Tastebuds were tickled on Sunday as hundreds of hungry visitors sampled the delights of the new-look Farnham Food Festival.

And it seems like organisers Farnham Town Council have been given food for thought about the event’s future, with the shift east away from Castle Street going down well with visitors.

There was no excuse for going hungry with food and drink from around the world being served up around The Borough, East Street and Brightwells Yard.

Visitors tucked into dishes from afar as Germany, Greece and Guyana while Asia was also well represented with Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean food on offer.

A culinary masterclass was also served up on the Brightwells Market Place stage with Ben Harris, Eva Humphries and chefs from Maison Restaurant, Thai Lotusland and The Third Monkey giving demonstrations.

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The Third Monkey team cook up a storm on the Brightwells Market Place stage (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)
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Farnham Taiko drumming on the Royal Deer Junction (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

While feedback over the festival’s relocation – necessitated by ongoing work on Castle Street – seemed to be mixed among traders, all the visitors the Herald spoke to were impressed with the set-up.

“It feels more laid-back and it’s easier to get around,” said Colin Blair, while his wife, Annette, added: “We’ve been a few times but sometimes it has felt a bit claustrophobic.”

Justin and Helen Thacker, of Folly Hill Honey, called the set-up “fantastic” and would like to see more similar events held in the Brightwells development.

The pair were making their first appearance at the annual event having launched their business five years ago. They have five apiary sites around Farnham and have defied a hot and dry summer to produce a decent harvest.

“We’ve had a great day and I think having this festival here has been amazing,” said Justin.

Helen added: “We love it here – we don’t like all the naysaying about Brightwells Yard because it’s actually a really nice place to be.”

Stephen Lopez of La Patisserie Macaron also welcomed the move to “chilled out” Brightwells, with more places to eat and chat.

Naila Ahmed, of Snug Cookies, seemed to prefer her previous position on The Borough close to the Bush Hotel as trade seemed slightly down this year.

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Helen and Justin Thacker of Folly Hill Honey, making their first appearance at the food festival. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)
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The move to Brightwells Yard seemed to go down well with visitors. Has it ever been this busy? (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)
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Peter Bennison of award-winning hot sauce producers, the Big Ginger Sauce Co. (Iliffe Media/Paul Ferguson)

She said: “It also could be because people are spending less, so it’s hard to judge.”

Peter Bennison of award-winning hot sauce producers, the Big Ginger Sauce Co, also preferred his previous pitch at the foot of Castle Street but appreciates it was arguably the festival’s best.

“I think I preferred it in the town centre because they had me right on the corner and that was an absolute blast,” said the producer from Pirbright.

“But it’s been busy and there’s been a good crowd, as always. It’s a great place, Farnham, and I love coming here.”

There was live music and entertainment throughout the day with the likes of Farnham Taiko drumming up a crowd at the Royal Deer Junction.

Elayna Martin, William Laborde, The Cherry Pickers and The Gentleman also performed on the East Street Stage while Jim Cozens, Haaris Sings and Joe Jenkinson struck a chord at The Bush Hotel.