Fun in the sun for food and drink lovers in Bolsover

Real ale fans were treated to master classes by world renowned beer guru Roger Protz, who officially uncorked a new Bolsover tipple created by the local RAW Brewery.

And the crowds were served cold beer by the recently crowned Miss England Intercontinental, Laura Gregory.

But the hot sun did not deter visitors from enjoying cooking demonstrations by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli.

His menu of Sicilian sardine spaghetti, grilled watermelon salad and poached pears were the perfect accompaniment to a summer’s afternoon of tasty entertainment.

He said: “It is a great town – I have had a great time and I will see everyone back in Bolsover next year.”

Master brewer Roger Protz said the festival had been a lovely event and he had received a warm welcome from all attendees.

He added: “This region is packed full of great breweries and RAW have done a wonderful job with their Jewel on the Hill. Golden pale ales like this are perfect for drinking on a hot summer’s day.”

Food stalls brimming with sumptuous produce attracted thousands of visitors of all ages in the inaugural festival, which it is hoped will become an annual event.

“We are absolutely delighted with how the weekend has gone,” said Andrew Tristram, Bolsover Town Clerk.

“People have travelled from all over the region to attend, and everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves thanks to the hard work of the event team, a fantastic variety of award winning food and drink producers and the excellent workshops hosted by Aldo and Roger.”

“This is our first Bolsover Food and Drink Festival, but we hope it will be the first of many.”

For more information about the event and about Bolsover, visit www.discoverbolsover.co.uk, email [email protected], follow @alloverbolsover on Twitter or like the Discover Bolsover Facebook page.

The event is part of the Discover Bolsover project, which has been developed following a successful bid for European Regional Development funding by Bolsover District Council.