There was a carnival atmosphere in St George’s Square as foodies made their annual pilgrimage to Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival.

The four-day event kicked off in style with cooking demonstrations, live music and street entertainment on a sizzling backdrop of foods from around the world.

As the sun came out at around noon, crowds flocked to sample the tasty treats, from pies, cheeses and exotic meats to ice creams, ales and prosecco.

Click here for pictures from day one of this year's festival

 

The festival was declared open by the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, Clrs Ken Smith and Christine Smith.

The Mayor said: “It’s a wonderful exhibition of what we can do, and the really nice thing about it is that there are so many local businesses here, from Huddersfield and across Kirklees.

“It’s a celebration of what we can do locally. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Watch: Crowds flock to the square for food, music and more

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Yorkshire chef Phil Leverington, aka the Demo Chef, was compering the cooking demonstration marquee and began the day overseeing a cook-off between guest chefs Ashley Coley, the Huddersfield Veg Man, and David Stewart-Pybus, sous chef at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Mr Leverington said he always enjoyed coming back to Huddersfield.

“It’s fantastic, I love this festival,” he said.

“I cooked here last year and I’ve been asked to come back and compere.”

The cook-off, which used ingredients from festival producers, saw the two chefs rustle up salmon with saffron, asparagus and jersey royal potatoes, scallops with pea risotto, pork in a John Smith’s marinade with sweet potatoes, and duck and vegetable wraps.

Chef, Paul Leverington, centre, at one of the cookery demonstrations with gust chefs, Ashley Coley, left, and Dave Stewart-Pybus
Chef, Paul Leverington, centre, at one of the cookery demonstrations with gust chefs, Ashley Coley, left, and Dave Stewart-Pybus

Outside the marquee, the tables across the square were filled with people enjoying an alfresco lunch.

Elaine Carter-Burke, who works at Huddersfield University, tried a chicken tikka wrap from the Ali Murad stall.

“It was really nice, something different,” she said. “I think the festival’s a good idea, it’s really busy.”

Teacher Darren Neilly moved to Huddersfield from Portadown, near Belfast, four years ago and was a festival first-timer.

“I’m really enjoying the food,” he said. “And there’s a few alcohol stalls that need sampling - I’m sure there’s a pint out there with my name on it!”

The festival will run until Sunday, with musical entertainment on Friday and Saturday evening. The bars and stalls will remain open until 9.30pm. Whet your appetite with our guides to the food , drink and desserts on offer this year.

Heading to St George's Square this weekend? Here's 10 things to do at Huddersfield Food and Drink Festival