THOUSANDS of people had their tastebuds tickled at Three Counties Showground as they enjoyed food experiences and mouth-watering demos from the UK's top chefs.

Three Counties Food & Drink Festival welcomed foodies to participate in various activities as well as get up close demonstrations and advice by celebrity chefs.

Ledbury Reporter: A selection of fresh olives.A selection of fresh olives. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Great British Bake Off Winner John Whaite, television presenter Chris Bavin, celebrity chef Matt Pritchard, also known as The Dirty Vegan, and legendary cook Rosemary Shrager were watched by 500-strong crowds in the Cookery Theatre with live demonstrations throughout the day.

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Ledbury Reporter: Rosemary Shrager wows guests.Rosemary Shrager wows guests. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Headlining the stage on Sunday was Matt Tebbutt, one of the UK’s most popular chefs and the current host of BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.

He regularly contributes to several food publications, including Waitrose Weekend, along with authoring several of his own cookbooks.

Ledbury Reporter: Children making different treats.Children making different treats. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Joining Matt is Pookie, a 2022 Masterchef finalist from Solihull, known for her vibrant and colourful dishes.

Ledbury Reporter: YUM: There were many different stands selling treats. YUM: There were many different stands selling treats. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Completing the Sunday line-up is Jean-Christophe Novelli, an acclaimed chef and restauranteur who has worked in some of the world’s top restaurants across his career.

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Ledbury Reporter: People sat on hay bales eating food from across the world.People sat on hay bales eating food from across the world. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Around 150 traders from Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire cooked street food dishes worldwide and sampled a fantastic range of artisan goodies from the region’s producers.

Ledbury Reporter: A selection of loaded fries.A selection of loaded fries. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

As well as food, visitors could buy gifts, crafts and homewares from local makers and creators.  

There were also many opportunities for festival-goers to get hands-on with interactive activities.

Ledbury Reporter: Visitors could purchase a range of drink and food from local businesses. Visitors could purchase a range of drink and food from local businesses. (Image: Mikal Ludlo)

For visitors who were passionate about beverages, the festival had a programme of exciting drinks workshops, allowing them to taste and tipple their way around the event.

Ledbury Reporter: SUNFLOWER: Different plants were also for sale.SUNFLOWER: Different plants were also for sale. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

Organiser Bev Channell said: "Visitors have had a ball tasting new tipples, enjoying unique street food, taking in all the live entertainment, and thoroughly enjoying the festival vibe."

Ledbury Reporter: Thousands of people flocked to the festival last weekend.Thousands of people flocked to the festival last weekend. (Image: Mikal Ludlow)

"The debut foodie celebration is set to return next July with another stellar line-up of  TV cooks and celebrity chefs, alongside the very best unique and artisan food producers the region has to offer."