An extra 5,000 people are said to have attended a popular East Lancashire food festival despite bad weather, councillors have been told.

An estimated 25,000 people enjoyed the Clitheroe Food Festival, members of Ribble Valley Council's economic development committee have been told, which was up on the 20,000 attendance for 2023.

But better promotion has been suggested for the accompanying Ribble Valley Taste Fest, the week before, after a number of events were cancelled.

In a report to councillors Hassan Ditta, a senior economic development officer, said the food festival involved 107 businesses and organisations when it took place on Saturday, August 10, with 112 stalls pitched.

He added: "The food festival followed a similar model to previous years in that it was a one-day event taking place in Clitheroe town centre on Castle Street, King Street, New Market Street and Clitheroe Market. All available stalls for this year were sold out well in advance of the festival along with a number of sponsorship packages.

"The food festival drew in a record number of crowds throughout the day with the town being particularly busy in the afternoon. Approximately 25,000 visitors attended during the day, up from last year’s record 20,000. A high number of stall holders sold out on the day showing the high demand from public visiting Clitheroe on the day.

"The event was organised and managed by Council officers with support on the day provided by festival friends. Festival friends provided a friendly welcome to visitors, with a particular emphasis on meeting and greeting people as they arrived by train, coach and bus.

"Around 30 people volunteered as festival friends, including members of Whalley Lions and Clitheroe Rotary Club together with a number of individual volunteers.

"Despite the inclement weather with multiple showers throughout the morning, a record number of people attended this year with crowds being larger than predicted causing the town centre to become extremely busy at times.

"Because it is free to attend, no tickets are sold and therefore predictions of crowd density cannot be made in advance, although provision for crowd safety are made in consultation with the police."

But Mr Ditta told councillors that while walks, gastro experiences and children's events proved popular for the Ribble Valley Taste Fest, held the week before, some events were cancelled.

He added: "Reflecting on some the events which were cancelled, feedback suggests there needs to be a longer lead in period for promotion with, if possible, a full diary available about one month in advance."