Food fans flock to food festival at Ludlow Castle

More than 200 real ales and 70 food and drink producers were on hand at Ludlow Castle creating the perfect atmosphere for a weekend of fun, organisers said today.

Beth Heath, operations director for Ludlow Spring Food and Drink Festival, said the event was a roaring success and one she would never forget.

She said: "It has been absolutely fantastic and it has been crammed full of people. On Saturday night we had queues of people enjoying sampling the ale and what seemed like half the town of Ludlow dancing in the marquee to the wonderful live music.

"It was busy again on Sunday with people coming from far and wide to see what is on offer and I can't really say how fantastic it has been, I will never forget it."

Mrs Heath said there was also a display of classic cars for petrol heads to enjoy while Shropshire's own celebrity TV chef Marcus Bean was on hand to give out some top tips for the kitchen.

She said: "The festival is so much more than great beer, fantastic music, delicious food and vintage vehicles. We also had free talks and demonstrations for young and old alike so people can get stuck in and have a go.

"It's like a beer festival, but better, with around 200 real ales, 70 passionate local food and drink producers, toe-tapping live music and up to 200 spectacular classic cars."

The festival, which is the sister event of Ludlow's famous food and drink festival in September, was launched to help local traders.

It regularly attracts about 8,000 people to Ludlow and Mrs Heath said this year's looked set to be the most successful one yet.

On Friday night a special 'Festival Pub' opened during the evening giving ale enthusiasts the chance to chat to the brewers about their work.

Mrs Heath said: "People came to explore as many of our real ales as they could manage. Local beermasters were on hand and they were happy to answer questions about their work.

"Brewers from some of the biggest names in the region, including Hobsons, Corvedale, Brecon Brewery, Wye Valley, Ludlow Brewery and more were sharing the secrets behind your favourite tipples.

"Drinkers were not only able to sample the huge selection of beers – they were also be able to find out when they were brewed, what ingredients went into them and why they developed their characteristic flavours.

"Great music was also played throughout and I think it was a huge success with drinkers."

Mrs Heath added that a series of masterclasses were held in the castle during the weekend, including from Juliet Harbutt, who is known as the 'Queen of Cheese' and a bakery masterclass with Robert Swift.

Stalls were offering everything from hot curry to ice cream and authentic Italian pizzas to cakes.

Festival chairman Phil Maile said: "It seems like only yesterday that we launched the Ludlow Spring Festival.

"Our idea was to celebrate the joys of beer, bread and bangers – as well as the finest vintage automobiles from across Ludlow and further afield.

"Ludlow Spring Festival is a celebration of all that's good about Ludlow and we're looking forward to welcoming the crowds.