FOOD fans flocked to Tatton Park at the weekend to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Foodies Festival.

The UK’s largest food and drink celebration returned to Tatton for its sixth consecutive year as thousands journeyed to the park from Friday to Sunday to enjoy the culinary treats on offer.

After welcoming 25,000 visitors in 2014, this year’s festival boasted wares from over 200 artisan producers, selling everything from award-winning cheeses to raspberry-infused gin.

Foodies were treated to masterclasses in sausage-making, beer tasting and cider brewing and could even take part in daily tea dances courtesy of the new ‘Vintage Tea Tent’.

The popular ‘Street Food Avenue’, which was expanded this year, allowed visitors to go on a global taste adventure through a range of hot and cold cuisine including Japanese, Thai, Brazilian, Argentinian, Indian, Mexican, French and African.

Crowds queued to pack in to the new food and drink theatres where chefs, bloggers and food experts gave demonstrations and masterclasses.

Highlights included Masterchef 2015 winner Simon Wood, former Coronation Street star turned cheese producer Sean Wilson and David Mooney, chef patron at The Old Sessions House in Knutsford.

Visitors to the theatres also had to opportunity to hear talks on raw food, veganism, oyster shucking, mushroom foraging and bee keeping.

A specialist cake and bake tent offered sessions in 3D cake modelling, chocolate making and sugar crafting as baking experts gave top tips on how to create the perfect summer cake.

And young foodies had the chance to hone their skills in the Childrens’ Cookery Theatre, where aspiring chefs learned how to make finger sandwiches, jellies and chocolate bugs.

Those who prefer the spicier side of life enjoyed the Chilli Food Market where chill growers and artisan producers of sauces, sweets and jams showcased their wares and where brave spice fans could take part in a daily chilli eating challenge.

Adding a dash of sparkle was the Wine and Champagne Theatre where experts Neil Phillips and Charles Metcalfe guided fizz fans through the season’s best bubblies from around the world.

Beer expert Melissa Cole hosted masterclasses in beer and food matching in the new Craft Beer Theatre and cocktails were available from a giant Pimm’s teapot and Captain Morgan Mojito Galleon.

Amongst those enjoying the food and drink in the central Feasting Tent, a new addition to the festival, were James and Alison Daldry from Wirral who brought along their new French Bulldog puppy, Buster.

James, 32, said: “The atmosphere is terrific and really family-friendly. The festival is so much bigger than last year and there is so much to see and do. I especially enjoyed the cider tent but the food demonstrations were interesting too.”

Kerry Snaith, 35, travelled from Walsall to attend the festival. She said: “I really like these kind of events and it’s nice to be able to sample the produce from Cheshire. I was surprised by how many different stalls were here and it was great to explore the festival in the sunshine.

“I’m looking forward to returning next year.”

Festival director Sue Hitchen said: "Foodies Festival at Tatton Park is going from strength to strength with a 22% increase in visitor numbers and double the number of artisan producers this year.

"We were delighted to welcome local MasterChef winner Simon Wood in the Chefs Theatre and visitors loved our new Tasting Theatre and extended Street Food Avenue. We can't wait to return in 2016."

To find out more about the Foodie Festivals visit www.foodiesfestival.com