Ellesmere festival is food for thought

The town's Market Hall was packed with delicious food and drink from near and far, with tasting sessions for the hundreds who flocked to the two day event.

There were 38 stalls selling produce including fruit and veg, cheese, meat products, ice cream, wines and beers, homemade chocolates and preserves.

They included Mike Ford who's Pen-y-lan Pork Sausages were a sell out.

"We have been coming here every year since the festival began and it is a great event," he said.

"This year we brought along eight different types of sausages, including our popular pork and leek, and each one sold out."

Mr Ford, whose business is based near Wrexham, said the customers included not only local people but holidaymakers including those arriving in the town on the canal.

Lincoln McMullan, who organises the yearly event, said those who took part had been delighted with the response.

"The bakers, Swifts, from Ludlow, did so well, they had to drive back to their bakery on Saturday night and bake fresh supplies for Sunday," he said.

Stallholders included local producers and those from further afield, including London and Manchester.

Customers could try food from across the world, from British cheeses and chocolates to food from Korea, India and Thailand.

Mr McMullan said the event also helped the local shops, pubs and cafes.

"Many of the pubs put live music and special offers on and those visiting the food festival also took time to explore the town," he added.

He said next year was expected to be a big year for the festival.

"It is the 100th anniversary of the Save the Children charity, which was started by Ellesmere's Eglantyne Jebb.

"It is such wonderful charity we want to mark the anniversary in some way, maybe with cotton bags we could sell for the charity. We would love to hear from anyone interested in sponsorship," he added.