SMOOTHIES made with pedal power, live cooking demonstrations and a cake shaped like a burger were just some of the culinary delights on offer along Abingdon’s riverside this weekend.

Thousands descended on Rye Farm Meadow on Saturday for the Abingdon Food and Drink Festival, sampling dishes from more than 80 stalls, stopping by two chef marquees full of foodie inspiration and enjoying live music from local bands.

The event, now in its fifth year, was organised by the Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper.

David Wilde, from the club, said: “We estimate we had around 5,000 people throughout the day meaning it was our biggest ever festival.

"The beautiful weather certainly helped with that and it was a great family friendly atmosphere with plenty of involvement from children.”

Many events were specifically targeted at youngsters, including a special cooking demonstrations for children, a pizza making workshop and the chance to make a smoothie with pedal power by cycling to turn a blender.

Students from the town’s secondary schools were also invited to take part in the festival’s annual cake making competition.

Food lovers of all ages could enjoy the wide range of food stalls, which brought authentic street food from around the globe to the Oxfordshire town.

These, along with artisan cocktails and soft drinks, could be enjoyed in the central picnic area.

Independent traders also brought unique baked goods, with Amelia and Scott Holden from Faringdon showing off their selection of cakes shaped to look like everything from a cheese board to a burger and chips.

Money from the day will be shared among local charities, with the main beneficiary Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Mr Wilde said: “It’s too early to say a definitive amount raised but we expect it will be in excess of £20,000, given the crowds.”

He said organisers would now be reviewing the event to ensure next year’s festival is ‘even better’, saying: “We are probably near enough at capacity in terms of how many people we can have, given the size of the space and the volunteers needed.

“There is the potential to expand to two days but the event is run entirely by volunteers and that would require a lot more help to do.

“We are very happy with the size and atmosphere, I think really it is just about tweaking things.

"People really seem to love the demonstration tents, the live music and the amount of children’s activities we put on.”