The Bury St Edmunds food and drink festival has been hailed as a "tremendous" success.

The event featured cooking demonstrations from top celebrity chefs, more than 100 stalls selling food and drink, a farmers markets, and even a family entertainment zone — featuring characters from Paw Patrol. It also coincided with the East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival hosted at the cathedral.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of Our Bury St Edmunds business improvement district, said the event had been planned to cater for everyone.

Bury Mercury: Celebrity chef Paul Rankin kept the crowds entertained at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownCelebrity chef Paul Rankin kept the crowds entertained at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

He said: "Considering the weather, we've been really, really pleased with the turnout.

"Sunday was good, but Monday was even better.

Bury Mercury: Pamela Street and Jo Whitworth enjoying a local gin. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownPamela Street and Jo Whitworth enjoying a local gin. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

"Around lunchtime, as you would expect at a food and drink festival, the town was packed and the stalls were so busy, as were a number of restaurants.

Bury Mercury: Crowds enjoyed food from all around the world at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownCrowds enjoyed food from all around the world at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

"Our businesses benefit as well — the ones that are here 24/7."

Bury Mercury: Angela and John Glew enjoying a pint at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownAngela and John Glew enjoying a pint at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Mr Cordell said he had enjoyed several different things to eat throughout the day as "quality assurance".

Bury Mercury: There was fun for all the family at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownThere was fun for all the family at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: There was fun for all the family at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownThere was fun for all the family at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: Janet Scoulding, Steve Palmer and Sarah Scoulding with dogs Lucy and Milly. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownJanet Scoulding, Steve Palmer and Sarah Scoulding with dogs Lucy and Milly. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)

Bury Mercury: Kids having fun at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy BrownKids having fun at the Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. Picture: Sarah Lucy Brown (Image: Archant)