THOUSANDS took to the streets of Christchurch for the 18th annual food festival over the weekend

Hundreds of stalls were serving food and drink to the public, set up on Christchurch High Street and on the Quay.

Throughout the two days there were hands-on demonstrations in Saxon Square and entertainment throughout the town centre for visitors to enjoy.

Allan Wood, member of the Christchurch Food Festival committee, said: “You’ve got a great setting in Christchurch with the beautiful quay here, with the Priory in the background and you’ve got the nice high street as well. It just grows and grows every year and I think people look forward to it.

“We have one in May every year and then from June we are preparing for next year.

“You finish one and you just start preparing for the next one, so a lot of work goes into it. A lot of volunteers give their time for this.”

The 2017 Apprentice winner Alana Spencer made her Christchurch Food Festival debut, amongst other chefs who gave demonstrations throughout the day. MasterChef finalist Dean Edwards was one of the chefs to perform at the festival, making this his fourth consecutive year at the event.

He said: “As far as I’m concerned this is the best food festival in the UK. I get to travel all around the country and I’m fortunate enough to do that.

“I love food so if I wasn’t working I’d probably be at this sort of festival anyway, but for me Christchurch food festival is up there as the best food festival in the UK.”

Visitors were able to use the new Park and Stride facility for the first time, leaving their cars at Stanpit and enjoying an appetite-enhancing walk to the popular festival.

Once there, their senses were bombarded with the delicious aroma of a huge array of top quality food. The beer festival and kids’ kitchen drew big crowds and live music enhanced the atmosphere.

Diverse choices ranged from cakes, shellfish and cider to curry, Moroccan fare and toffee vodka. Even pets were catered for at the Four Legged Fancies stall, attracting huge crowds with its dog birthday cakes, cupcakes and hand made biscuits.

For those who enjoyed the weekend or others unable to make it, the festival continues until May 21 with events, offers and entertainment in many local eateries.