FROM mozzarella sticks, to macaroni cheese, food fans were in their element when a festival made its county debut in Colchester.

More than 2,500 people descended upon the Cheese Fest at Charter Hall on Saturday.

The all-day event celebrated all types of cheese from around the planet thanks to some of the UK’s best cheese traders and street food vendors.

Cookery demonstrations were hosted by experts in the cheese field, including Sean Wilson, who formerly played Martin Platt in Coronation Street for many years.

He is now a chef with his own cheese company and has cooked in several Michelin- starred restaurants.

The huge selection of cheese was accompanied by craft beers, wines and sweet treats including cheesecakes too.

Live music was also on the go.

Organiser Martin Barker said: “There was a brilliant atmosphere, people seemed to have a really good time.

“Following the big success I have already spoken with the venue and we have pencilled a date for 2019 and we will be looking to come back at a similar time.”

The Cheese Fest will also be in Central Park, Chelmsford, on August 25 and 26 this year.

Visit www.cheesefestuk.com/chelmsford/ for details and tickets.