A food festival held last month brought more than £450,000 into the economy from 10,000 visitors, organisers have said.

The Accrington Food & Drink Festival was held on Saturday, June 1 with visitors enjoying an amazing array of food and drink, as well as D-Day commemorations, fairground rides, and a star-studded main stage.

Event organisers, #AmazingAccrington, said comments about the festival on the day were “overwhelmingly positive”, including ‘it has made Accrington feel like it used to be – it feels like old times’ and ‘great day – been looking forward to it and it didn’t disappoint.’

Accrington Food & Drink Festival 2024Accrington Food & Drink Festival 2024 (Image: Adam Woodhouse)

They also said 96 per cent of visitors came into Accrington specifically to visit the festival.

The average spend per person surveyed by organisers was £45.15, with an estimated 10,000 visitors.

Councillor Kimberley Whitehead, portfolio holder for culture, heritage, and arts, said: “The Accrington Food Festival is one of the best-attended events in Lancashire and one that we are extremely proud of here in Hyndburn.

“The event brings so many people into town and it is great to see how much was spent on the day.”

Murray Dawson, chair of #AmazingAccrington, added: “We are proud to have organised another very successful event in Accrington.

More than 10,000 people attended the event in JuneMore than 10,000 people attended the event in June (Image: Adam Woodhouse)

“The aim of the food festival is to encourage local spending, promoting #ShopLocal, and we have done just that.”

Pail Fox, owner of the Crafty Fox bar in Abbey Street, said: “It’s one of the busiest days of the year for us and the exposure we get on the main stage pulls new customers into my outlet, so it is a massive #ShopLocal win for both the town and retailers.

“We love it and will keep supporting #AmazingAccrington in their initiatives, with Hyndburn Borough Council’s ongoing support also applauded.”