FOODIES and families enjoyed a weekend of culinary delights at this year's Essex Festival of Food and Drink.
More than 7,000 visitors flocked to Cressing Temple Barns - ignoring the threat posed by the imminent storms - to sample the best treats and tipples the county had to offer.
Demonstrations staged by Great British Bake-Off stars Ruby Tandoh and Jo Wheatley proved the most popular over the weekend, as where those fronted by Tony Singh from Incredible Spice Men and National Chef of the Year Hayden Groves.
Tony cut an impressive figure in his trademark kilt and turban and wowed the Main Stage crowds with his McTSingh chilli dog and aubergine flatbreads.
Ruby had mouths watering with her lemon and basil tart, and was joined by a small army of her young fans at the Master stage. They helped her knead the dough for saffron buns with almond praline twirl.
Visitors clamoured to have photos taken with their favourite chef and many had books and festival programmes for them to sign.
The event was organised by APT Events management with the Essex Chronicle.
Organiser Anne Pocock said: "We were worried about the weather forecast for the weekend with all the storms around, but the weather held for most of the weekend and our visitors basked in the sun and enjoyed a weekend of foodie delights.
"The chefs' demonstration stages were packed and you can certainly say Essex enjoys a great food show and a tipple or two. See you all next year and thank you to everyone who visited."
'Smelt amazing'
There was a mouthwatering range of food and drinks on offer at more than 120 stands, including meats such as crispy duck, savoury sausages, fresh lamb, pulled beef, hand-made cheeses, and for those wanting something a little different ostrich, zebra and kangaroo.
For those with a sweet tooth, there were delicious cupcakes, fancy marshmallows, baklava, waffles, and ice creams, and drinks fans weren't disappointed, with a choice ranging from champagne, Pimms and flavoured vodka to strawberry cider and fresh coconut water.
Main sponsors Adnams were kept busy with visitors to the Adnams boat bar and mobile beach hut which was packed with beers, mini casks and merchandise.
Their seated area, filled with Adnams deckchairs, provided people with a place to take the weight of their feet and enjoy a cool beer. New for 2014 was the Only Way is Local marquee sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society.
Local producers were showcasing their products which ranged from frozen yogurt and handcooked crisps to pure English honey and fruit smoothies.
"I came last year with my sons and we all liked it so much that we put it in the diary for this year, we even follow the festival on twitter," said Mairead Pryor, from Shenfield.
"We loved seeing the celebrity chefs, especially Tony Singh.The food smelt amazing."
Southend-based social group, Recycled Teenagers, came down by the coachload especially for the day.
"It's a fantastic event, there's so much to eat, see and do," said group member, Barbara Barfoot. "My favourite thing so far has got to be the rums.
The best chef was Ruby Tandoh, she was lovely and the Great British Bake Off was a great show."
The festival's Great Essex Baking competition was judged by Ruby Tandoh, Nick Anderson from Mayfield Farm Bakery and Kevin Theobold from Marriages.
Jessica Auger, 12, won the junior category with her gingerbread men decorated like the Avengers' characters. Hannah Scott was a finalist
The winners in the two adult categories were Leanda Cable with her classic sour dough loaf and Lynne Clark with her macaroons.
