The event attracted a good crowd

WORLD records, cookery demonstrations, blazing sunshine and large crowds all helped to make a food festival a success.

The second Hitchin Food and Drink Festival was held in Hitchin Market Place at the weekend.

The event featured cookery demonstrations and tasting sessions from chefs at local restaurants and delis, including The Radcliffe Arms, Hermitage Road, The Fox at Willian and Halsey’s.

There was also a community breakfast, and cooking classes with event patron Andrew Turner, executive head chef from London’s Cafe Royal.

Town centre manager Keith Hoskins said: “It was good, it was absolutely packed. The town was rammed with people on Saturday and it was very busy on Sunday, too.

“Everybody who participated was great. We have planned some things that will benefit it next year, because there were a lot of people who said they wanted to join in next year.

“I think it’s going to grow year on year. It was a success.”

The Hitchin Initiative event also featured food and drink stalls, tasters, a beer tent and a range of offers.

And Mr Turner also managed to break the world record for the highest toast stack, measuring 71cm tall and made up of 75 pieces of toast.

“That was brilliant,” added Mr Hoskins.

“We were trying all week, and the best we could do was 58cm.”

• To see a gallery of pictures, click on the link in the top right-hand corner.