Crowds of people were undeterred by heavy rain as they flocked in their numbers to a town's ninth food and drink festival.

Around 60 stalls showcased artisan food and drink from the eastern region in Beccles on Saturday, with many attending the event for the first time.  

Among them were street food stalls spreading the delicious aroma of food from Italy, Spain, India and Turkey, in addition to British cuisine, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Truly Traceable stall in New Market sold out of their award-winning sausage rolls, venison and game piesThe Truly Traceable stall in New Market sold out of their award-winning sausage rolls, venison and game pies (Image: Charlotte James Photography)

The free-to-attend event, held in the town centre, as well as in and around St Michael’s Church included children’s entertainment in the form of the Hanton’s Punch & Judy shows and face painting by Pip Artistry. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Stall holders Sandlings Saffron being awarded the Best Stall Appearance trophy by sponsors Mr & Mrs Sweeties, joined by judge Christine Pinsent of Beccles Business Association and Festival Crier Yanny MacStall holders Sandlings Saffron being awarded the Best Stall Appearance trophy by sponsors Mr & Mrs Sweeties, joined by judge Christine Pinsent of Beccles Business Association and Festival Crier Yanny Mac (Image: Charlotte James Photography)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Among the wide variety of music to entertain the visitors was The Vibettes with their 1940’s songsAmong the wide variety of music to entertain the visitors was The Vibettes with their 1940’s songs (Image: Charlotte James Photography)

Lead organiser and event founder Paul Parravani said: “Considering the weather, we had a fantastic turnout of visitors, and nearly all stall holders had a very successful trading day, some reporting it was the best they had experienced at the festival.  

"Without their support, along with all those individuals and community groups who marshalled, made music, and carried out chef demonstrations and talks, the festival would not have been able to maintain its reputation as an event of choice for both visitors and traders.  

"Our hard-working team of organisers are already thinking of ways to make our 10th event on May 25, 2025, even more memorable, in the knowledge that if we organise it, it will be well supported, whatever the weather.” 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the staff manning the Two Magpies stall outside their cafeThe wet weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the staff manning the Two Magpies stall outside their cafe (Image: Charlotte James Photography)

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Visitors to the Local Flavours cookery theatre were treated to a variety of culinary demonstrations and talksVisitors to the Local Flavours cookery theatre were treated to a variety of culinary demonstrations and talks (Image: Charlotte James Photography)READ MORE: Thunderstorm warning issued for Suffolk amid heavy downpours

READ MORE: Police still searching for missing man last seen almost a week ago

Festival organisers invited businesses in the town to feature special offers on the day, and among those participating were the Bear and Bells, Beccles Home Interiors, Parlour Made, Old School Coffee and Get Sassy.    

The aims of the event include celebrating local and regional artisan food and drink, publicising Beccles and the Waveney Valley as a food and drink destination, involving local businesses and promoting environmentally friendly practices. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Masterchef contestant Samantha Mattocks demonstrating her cookery skills in the Local Flavours food theatreMasterchef contestant Samantha Mattocks demonstrating her cookery skills in the Local Flavours food theatre (Image: Charlotte James Photography)