Taste buds were tickled as people flocked to a highly anticipated food festival.

Thousands of foodies descended upon Royal Victoria Country Park to grab a slice of the action at The Big Eat festival.

The festival, organised by Hampshire Street Food Awards, boasted an array of food, drink, and entertainment.

Running across the weekend from Friday to Sunday, all proceeds will go towards food banks in the area.

Jess Head from Hamble walked to the festival with her family, which included her two sons Fynn and Rupert and daughter Ada.

Daily Echo: RupertRupert (Image: Newsquest)

The 38-year-old said: “We have seen the festival advertised locally and thought we would love to come down.

“We come to the country park quite often anyway, so it’s nice to see what’s going on today.

“It’s a good event to have in the park, and it gets people into the nearby villages too which is good for other businesses.

“It looks like there has been quite a good turnout too. Plus, it’s been well organised and not been hectic when it comes to the traffic.”

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Sarah Moss from Totton said: “I’ve really enjoyed the festival.

“It’s in a beautiful setting, celebrating local food whilst supporting food banks.

“It’s just nice to be out enjoying the sunshine doing something a bit different.”

From duck wraps to loaded fries, coffee stalls and Sri Lankan street food, variety was back on the menu.

Daily Echo: Ramya (left) and Pari of Pot of Ceylan Ramya (left) and Pari of Pot of Ceylan (Image: Newsquest)

A ‘healers trading tent’ was available to peruse, a junior street food competition was held on Saturday.

People could also enjoy a silent disco and late night comedy, as well as live music and fairground rides.

Among those performing were the Mary Rose and Royal George Morris Dancers.

Daily Echo: Lyn Sutton (left) and Vicky Jukes Lyn Sutton (left) and Vicky Jukes (Image: Newsquest)

Vicky Jukes was one of the dancers set to take to the stage.

She said: “We reformed in 2015 and we are traditional Morris dancers but we incorporate modern dances and are a bit different.

“The Big Eat Festival looks good, and I am looking forward to walking around and having a look later.

“It’s nice to have this event here.”