Food and Drink Festival was a real SIZZLER!
SCORCHING temperatures helped ensure the 10th Southport Food and Drink Festival was the hottest event for years.
Thousands of people converged on Victoria Park in Southport for the free three-day culinary showcase last Friday, Saturday and Sunday ( June 3-5).
Temperatures hit as high of 25 degrees Celsius during the event, which was organised by Sefton Council’s tourism team.
Sefton Tourism Visitor Economy Officer Joanne Dwyer said: “This year was the busiest festival we have had and that was great as it was our 10th birthday.
“It was great to see Southport so busy and so many people enjoying themselves.
“The Children’s Festival was really popular and kept the kids entertained throughout the weekend. The traders were happy and are all asking to come back next year.
“The festival has really evolved since moving to the park and has a really great atmosphere.”
Saturday saw crowds enjoy a flaring festival run by the Flair n Funk marquee at the corner of the park.
Finalists from Miss Southport 2016 staged their eco round at Victoria Park, ahead of their final at The Atkinson on Sunday night.
Children also enjoyed all the entertainment on offer in the Children’s Festival marquee.
A Great Little Place hosted afternoon tea to mark 10 years of the festival and food daredevils took on the Hot Wings Challenge run by Southport firm Wingbox.
Southport Business Improvement district manager Andrew Sloman was among people impressed by the festival.
He said: “It’s such a great event for the town.
“Our talented Sefton Council tourism team have dished up a superb 10th anniversary show featuring some of the tastiest treats from fantastic homegrown businesses and quality producers from further afield.
“It was very rewarding to see some familiar faces from Southport town centre at the show, including recent additions such as Remedy, Wilsons Kitchen and Wingbox to name but three. There really was something for everyone.”
Radio City 2 presenter Claire Simmo, who lives in Southport, was at the event with her family.
She said: “I loved it. The live music was great and the kids enjoyed it as much as the adults!”
Sarah Simcock, co-owner of the Remedy bar on Lord Street in Southport, was at the festival with her Remedy Gin Garden.
She said: “Wow what a event. Such a great atmosphere, fantastic sunshine, fabulous music, food and entertainment and so many people.
“It has been incredible.”