THE smell of freshly cooked food wafted down Corsham High Street over the weekend as thousands turned out for the town’s Taste of Corsham event.

Walking vegetables and woodland giants joined more than three thousands people in Corsham on Saturday as they enjoyed a selection of tasty local goods and tourism and events officer Rachel Avent hailed its success.

“It was everything we hoped it would be - and the glorious weather was such a bonus,” she said. “Our 30 plus stallholders were selling the best of local and regional food and drink, so we had everything from cakes and pies to hand made cider. Some of them sold out completely well before the end, and they all said how friendly everyone was.

“Our High Street businesses got involved too, with seven cafes and restaurants, and the bakery, offering free tasters as part of a trail to get a real taste of Corsham.

“The feedback we’ve had from them, and from those who came along, has been really good, so I think Taste of Corsham will definitely become a regular event.”

Taste of Corsham, which was sponsored by Wadswick Green, also ran alongside the Pound Art’s Sky Blue Festival, so live music also filled the streets and young performers put together a special Wild Weekend performance including animated vegetables and chefs.

The festival also celebrated the Great Get Together, in memory of MP Jo Cox with a Tree of Hope and many visitors shared their messages of solidarity one year on from her death.

Corsham Town Council Chairman, Councillor Ruth Hopkinson, said, “It was great to see the food festival so well supported on Saturday. The atmosphere was fantastic. As a Town Council we enjoy putting on events that bring the community together and Taste of Corsham certainly did that. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved.”

Sainsbury’s in Chippenham also hosted an event for The Great Get Together in their store on Saturday to encourage shoppers to take a breather and enjoy a free treat. Staff also sang Lean on Me with the help of amateur dramatic group member Jenny Woloschuk.

Store manager Val Atwill said: “We were really proud to play our part in this nationwide event by bringing people together from the Chippenham area and encouraging our customers to join the community spirit. As a values-led business, being part of the local community is extremely important to us.”