THOUSANDS of taste-testing foodies with grumbling bellies descended on a Colchester beauty spot yesterday where they were able to gobble up some delicious delights.  

Colchester Food and Drink Festival, the biggest of its kind in the region, kicked-off in Lower Castle Park on Saturday and will also take place today until 5pm. 

The joyous extravaganza saw guests sample mouth-watering bites to eat from a range of stalls while also gulping down a whole host of thirst-quenching beverages. 

The all-day occasion, which guests very much still have an appetite for 18 years on, also played host to the Pikestaff Inn real ale bar, offering ciders and lagers. 

The event continues today and tickets, which cost £5 for adults while under 14s can attend for free, can be purchased by CLICKING HERE.

Be sure to pick-up a copy of tomorrow's Gazette in which there will be a special four-page picture pullout all about the Colchester Food and Drink Festival.