Hitchin town centre was packed with lovers of good drink and fine delicacies at the weekend during the annual wine and food festival.

The Comet: Herts restaurateur Andrei Lussmann and Hitchin Wine & Food Festival chairman Fiona Gray chat to vegetarian and vegan chef Martin Burke. Picture: Danny LooHerts restaurateur Andrei Lussmann and Hitchin Wine & Food Festival chairman Fiona Gray chat to vegetarian and vegan chef Martin Burke. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Countless food-lovers sampled the goodies on offer in Market Place during the Hitchin Wine & Food Festival on Saturday, despite the occasional drizzle.

A strong turn-out for the wine section of the festival in Church House helped bring in at least £6,500 for the festival’s chosen charities.

Restaurateur Andrei Lussmann was patron for this year’s iteration of the festival organised by Hitchin Tilehouse Rotary Club.

The Comet: The Hitchin Wine & Food Festival 2017. Picture: Danny LooThe Hitchin Wine & Food Festival 2017. Picture: Danny Loo (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2017)

Festival chairman Fiona Gray told the Comet: “We’re still totting the final totals up, but we’ve brought in at least as much as last year.

“It was pretty packed in the square, and about 230 people came into Church House for the wine and gin.

“The mix of food stalls was quite broad this year – we had Brazilian food for the first time, and South African food too. It was a really buzzing atmosphere.”

Fiona said they were already getting enquiries in about booking for next year.

She added: “We had to turn people away this year, so we’re looking to expand next time. We’re hoping to have stalls down the High Street too next year.”