This summer’s Clitheroe Food Festival attracted record crowds, cost Ribble Valley Council less than expected; and businesses, residents and visitors want another next year, councillors are being told.

Ribble Valley Council plays a key role in the annual food festival, including financial support. It had budgeted £26,000 for this year’s events but the final cost may be lower at around £10,000 because of sponsorship and other income success.

The borough’s economic development committee has had an update for its latest meeting. A report reviews August’s one-day Clitheroe Food Festival and smaller Taste Fest events in other locations such as farms, restaurants and food venues through the week.

An estimated 25,000 people attended the main Clitheroe festival, with 107 businesses and organisations attending, the report states. There were 112 stalls available with some businesses taking two stalls.

The total costs to the council for this year’s events was £9,824, although some residual costs have yet to be accounted for, compared to £16,000 last year. This year’s original budgeted cost was £26,000.

The Clitheroe festival is free to the public. Income for the council mainly comes from stall fees and sponsorship. Because it is free for visitors, it cannot generate enough money to cover the cost of hosting it.

Ribble Valley Council provides a £5,000 grant and absorbs the net cost in its economic development role, £9,824 this year. Theis year’s original budget assumed no sponsorship and lower income from exhibitors. And the lower costs came despite generally rising prices, the report adds. Council officers worked to reduce costs and raise income while protecting the quality of events.

The report adds: “The food festival had a similar model to previous years. It was a one-day event in Clitheroe town centre on Castle Street, King Street, New Market Street and Clitheroe Market. All available stalls were sold-out well in advance along with a number of sponsorship packages.  A high number of stall holders sold-out [of stock], showing the high demand from the public.”

The event was organised by council officers with support on the day from festival friends. Around 30 volunteers including members of Whalley  Lions and Clitheroe Rotary Club.

Regarding publicity, activities included press releases. local press advertising and social media. On-line business engagement was also increased and the food festival website saw a big rise in audiences closer to the date.

In past years, some councillors have suggested a two-day food festival should be considered for Clitheroe.  The was also mentioned by a small number of visitors, the report states.

However, a two-day event would require significant extra resources from council officers. Also most stall-holders prefer a one-day event. This allows them to set up and leave on the same day, without overnight storage or security needed. It also allows cars to access Clitheroe town centre earlier.

Meanwhile, the smaller Taste Fest events ensures the benefits of the food festival are spread over a longer period across the Ribble Valley, the report adds. These also build anticipation for the main Clitheroe festival.

The report adds: “The Taste Fest and Clitheroe Food Festival make a significant contribution to promoting the Ribble Valley and contributing to the tourism sector. Although the food festival is not self-financing, it is an important date in the calendar supporting local businesses and tourism. It is recommended that the council continues to organise both events.”