The wide variety of tastings available at the National Trust park gave food-lovers something to smile about.

And their support for the inaugural ‘Flavour’ event has encouraged organisers to try for double helpings next year.

“We had about 800 people through the doors of the marquee, which we were very pleased with,” said Alison Lowe, managing director of events company Adelanta.

“The weather had been just awful, but I think we were the only place in the area to have sunshine. People 10 miles away might have decided against it, so to get so many was very pleasing.”

“We are actually hoping to have two festivals next year, one in the spring and another in the autumn,” she added.

Flavour comprised three sections, with a retail food hall, a kitchen theatre and tasting table.

“I’m a bit of a foody, really,” said Alison. “And I noticed there was no major food festival in Notts. There were two of us set this up, and about 10 people helping us out on the day.”

“We’re trying to appeal to people of all levels of interest and cooking ability. We had no more than three stalls for any one type of food. The food hall was for people who enjoy good food, and love to treat themselves to unusual preserves, special hams and home-baked goodies.”

“Most of our retailers offer samples so that you can taste before you buy. That’s important at an event like this, so that people know it’s not all about making money.”

“The kitchen theatre was for people who are interested in cooking, and who look for new ideas on what to make and how to make it.”

“And the the tasting table is for the more dedicated gourmets who know their wines and cheeses, and are seeking to broaden their understanding.”

Demonstrators included James Crossman, from the Seasons restaurant in Beeston, Alison Stevenson of the Spinney School of Fine Food and cake sculptor Ali Lycett who held a class about chocolate.

Steve Harrison from Retford’s Deli and Dine, Cate Harvey from the Real Cheese Company and Mary Button also enticed the crowds with their wares.

“It was a good variety,” said Alison. “And the comments we had were very, very positive. Now we’re just looking forward to doing it again.”

“There's really nothing else like this in the county at the moment, and we hope that Flavour will become an important part of the Notts calendar.”

There are plenty of food events coming up at Clumber Park over the next few weeks. The Worksop Guardian’s Cooks Around Town duo Tracy Powell and Chris Burton will cook up some treats on Friday 26th September, and the British Food Fortnight kicks off on Saturday 20th September until 5th October.

l For more photographs of the event visit our leisure section online.