IN PICTURES: Eat:Weston-super-Mare attracts crowds despite wet weather

A wet day at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Eat:Weston arrived in town on Saturday for the second time this year and a whole host of tasty dishes were served up by local vendors.

The festival celebrates South West businesses which deliver savoury and sweet meals as well as some cheeky tipples.

Neil Jones, Kitchen Garden Plant Centre at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Torrential rain, strong winds and bitter cold weather battered Weston and North Somerset over the weekend but visitors to eat:Weston did not let that phase them, with people sheltering under raincoats and umbrellas.

Co-organiser Bev Milner Simonds said: “Of course it is disappointing when it rains but Weston folk showed they were made of stern stuff and turned out in waterproofs and umbrellas to enjoy the fantastic range of seasonal produce on offer.

Kinori Japanesse food by chef Hidekii at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

“Our producers saw good sales on the day and the two undercover elements, the Hawksmoor Cook School and Retreat Demo Stage were busy all day.”

The Hawksmoor Cook School saw people learn how to create sushi while inside the Sovereign Shopping Centre, the smell of freshly-cooked food filled the air as three chefs stepped up to the plate to show the crowds what they can do with their day’s purchases.

Lynn and Ron serving up food in the Dog House at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Sarah Milner Simonds, who runs the event alongside Bev, said: “We would like to extend our thanks to our supporters; Weston BID, Weston Town Council and North Somerset and our local sponsors Westcoast Properties, Naked Signs, Thatchers Cider and Hawksmoor Investment Management.

“A special thank you to Weston Eagles whose team worked so hard in challenging conditions to make the festival a success.

Steve Webster from Glastonbury Cheese at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

“We are looking forward to returning to the Italian Gardens on December 15 for our festive festival eat:Christmas with brass bands, gospel choirs, entertainment and lots of tasty seasonal food.”

Bev and Sarah will be back in the area for their next food festival, eat:Burnham, on October 27 before the inaugural eat:Christmas and eat:Vegan festivals are held in December and January.

Clive and Scott Rayner from The Unusal Pork Pie Company at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Mark and Michael from Riverford at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

The Somerset Deli at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Louise Nutt selling her Scotch Eggs at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Louise Nutt selling her Scotch Eggs at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Becca and Emily from Crumpet Cakes at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

George and Brian Scott from Rich's Cider at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Chai and Samosas at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Nick Parfitt with icecream from Chew Moo's at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Aisling Magill - The Olive Branch Deli at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Charcoal, masters of fine smoked and barbecued foods. Chef James Horrigan at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Moroccan Street Food at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Randa Hucker from Hallabaloos with some of their traditional lemonade at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Michelle Palmer and Marcus Jenkins serving up a feast at the Passion and Smoke stand, Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Mark Davey and Dave Turner from Pitchfork Ales at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)

Marcus Fergusson with his Renegade Monk blue cheese at Eat: Weston. Picture: MARK ATHERTON (Image: Archant)