FOODIE fans were out in force in Devizes on Saturday when everything from goat to vegan hot dogs were on the menu.

The Food Market was the first of many events to be staged as part of Devizes Food and Drink Festival.

Among the visitors was Wiltshire High Sheriff David Scott who lives in Devizes and is a big supporter of the town.

Among those showing off their wares was farmer Laura Corbett who has just launched her Gourmet Goat range which she sells from the gate of East Farm, Avebury.

She said: “I now have 175 goats and I am passionate about promoting them and telling people about the best cuts for different dishes.”

Also passionate about what she is selling is gin distiller Holly Bower from Semington who set up Scout and Sage 18 months ago.

She said: “The sage part of the name has nothing to do with the herb. It is about the idea of knowledge and wisdom. While scout comes from me scouting about to find the best place to be based.”

Michael Davis from Swindon, who has been vegan for 16 years, who started his food business in April, said he wanted to show people vegan food could be tasty and healthy. He was selling plant-based hot dogs in a bid to win over meat lovers with something they recognise.

Food festival join chairman Rosalind Ambler said she was relieved that the worst of the weather stayed away on Saturday morning.

She said: “We had some fun and games setting up the gazebos because of the wind but it could have been much worse.

“We are very pleased with this event and delighted that we have sold out for nearly all the others that are coming up.

“Much of our committee is new and we moved the date to September but the reaction has been wonderful.” On Sunday scores of people were in the Corn Exchange for a world food day.