Debut Great British Festival of Pies event in Melton is hailed a success

The new public event came hot on the heels of the British Pie Awards, held in St Mary’s Church, and five of this year’s award-winning producers, along with 2015 Supreme Champions The Great North Pie Company, were selling their acclaimed cold pies which were quickly snapped up by hungry visitors.

As well as the 12 pie producers pulling in the crowds there was also entertainment throughout the day with a ukulele band playing and morris dancer performing.

Ruth Wakeling, of Bouverie Lodge, enticed visitors with her hot bison and venison pies and peas lunch and visitors could enjoy a pint from the Belvoir Brewery bar to wash their pies down with.

The festival - a fitting climax to British Pie Week - was organised by Lisa Brown, on behalf of Melton Promotions, and Mrs Wakeling who is its lead board member for festivals and events.

Lisa said: “The atmosphere in the town was buzzing, the weather was fantastic and the entertainment was great.

“We had a lot of interested locals and lots of people who had travelled here to buy award-winning pies. The Great North Pie Company sold out by 1pm and all of the other traders almost sold out. They all had their awards displayed in front of their pies so people knew what they were buying.

“It was a really positive event and the town was still busy at 3pm. We’ve had great feedback from retailers and market traders and we’ll definitely be doing it again next year.”