THOUSANDS of people stormed Upton Country Park for the inaugural Upton House Food & Drink Festival.

Having started on Friday August 13, organisers welcomed bigger crowds today and visitors were treated to an array of music talent and cuisine from across the county in bright sunshine.

Event organiser Serena Wren said: “It is going really well. We have had great numbers of people through the door and food traders are very happy.

“It is the first event we have done here. We weren’t sure how tickets would do and how respective people would be to going back to events like this, built to sell out for two of the days is brilliant.

“It feel so long since we have been able to do something like this, but it has been great to welcome so many families to our first event.”

Visitors were happy to sit on the grass listening to The Ed Sheeran Experience or take a seat in front of the demonstration stage to learn more about Indian cuisine and Pothecary Gin this afternoon.

With yet more exciting bands to host, and events for people to enter tomorrow, Sunday promises to cap off a stella weekend for the festival.

Serena added: “So we had Stereophonics and The Killers tributes acts on Friday night which was great and it was just great to see so many smiles on peoples’ faces and everyone having a good time

“Tomorrow is expected to be quite busy as well.

“We want to keep it as an annual event and keep it local but try not to get carried away with it.”

One of the main sponsors Hot Radio, who have worked with organisers at previous events, provided the main stage and musical entertainment for people all day long.

Events managers and presenter at Hot Radio Marinella Lazzeri said: “It has been absolutely amazing.

“We have had all ages come along to the event – little babies right up to grandparents. There is really something for everyone here.

“We are providing non-stop music and entertainment from our stage. If it isn’t live music, then our DJs will be playing some tunes and we’ve also got competitions such as a bratwurst eating competition and limbo competition for the kids.

“It has been amazing. It is quite different to the event we did in Poole a couple of weeks ago as that was just a music festival, but the weather has been amazing and people are really enjoying themselves.”