HUNGRY punters packed Holmfirth’s streets and eateries for a feast of fine food and drink.
Thousands of people, from across the North of England to as far as Kent flocked to the seventh annual Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival at the weekend.
The festival featured more than 70 food and drink stalls offering everything from local cheeses and pies to exotic cuisine including kangaroo, ostrich and zebra steaks and burgers.
The event, which is now regarded as one of the best in Yorkshire, included cookery demonstrations, a German beer bar and sausage grill together with a muffin baking contest judged by Holmfirth baker Greg Christofi.
Ale and wine fans enjoyed master classes – and a few tipples – from The Nook Brewery and Holmfirth Vineyard.
Meanwhile, the 30-strong Frumptarn Guggen Band and Bread and Butter Theatre entertained the crowds with live oompah music and street theatre respectively.
Traditional entertainment, including a Punch and Judy show and balloon modelling, kept youngsters entertained while other children learned to make chocolate at a packed workshop held at Carniceria by the Ministry of Chocolate, on Saturday.
Youngsters also had fun decorating biscuits, at two sites in the village, as well as making tasty non-alcoholic cocktails at Carniceria, on Sunday.
Festival director Maria Cotton said this year’s festival had been the most popular yet.
Click below to view our pictures from the festival.
She said: “We had about 15,000 people on Saturday. Last year we had about 12,000.
“It’s been fantastic – even busier than usual.
“The park and ride has been so popular we had to close it. We’ll be looking at expanding that next year.
“Everything has gone really well. The chocolate workshops for kids were all full. We’ve had a lot more children and families this year. The traditional entertainment has been really successful.”
Guests of honour included Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney, who took part in a cookery demonstration, and Deputy Kirklees Mayor Martyn Bolt who welcomed visitors from near and far.
Clr Bolt said: “It’s really great to see so many people enjoying the food and the festival.
“There’s obviously been some hard work going into the planning of it and it’s been a pleasure to show people a bit of Kirklees hospitality”.
