ORGANISERS of the Forest Showcase food and drink festival say they are delighted with the response from visitors and exhibitors.

The festival, held at the Speech House near Coleford, hosted more than 80 local producers and welcomed thousands of visitors eager to try a huge range of savoury and sweet treats as well as soft and alcoholic drinks.

Chefs including Lawrence Jeffries of Gloucestershire College and Yvette Farrell of Harts Barn Cookery School took to the stage in the cookery theatre.

There was also arts and crafts and local musicians including the Forest of Dean Singing Club who did their bit to banish the early morning fog with a rousing rendition of Morecombe and Wise’s signature tune Bring Me Sunshine.

Among the new features this year were parent and child cookery classes and a glimpse of a sustainable future in the Resilient Futures, marquee organised by the Resilience Centre in Woolaston.

As well as talks and presentations on living sustainably, there was also a chance to see an electric car battery being charged using wind power.

Showcase organiser, Amanda Smith said: “We’ve had lots of very positive feedback from producers and visitors.

“A lot of the visitors commented on the family-friendly atmos­phere and many of the producers said the showcase is their favourite festival of the year.”

Next week attention switches to Caldicot Castle for the two-day Monmouthshire Food Festival on Saturday and Sunday.