Cooking up a foodie feast at Shugborough Estate

More than 7,500 food fanatics headed to the venue for The Great British Food Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

It was the first time the popular tourist attraction had hosted the event. Organisers said they were so thrilled with the success of the weekend they now hope to bring it back in 2014.

Great British Food Festival spokesman Daniel Maycock said: "It was a lot busier than we thought. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

"We had about 3,000 visitors on Saturday and another 4,500 on Sunday, helped by the lovely weather.

Mr Maycock said the picturesque grounds at Shugborough were the perfect setting for the culinary extravaganza.

He added: "It's a new event and the first time we'd held it at Shugborough. It was a great setting and the estate was lovely in the sun.

"We'll hopefully be back next year."

At the event there were more than 100 producers showcasing the best in local, seasonal and speciality food and drink.

Among the culinary delights on offer were Thai pies, Kangaroo burgers and locally-made sausages.

On top of the local and independent food stalls, selling everything from hand-baked biscuits to fine wines, there were lots of activities including a Great British Cake Off and a Man Versus Food challenge.

There was also a chef demonstration tent and games and activities for children, a balloon race and live music.

And there was even an artisan cheese talk and wine tasting.

Local chefs Paul Gilmore, Dean Cole, Daren Bale and Fiona Asson gave out handy hints to budding cooks in the demonstration tent throughout the festival. Among the local producers were Hindleys Bakery in Lichfield and there was fresh drinks served up at the Juice Shack.

The Great British Food Festival now moves on to Capesthorne Hall in East Cheshire on July 13-14, Stonyhurst College near Clitheroe, in Lancashire on August 24-26 and Walton Hall in Warrington, Cheshire on September 21-22.