Feedback for the 2017 Dartmouth Food Festival has provided proof, if any were needed, that it was a resounding success, with many visitors giving the festival a five-star rating on Facebook. The mixed weather this year resulted in Sunday being a busier day than Saturday. Although overall numbers of visitors were down from 2016, the buoyant Sunday meant traders and visitors alike left happy, according to committee member Adam Edsall.

A spokesman for the festival said: “Many are already wanting to book and come back for 2018. Early indications show in excess of 25,000 people came to visit our beautiful town over the 3 days after Sheila Shribman, Festival Chair, officially opened ‘the doors’ on Friday.”

The Festival took over the town from the South Embankment, through the heart of the Royal Avenue Gardens and to the old Market. Kitchen demonstrations from the likes of Mitch Tonks, Angela Hartnett, The Mindful Chefs, Mark Hix, Romy Gill, David and Holly Jones (Manna from Devon) drew the crowds. Matt Tebbutt, Saturday Kitchen Presenter, also took part in the ‘Eat Your Words’ sessions which were sold out.

The chefs were quizzed by visitors on everything from their favourite gadget to their favourite fish.

Sheila Shribman said: “With the abundance of locally-produced, high quality ingredients and a growing reputation for world-class food, it is no wonder that Dartmouth again proved the perfect setting for the Festival and spirits were not dampened by the weather!

“It has been described as ‘a feast for the senses’ and I am so proud to be part of it. With well over 100 producers, including around 75% from Devon, visitors were able to browse from a wide selection of sumptuous food and drink and buy direct from the growers, makers, bakers and brewers.

“This year, we saw beautiful stands selling breads, cheeses, meats, drinks, wines, beers, chocolate, flapjack, cake, chutneys, oils and much more, it was really a sensory delight.”

This year also saw the Festival merchandise range, designed in collaboration with Becky Bettesworth who said: "Dartmouth is one of my all-time favourite places and already forms a key part of my existing West Country collection of travel posters and seaside prints with its iconic sailing boats and backdrop of the famous bustling Royal port.

“I really felt this warranted a new image with a different feel and colours to mark this exciting new partnership. The image works perfectly not just as a print and poster but also for the fabulous jute bag and tea towel.” The festival very nearly sold out of all merchandise, including the new water bottles.

Steph Garnett from the Royal Castle Hotel noted they were very busy over the weekend and added: “I thought that there was a great mix of suppliers; established favourites and a great introduction to some new, local suppliers. And on a personal note: my fridge is so wonderfully stocked at the moment!”

Mitch Tonks, Festival Advocate said: "It was yet another fantastic year for the Dartmouth Food Festival. It is always such a fun event for everyone and an excellent chance for us to shout about the incredible produce we have here in the West Country and further afield.

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the exhibitors, sponsors, chefs and food writers who came to make it such a success.

“I can’t wait for next year to come around! So save the date, we’ll be back October 19-21, 2018.”