ALL the hard work that went into organising Bridport’s Food Festival paid off with locals and visitors flocking to Asker Meadows despite the threatening clouds.

And if the heavens did open on occasion nobody seemed to mind – there was plenty of shelter and plenty to see, taste and hear.

No surprise that it was standing room only for TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s demonstration and such is the interest in cooking audiences also appreciated all the other local chefs passing on their tips.

Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said he was very pleased to do a local festival and it was no surprise that he was cooking fish from Lyme Bay.

He said: “I just wanted to show a few simple recipes with sustainable fish and show how much fun it can be and easy to cook.

“I hope these food festivals are a mixture of fun and inspiration and I hope people from away will be inspired to come back to Bridport and people who have come from nearby will see what a fantastic array of brilliant local food producers they have got to tap into.

“Hopefully their future with food is enriched just by coming here today “I think it is a fantastic focal point and a great community gathering.”

For those needing to whet their whistle there was the ever-popular Bridport Round Table beer tent, which this year showed no signs of running dry.

Round Table chairman Julian Hussey, helped by 19 members and supporters from the 41 Club, said it was the organisation’s major fundraiser of the year and usually made between £10,000 and £12,000 for local good causes.

Various musicians, among them Mayor Dave Rickard, playing boogie woogie, entertained visitors throughout the day, including French visitors from the St Vaast Twinning Association. The Feast Truck taught and inspired 48 children, aged seven to 12, who prepared their own pasta salad, a granola and summer berry compote and fruit kebab.

Jane Rayner on the Food Festival committee said: “It is all about eating healthy and seasonal food.

“We work with local Food Link chefs and hired the bus from Yeovil College.” Wendy Willats from Bridport said she sent daughter Kirsty to see what goes into cooking and to have fun.

There was a good mix of locals and visitors – many making a point to come specially for the festival.

Alan Hardy, who runs Brit Mead Hotel, said: “A lot of guests come specifically for the food festival.”

John Middleton from Rochdale said it was an excellent event and well worth a visit Paul Mason from Berkshire was here on a repeat visit.

He said: “We have a caravan in Eype and work this weekend in because of the food festival.”

Angela and Mike Wicken from Bridport said “It has really improved considerably and seems to be more local companies than in previous years.” Ruth Shaw from Bridport said: “I love it, we come every year.

“We really enjoy all the food samples.

“We recognise a lot of the stall holders because we shop locally. We like organic food and there is lots of it here.”

Anthony Trevett, from Bridport said: “It is excellent, a good turnout and with typical British spirit, never mind the rain. There is such a variety. Nice to see so many local people from West Dorset.”

There was also a picnic over the weekend held at the Bridport Community Orchard.

It was organised jointly by Transition Town Bridport and South West Dorset LETS.

The 50 picnickers abandoned the orchard and took refuge in the St Mary's church hall when the rain came down.

A Food Question Time was also held at the Bull Hotel in Bridport on the eve of the event.

This starred Lyme Regis chef Mark Hix as well as such local chefs and West Bexington chilli grower Michael Michaud.

The weekend was the finale of the ten-day festival.