GOURMETS gathered in their droves at the first Mersea Island Food, Drink and Leisure Festival.

The event, at Mersea Island Vineyard, celebrated the best food and drink produced on the island.

Festival coordinator Beverley Perkins said: “It was an amazing event and we had a phenomenal turnout.

“I think we had more than 3,000 people on the Saturday and probably about the same on the Sunday.

“It was a wonderful atmosphere with families picnicking and watching the entertainment.”

Mersea Arts Society, Sea Shanties and Mersea Island Youth Players were among the entertainers.

Mersea Island Scout Group, the RNLI and Mersea Island Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme participants helped keep youngsters happy.

Countryside enthusiasts got lessons about the Mersea Ploughing Match, the ancient art of beekeeping and how to make a corn dolly.

Dozens of trade stalls packed the vineyard.

Mrs Perkins said it was the first year the festival had been hosted to replace seafood events which used to be held on the waterfront.

She continued: “We had a lot of help from community groups and businesses which was great.

“We’ll definitely be doing it again next year and some people have already expressed an interest in bringing their friends as well, so we may need more space.”