Town centre manager Tom Hardy was delighted by the success of Hitchin Food Fest over the weekend.

The Comet: Hitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BIDHitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BID (Image: Archant)

“There was such a buzz in the town over the weekend and it is great to see it so packed with new and regular visitors,” he told the Comet.

“This year we introduced a large stretch tent in place of the usual food demonstration stage. We booked town centre businesses slots to offer free tasters and talks, which proved hugely popular.

The Comet: Hitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BIDHitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BID (Image: Archant)

“In addition to this we placed road signs around the town directing and informing visitors of the food and drink offer. We also produced a festival map highlighting the ‘in-house’ activities available within businesses over the weekend.”

Tom added: “These events, flowers, Christmas lights and additional activities are all paid for by the businesses in the town centre. A huge thank-you has to go to them for their continued support for the work undertaken by the Hitchin BID.”

The Comet: Hitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BIDHitchin Food Fest 2018, in the town's Market Place. Picture: Hitchin BID (Image: Archant)

Those enjoying the festival, held in the Market Place and High Street over Saturday and Sunday, included Councillor Judi Billing – who called it “totally buzzing and delicious”.