Thousands pack historic streets for glorious day in the sunshine at the Clitheroe Food Festival

The sun shone on festival-goers at Clitheroe’s annual food festival with thousands packing the historic streets on Saturday.

The popular free-to-attend festival, which is organised by Ribble Valley Borough Council, attracts around 25,000 visitors to Clitheroe town centre annually. Listed as one of the best food festivals in the UK by Conde Nast Traveller and Top Ten UK Food Festivals by Eventbrite, this year’s event rounded off a week of food events held throughout the borough as part of the Ribble Valley Taste Fest.

Around 100 exhibitors fed and watered the hungry hordes, alongside family-friendly fun and a huge dollop of street entertainment. Local food producers were handpicked from across the county to set up market stalls in every available available public space while the main town centre streets were completely cut off to traffic for the event.

From viral kebabs, cheese and hog roasts to ice cream and ginger shots, the very best of local cuisine was on offer alongside national and international tastes and sounds, providing a huge boost to local shops and businesses as footfall soared. From Bake up north, to Bowland Brewery, Eat Indian, Fairham Gin and Jinger Drinks, the options were endless.

Stalls included local butchers and meats highlighting regional farms, game, and traditional butchers like Allan Hacking Butchers. Cheese and dairy offerings saw artisanal cheese truckles, local dairy producers, and specialty makers.

The sweet-toothed were in heaven with bakes, pies and sweets, cakes, pastries, and handmade sweet treats from vendors like Anna's Bakery and local confectioners.

Diverse hot street food options and global cuisines were served in eco-friendly compostable containers. And nobody went thirsty with drinks and brews, regional craft beers, local gins and infused beverages on offer.

There was also plenty of opportunity to stock up the pantry with preserves, raw and infused honeys, hot sauces, and artisan condiments from makers including Pete's Pantry.

The Ribble Valley Taste Fest also featured a series of themed walks, food-making demonstrations and tasting sessions at farms and food venues throughout the borough.