THOUSANDS of food lovers refused to let the rain dampen their spirits at Darwen Food Festival.

Visitors wrapped in raincoats and armed with their umbrellas turned out in force on Saturday to support the culinary event being held on the town’s new open events space, which used to be the site of the five day outdoor market.

At one point organisers said a gazebo was blown down by the wind and had to be put up again.

The wet weather was ‘embraced by the community’ as they indulged in food ranging from corn dogs, cupcakes, chocolate and ice cream.

Samantha Taylor, who co-organised the event, said: “It’s exceeded anything we could possible have imagined.

“Thousands of people have been here throughout the day.

“Even the rain has been embraced by the community.”

Lydia Welsh, 24, who lives in Oswaldwistle, said: “It’s been really good.

“The weather has not stopped us. Everything has been great.”

Stallholder Shakil Alam, 32, who co-runs Tasty Treatz, said: “It has been far better than I expected.

“The weather has not affected us at all.

“I have noticed a big community spirit in Darwen.

“Everyone seems to know everyone here.”

Niall Parsons, 25, on Cloister Driver, Darwen said: “The queues for some of the stalls have been at least six people deep and been non stop for hours.”

Darwen resident Margaret Krupa, who has lived in the town for 63 years, said: “It has been fabulous.

“The highlight has been seeing everyone enjoying the ambience of the festival.”

Stallholder Judith Rice-Jones, who co-runs the Heritage Kitchen business, said: “The support from the local people has been amazing bearing in mind the weather.

“The weather has been awful, but the support has been brilliant.

“It has been difficult in the rain but that hasn’t stopped us.”

Gilbert Riley, who has lived in Darwen for 40 years, said: “Seeing people enjoy themselves is great and these events definitely bring the community together.”