‘INSPIRATIONAL’ dishes, world-wide delicacies and a gluttony of great performances provided just a pinch of the delights at this year’s Abingdon Food and Drink festival.

Foodies flocked in their thousands to the riverside of Rye Farm Meadow on Saturday for the annual event which offers something for everyone.

The charity event, now in its sixth year, promised more than 80 food and drink stalls, eight different chefs demonstrating across two marquees, and live bands and entertainment.

It promptly delivered on its promises and festival-goers coupled smiles with their full stomachs as they basked in the sunny weather.

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The foodie festival is organised each year by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper to raise funds for local causes.

Last year’s event attracted some 4,000 people and managed to raise around £20,000 for good causes.

This year organises said the event once again has raised thousands, as figures are still being totted up, and the money will go towards supporting Thames Valley Air Ambulance as the main beneficiary and local causes.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) provides a life-saving emergency medical service to Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire and is based at RAF Benson in southern Oxfordshire.

A tweet from the organisers, following the event, said: “Another fantastic Abingdon Food & Drink Festival, raising £1000’s for charity.

Herald Series:

“But it wouldn’t be that much if we didn’t have volunteers and we couldn’t do it without them. Too many to mention but we’ll start with the family and friends of The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, ditto Abingdon Rotary Club, Abingdon Lions Club, AbiBinit for clearing litter, Fitzharrys School students ably assisting chef demonstrations and running the cupcake decorating stall, Culham Interact Club entertaining young children, Abingdon Air Cadets doing a marvellous job parking cars.

“Chefs who gave their time freely - we are donating £100 to each for a charity of their choice - we will highlight them individually later and many more companies who gave us special deals.

“We were spoilt for choice on food and drink available, but done our best to sample most of them.”

Glorious sunshine meant masses of people enjoyed a refreshing drink under the sun whilst dining on various delicacies.

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There was also the annual children’s Bake Off final where young bakers rolled up their sleeves to create sweet treats that’ll impress the judges.

One commenter online said: “Thank you @Kidlivz for inspiring my children yesterday at @AbingdonFood - Morning muffins for breakfast this morning! Keep up the great work guys.”

Another said: “Another fantastic day. It gets better every year. Congratulations to you all.”