Stomachs rumbled and tastebuds tingled as foodies tucked into a feast of the most tantalizing treats the county has to offer at the sixth Taste Cumbria food festival in Cockermouth at the weekend.

Hungry revellers flocked to the town to enjoy demonstrations from chefs and drink experts like Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, who treated visitors at his pop-up restaurant with taste sensations for every pallet, 2014 Great British Bake Off Finalist Richard Burr and kitchen wizard Steven Doherty.

Among the feast of attractions were a beer festival, hosted by Moo! Bars of Penrith and Carlisle in Jennings Brewery, Tickled at the Trout comedy night in a marquee at the Trout Hotel and adult masterclasses at Riversmeet in Market Place.

The younger generation weren’t forgotten either, with Grub Club masterclasses teaching children how to make creative pizzas with Andy Walsh, of The Coffee Kitchen, and games and activities in Bitterbeck Car Park.

Punter Sheila Hall, of Harrington, was visiting for the first time with three friends who are Taste Cumbria veterans.

She said: “I thought it was wonderful today, the weather was good and the eating area was superb.

“This is my first time but I’d come back.

“There’s a great variety of stuff, especially local produce from all over the county.

“Most certainly it’s a good thing for the town and the area.”

Cath Atkinson, of Workington, said: “I just like milling around tasting different things.

“There’s a good mix of stalls, there’s everything isn’t there?  I think it’s a good thing.”

The rich blend of aromas wafting around Market Place proved irresistible to most revelers, but the producers’ market on Main Street also reported huge interest the exciting platter of culinary delights included local businesses offering samples of poultry, sauces and dips, indulgent desserts and refreshing drinks.

Angela Walsh, co-owner of The Coffee Kitchen, said they had been very busy across their stall, coffee shop and bakery and that many items had sold out early on Saturday.

She added: “We’ve even had to start taking orders for tomorrow.

“It’s a fantastic thing for Cockermouth, people come and see what a wonderful town it is and hopefully they’ll come back again later in the year.”

The festival was organised by CN Events, part of the Times & Star’s parent company CN Group.

Marie Whitehead, director of CN Events, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant, the feedback we’ve had has been unbelievable.

“A lot of traders have said that it’s even busier than last year and the masterclasses have gone down really well.

“We’re hoping there’s more people here than last year because we’ve increased the size of the festival a little bit.

“The town has been brilliant and so supportive.”