The July sun shone all day and drew thousands of visitors to Belper’s 13th Summer Food, Drink & Craft Festival, reflecting the continuing regeneration of the town.

Around 80 stalls provided a diverse range of produce from retailers across the East Midlands and beyond. Food stalls served up bespoke meats, breads, cakes, cheeses, chocolates, olives and preserves while drinks ranged from local craft beers, wines, spirits and liqueurs to non-alcoholic gin, fruit drinks, teas and coffees.

On the craft side, there was garden furniture, bespoke bags, scarves and other accessories, wood and metal giftware from Crich and Spanish terracotta cookware all the way from Belper. The event also saw the launch of the book Belper in Wartime: The Great War by Adrian Farmer, Richard Pinkett and George Gunby.

As usual, many town shops supported the day by opening for business with cafés, pubs and food and drink vans doing brisk business. Belper's Christmas Food, Drink & Craft Festival takes place on Sunday, 8th December. u