About 47,000 visitors flocked to the Brighton and Hove Food Festival autumn harvest events at Hove Lawns last weekend.

Festival organisers described it as undoubtedly one of the most successful yet of the mostly free, not-for-profit festival.

Its success, helped by a diverse programme of events and warm weather, secured the city and surrounding area’s status as a leading producer of quality produce and hospitality.

Some 200 businesses were involved ranging from Sussex producers and restaurants through to sponsors and international partners.

Footfall at the Big Sussex Market, on New Road on Saturday, was down, probably due to the closure of Marine Parade and Madeira Drive that afternoon for the Tour of Britain cycle race.

Sold out evening events included Bitter and Twisted beer tasting, Make your Case wine tasting and A Taste of Game, a celebration of venison, pigeon and game animals on our doorstep.

Festival director Nick Mosley said: “I have no doubt in saying that the Autumn Harvest 2014 has been our most successful event yet.

“Our Hove Lawns event smashed all records on footfall and it was an absolute pleasure to see so many people of all ages enjoying good local food and drink in a fun and friendly environment.

“Brighton and Hove and surrounding Sussex can proudly claim to be one of the UK’s leading quality food producers and hospitality providers, and helping to support, nurture and promote that offering is at the very heart of the festival organisation.

“We have a couple more Sussex Wine Bus Tours this year and are already planning more major food festival events for the Easter weekend and Spring Bank Holiday next May including the return of the Brighton Beer Festival and a two day event with partners from Holland.”