THOUSANDS of visitors flocked to have their tastebuds tantalised at the fourth annual Shipston Food Festival.

Around 4,000 people descended on Sunday's event to enjoy a host of cookery demonstrations and stalls selling delicious Cotswold produce.

Dan Scobie, festival chairman, said: "This was probably the best year we have had. We were very lucky with the weather. We had a demonstration area that will hold about 80 people, that was constantly packed."

Demonstrating at the event was the award-winning chef Indunil Sanchi, who taught crowds how to make an authentic curry, and the Cotswold Traiteur, Francis Green.

Meanwhile John Oxton, former head chef at the Churchill Arms, taught children how to make a chicken noodle stir-fry from scratch.

Mr Scobie said: "It was utterly chaotic and very wonderful. It was saying you do not need to be scared doing these things with your children."

The Cotswold Distillery shared its secrets with visitors, while the Shipston Beekeeping Association offered top tips on producing honey.

And the High Street was packed with a variety of stalls selling everything from oils and olives to beer, bread, coffee and chocolate.

Mr Scobie added: "I originally founded the festival. It was because I think people are losing their connection both with the production of food in the local area and being able to cook for themselves.

"It is a celebration of local food and local cookery. We have deliberately tried to keep it small and non-commercial. We keep it small, friendly and accessible."

On Saturday, visitors to Shipston were treated to an arts and crafts market before Sunday's culinary extravaganza.

For more information about the festival visit facebook.com/shipstonfood