THOUSANDS of people took to the streets of Droitwich over the weekend to take in the first day of the Droitwich Spa Festival, taking in the atmosphere of the Food and Drink Festival on Saturday which launched the two-week long event.

With a full rota of stalls lining the high street, visitors enjoyed sampling different local foods and watching the action in the demonstration kitchen in Victoria Square as well as live music.

Organiser Patrick Davis, said: “The sun came out and so did the crowds and we had an fabulous day. Last year we had 70 stalls featuring food & drink and this year it increased to over 100 and from the initial feedback and comments on the day the producers were thrilled with their results and so were members of the public. The Droitwich Food and Drink Festival after only two years has become one of the biggest in the Midlands.”

With a host of local producers showing their wares to the public there was a Worcestershire feel to the festival, but that didn’t stop the odd visitor travelling that little bit further, and supplier Dewey Scott certainly didn’t balk at the journey, coming all the way from North Carolina in the United States to showcase his Scotts Farm Sweet Potato Chips on one of the stands.

Crossway Green company Little Black Pig took the honour of winning the best sausage competition.

Kate Daniels from the company added: “Little Black Pig is a small holding - we raise our own meat and sell it direct to the consumer at the farm-gate. We're a Droitwich family so I couldn't be prouder than I am as winner of Droitwich Best Sausage. It's all about tasty meat from healthy and happy animals. This award feels like a pat on the back from the people of Droitwich.”

The Droitwich Spa Festival is continuing in the town until Sunday, July 6 with a full programme of events on offer.

Visit droitwichspafestival.co.uk for more information.