Grow It, Cook It, Eat It, held from Friday evening to Sunday, attracted food, gardening and even car lovers from across the region to Melton Cattle Market.

Although the event ran smoothly, it appeared to be not as busy as expected, with stalls quiet on Saturday before numbers picked up on Sunday.

It is understood the event will re-appear next year, and bosses are thinking of holding it later in the year to avoid colder weather spells that descended over the weekend.

Show organiser Sheila Davenport said: "Overall I'm really pleased. On Saturday the numbers were down and we were a little disappointed with that day's figures but Sunday more than made up for it.

"James Martin was amazing again, we had to put security on the doors of the theatre because we couldn't fit anyone else in for his demonstrations.

"The Cattle Market wants to make it happen again next year but perhaps move it to a little later in the year when it's warmer."

Friday saw an event curtain-raiser with actress and glamour girl Jennifer Ellison star guest at beer festival Drink It. Rachel de Thame of BBC Gardener's World fame was the big name on Saturday and celebrity chef James Martin hosted packed demonstrations on the Sunday.

Christina Moulton was on a stall for The Grange Garden Centre, Asfordby Hill, said: "It was really very slow on Saturday and it was freezing cold which probably kept people away. Sunday was much better and it's really nice to see how many more people are trying to grow their own herbs and vegetables."

Melton man Jeff Clark said: "It think it is brilliant. It is well supported without being overly full. I came to the East Midlands Food Festival when it was here a few years ago and it was shoulder to shoulder. At this show there is room for me to move my granddaughter's pushchair around."

But not everyone was happy, with cold weather, the Grand National and the first FA Cup semi-final thought to be the causes of Saturday's disappointing turn-out.

Sarah Dunning from Chocolate Confetti, based near Nottingham, said: "We are not coming here again unless there is more advertising around the area. It is the worst show we have ever done, and we trade at shows because we don't have a shop."

The event was the first major leisure show at the cattle market since the East Midlands Food and Drink Festival moved from the Scalford Road site to Brooksby Hall last year.