cheese, churros to curries, hot pot to pie and peas, scones to Greek street food, sausages to vegan dishes, gin to craft ale, there was something for everyone, with many vendors selling out before the event finished at 4.30pm.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Tony Smith from the Clitheroe Lions said: "It's been really good considering it's raining and it's been really good to be back after so long."

Lancashire Telegraph: Ian Joyce, Tony Smith, Brian Eastwood and Kathleen EastwoodIan Joyce, Tony Smith, Brian Eastwood and Kathleen Eastwood

Lancashire Telegraph: