Pie'll drink to that!

Buy photos » Sadie Downey from the Outdoor Pig Company won the Best Pork Pie and Best Overall Pie in the competition. 3812002MMR2

ABOUT 2,000 people packed into Evesham town centre to enjoy tasty delights at the second Pie and Ale Festival.

Market Square and Abbey Park were full of foodies and families throughout Saturday (September 15) as the pies and pints were enjoyed in glorious sunshine.

Visitors were able to sample a wide selection of the finest food and ales the Vale has to offer including Asum Ale from Evesham Brewery, the ever-popular Piddle in the Hole and Crop Slasher by Wyre Piddle Ales, Sadler's Ales Mellow Yellow and Worcestere Sorcerer.

Worcestershire culinary king Darren Bale from the Hop Pole Inn in Bewdley was the expert pie judge on the day ably assisted by Shawn Riley, Evesham Market Town Partnership Manager.

Winner of the Best Homemade Pie went to Jody Alexander while Sadie Downey, from the Outdoor Pig Company, led the way in the professional categories, being named Champion for the Best Pork Pie and Best Overall Pie in the competition.

Last year’s winner Annie Perkins – from Annie’s Market Garden – was named Reserve Champion by the judges.

With children-friendly stalls in the churchyard and dancing, magic acts and music on the main stage, the festival attracted people of all ages throughout the day.

Festival organiser Vicky Lawson said: "It was a fantastic event and we think there were around 2,000 people there. It was great so many people come out to support our local producers.

"The weather was perfect and there was a great atmosphere in the centre of the town. It was bigger and better than last year and some of the feedback we had even suggested we should do it more than once a year.

"I’m not sure whether that’s something we can consider but the event has certainly become firmly fixed in the town’s festival calendar.

"I’d just like to say a big thank you to Daren Bale for taking the time to judge the pie competition and also to thank all the Vecta members who supported the festival and helped make it happen."

Anyone with pictures from the day or feedback on the festival can tweet @eveshamtowncouk or facebook.com/EveshamTown.

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