FOODIES were spoilt for choice this weekend as an array of culinary delights were on offer at Witney Festival of Food and Drink and Wallingford Food Festival.

At the third annual event in Witney, this year sponsored by Wychwood brewery, 70 producers – all from within 40 miles of the town – tantalised tastebuds on Saturday.

About 6,000 punters wandered St Mary’s Church and the Church Green with honey, cider, bread, meats, beers, fruit and veg, and chocolates all on offer.

Comedian and TV presenter Alexander Armstrong, the festival’s patron, started proceedings by cutting a ribbon made of beer mats.

The Pointless host, who lives nearby, said: “I’ve seen the festival grow in the last three years and it’s so exciting.

“It’s expanding – the quality and quantity goes up each year and exceeds all expectations.”

He said Witney and surrounding areas were a hotbed of exceptional produce, adding: “Witney is a thriving town, it is incredibly well-served by artisans and food producers of such high-quality.”

The Old Farmhouse Bakery, based in Steventon, was among those selling their goods at the festival.

Andy Bitmead, who runs the family business, said: “Recently people have become more aware of what they are eating and how their food is made.

“This sort of event is great as people can ask questions of the person who actually baked, grew or produced the food.”

Elsewhere, the burgers were flipping and the cocktails flowing at the fifth annual Wallingford Food Festival.

Foodies and families flocked to Bridge Villa campsite throughout Saturday and yesterday to sample local produce, watch live demonstrations and relax on the grass.

The event was first held in 2010, and now pulls in about 60 traders, most of which are based within 30 miles of the town.

Among them were Jeanette and Mick Howse, of East Hanney, who have run condiments business Well Preserved for 22 years.

Mrs Howse said: “At these events, people tend to want to buy local. They know there’s no additives or preservatives so you get regular customers and people who just want to taste real food. The organisers really support local producers.”

Oxford-based burger company Smoke and Thyme proved popular on Saturday. Trader Jack Greenall said: “Today has been fantastic. The sun’s out, but that’s never a guarantee. Everything has gone smoothly and briskly.”

At 3pm, organiser Paul Bellchambers still had not chosen what to have for lunch.

The Wallingford resident started his own catering company in 2009.

He said: “It’s all about supporting the economy. It’s relaxed, it’s not in your face, it’s just about celebrating local food and local people.

“For me the highlight was waking up this morning when it looked like it was going to rain, and within two hours the sky was blue.”