THOUSANDS of people ignored a less than glorious weather forecast and flocked to the second annual Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival.

The family fun festival, which moved from last year's Skipton Auction Mart to the larger site at Funkirk Farm, off the A59 on the outskirts of town, was held over two days.

People from far and wide attended the event, with some camping overnight, to enjoy a variety of foodie themed entertainment, including chef demonstrations, craft shows and plenty of food and drink.

The very best of local food was also on show, in addition to a vintage fair for the children, and live musical entertainment.

Celebrity chefs John Torode and James Martin headlined in a huge circus big top with demonstrations, and when they were not cooking, they were walking around the showfield, singing autographs, having their pictures taken and chatting to fans.

Even when it did rain, there was plenty of cover for people to shelter with lots to see and do, including cooking and drinks workshops, and tastings. Each day finished with tribute acts for Ed Sheeran and Adele, with plenty of festival goers expressing their delight on social media.

Gillian Broadbent, who travelled from the other side of Otley to the event with her family, said she was a great fan of both celebrity chefs, having seen them on television, and wanted to see them in action.

"Even though it looked like it was going to rain, it turned out to be a lovely day, and there was so much going on and to see. It was such a beautiful location too, we will definitely be coming back again next year."

Festival goers were also able to camp or caravan at the site overnight, and there were double decker, open top buses transporting people free from the town centre.

A spokesman for organisers, Skipton based Events By B3, said the weekend had been a great success, and thanked landowners, the Howard family for use of the farm site.

"The festival is now one of the best on the Craven event calendar and certainly one not to be missed next year. We've had lots of positive comments and reviews from the exhibitors and general public, and all saying they can't wait for next year's event already which will be at the same venue on the same weekend as an ongoing annual event."