The weather held out for the annual town centre event, attracting thousands of people on Sunday, July 5.

Organisers at Belper Town Council said that the entertainment on offer and more than 40 stalls made the festival the best in its three-year history.

Food festival committee member Cllr Peter Arnold said: "It was absolutely superb. The town was jam-packed. At one point trying to walk up and down King Street was nigh on impossible.

"I only hope it was as successful for the traders as it was for the town council.

"All we can do now is hope next year is as successful as it was this year."

Food companies from Belper and further afield lined King Street, Strutt Street and the Green Lane car park.

Mouth-watering exhibitions included cakes, cheeses, farm goods and chocolate stalls. Local trade and charity stalls also exhibited on the day.

The council also hired a climbing wall to entertain daredevil foodies.

More traditional entertainment, including dance troupe Folk Friendzy and folk singers, performed on a stage opposite Strutt Street. The artists also performed for punters in the street.

It was the first time the event had been organised solely by the council.

Councillors have been helped by Sam Jackson, manager of Fresh Basil, on Strutt Street, in previous years. The joint manager said he thought it was time to step back after helping to get the festival off the ground.

Pubs on the Market Place ran a real ale festival in line with the food event.

Chris Simcox, landlord at the White Swan, said: "I think it was very successful. The Market Place was packed. We did some music and we were full."

The Black Swan, on the other side of the Market Place,ran a hog roast for the day.

To see more pictures go to www.belpernews.co.uk.