Hitchin town centre was buzzing over the weekend as thousands of residents and visitors turned out for the annual Hitchin Food Festival, which organisers say was the biggest and best yet.

The two-day celebration of food and drink transformed the Market Place and surrounding streets into a hub of aromas, flavours, and live entertainment. From sizzling street food and craft drinks to fresh local produce, the festival once again showcased the very best of Hitchin's thriving culinary scene.

Back by popular demand, the live cooking demonstration stage returned to the Market Place, with Hitchin's very own MasterChef leading sessions and cooking up dishes inspired by local restaurants. Crowds gathered throughout the day to watch recipes come to life and to pick up tips to try at home.

This year also saw the launch of the first-ever Great Hitchin Bake-Off competition, which drew in record numbers and proved a major highlight of the festival. Dozens of home bakers entered their creations, with the winning entries praised for both taste and presentation. The contest provided plenty of drama, delight, and delicious samples for the audience.

Organisers, local traders, and food lovers all hailed the weekend a triumph for the town. Danny Pearson, Acting Town Centre Manager at Visit Hitchin, said:

"Hitchin Food Festival was our best one yet! Hitchin Food Festival is our popular event celebrating Hitchin's culinary delights, with street food and drink, as well as our live cooking demonstration stage.

The Hitchin FoodFest is one of the most popular on the foodie calendar! As well as our local eateries promoting their gastronomic delights, there was the best in street food and drink, local produce, and ever-popular foodie activities.

Back by popular demand, we had our demonstration kitchen and stage on the Market Place with Hitchin's very own MasterChef cooking dishes from a selection of our town centre food businesses.

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We held our first ever Great Hitchin Bake-off competition, which was a real treat and drew in the largest crowds of the day. Congratulations to all the bakers.

A huge thank you to all involved. What a town!"

The event was powered by Concept Events and proudly sponsored by Worcester Lloyd, specialists in architecture, engineering, and interior design since 2010.

With sunshine, packed crowds, a government national alarm and a strong showing from local food businesses, the festival cemented its place as one of Hitchin's standout annual highlights.

Organisers have already promised that plans are in motion to make next year's event even bigger.