Our Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival 2024 gets under way as thousands flocked to town centre on first day

The first day of an annual food and drink festival was hailed as a ‘tremendous success’ as thousands flocked to the town centre.

The Our Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival returned yesterday with a menu full of treats, a theatre kitchen and family fun.

Visitors enjoyed everything from Caribbean food to refreshing cocktails, alongside fun activities and fairground rides at the arc Shopping Centre.

The free festival – now in its 12th year – has kicked off at 10am today and will running until 5pm.

Today’s highlight will be the return of Michelin-starred celebrity chef Galton Blackiston, who will be taking the stage at the cookery theatre from 11am at the Cornhill.

Galton has held a Michelin star for 18 years and appeared on television programmes including the Great British Menu and Saturday Kitchen.

Forage Kitchen, The Wine Cellar and Three Kings Pub will also do a live cooking demonstrations. Click here for a full rundown of today’s demonstrations.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds, said yesterday was one of the busiest day since the festival began over a decade ago.

He added: “Yesterday was a tremendous success at the food and drink festival.

“There were huge crowds across the town centre throughout the day, enjoying the great variety of food and drink that was on offer.

“It was lovely to see so many people having a great time.

“We put out even more chairs and tables this year, but they were full all day. We’re looking forward to an even busier, better and warmer day today.”

Food lovers will be able to find stalls across Bury town centre, including a farmers’ market on Angel Hill.