First West Norfolk Seasonal Food and Drink Festival in Hunstanton was a roaring success, says Mark Kacary

A brand new town festival got off to a great start at the weekend – despite the rainy weather.

Visitors enjoyed plenty of delicious bites to eat and refreshing drinks at the inaugural West Norfolk Seasonal Food and Drink Festival.

Organised by staff at The Norfolk Deli in Hunstanton, the event saw businesses from across the county line up on the town’s high street to offer an exciting range of products.

Those who defied the weather conditions included Brancaster Gin, Norwich-based Doxi Cocktails, Midnight Owl Provisions selling signature tea and hot chocolate, and Essence Foods with chutneys and marmalades.

Meanwhile, there were also fudges, hot sauces and sweet treats up for grabs.

Mark Kacary, the managing director of The Norfolk Deli, spearheaded the festival – and was delighted with how the first event panned out.

“It went very well,” he said.

“If the weather put people off from going, then goodness knows how busy it would have been if it was sunny.

“It was a really good crowd, it was a really good atmosphere.

“I don’t think there was a single trader there that reported anything other than that they had a good day.”

Mr Kacary said many of the businesses had to send staff rushing back to their premises to pick up more stock after they sold out even quicker than expected.

He is now in the process of speaking to those who attended with the aim of building the festival up even more.

The next events are planned for June 16, September 15 and December 1.

“I think we pretty much have a commitment from most of, if not all, of the people who were there yesterday,” Mr Kacary said.

“I genuinely think Hunstanton is a perfect venue for this. There is very much a unique selling point to Hunstanton compared to other places.

“It ends up being a day out for everybody – including the dogs.”

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