A BAKING star was among the thousands of foodies to enjoy a festival in the sunshine.

Glorious weather on Saturday brought crowds to Hove Lawns for the first of three days of the Foodies Festival, and many came to see Great British Bake-Off winner Candice Brown showcase her culinary talents.

Elsewhere at the event the gastronomically-inclined could enjoy everything from freshly cooked calamari to a refreshing Indian cider, and live music poured forth along with countless glasses of prosecco and Pimms.

Jenny Dawlston, 39, from Hove, said the weather had made this her favourite such event in years.

She told The Argus: "It's a glorious day isn't it?

"I try to come every year but this time there's a whole bunch of us and it's a brilliant day. It's bright sunshine, I've got a gin in one hand and the atmosphere is just brilliant.

"You can have a taste of almost anything you can imagine and we're all pretty stuffed already."

In one of the theatre tents, 2016 Bake Off champion Candice Brown gave a bread baking demonstration which included some of the show's classic moments like knocking on the base of the loaf to confirm it was done.

Afterwards she signed autographs and patiently posed for selfies with trademark lipsticked pout firmly in place, and told The Argus: "this is such a good event.

"I love things like this, I used to come to things like this even before Bake Off but today is just brilliant."

Now in its eighth year, the event is a culinary staple in Brighton and Hove’s social calendar, with about 30,000 people expected over Saturday, Sunday and today.

Michelin star chef Matt Gillan, and Masterchef champion Jane Devonshire were among the other famous faces showing off their gastronomic talents, along with native chefs Matt Price of The Coal Shed and Michael Bremner of 64 Degrees.

For those simply looking to try, not learn, food from around the world had tempting morsels to choose from including Japanese, Thai, Malaysian, Turkish, Indian, Korean, Mexican, French and African.

There was also an eye-catching pirate ship in the middle of the lawn, courtesy of rum brand Captain Morgan, and tents for craft beer and speciality gin.

The festival continues today with £10 tickets available on the door.