A mediterranean blue sky, cool beers and European delicacies combined with fine Yorkshire foods to make Bingley the place to be on a Good Friday.

Thousands of munching and quaffing visitors meandered round the town’s relaxed Food and Drink Festival.

And the many stalls had temptations to suit all tastes.

Bingley restaurant El Caballo Blanco offered everything Spanish from plump green olives to slivers of dry cured ham-on-the-bone.

The Little Yorkshire Pie Company did good trade with exotic fillings such as pork and black pudding.

And those wishing to add instant spice were met with a sizzling range of hot concoctions at Chilli Devil’s stall which boasted varieties of its own Yorkshire-made chilli sauce.

The many in need of refreshment were catered for in the Library Tap pub’s big beer tent or at other stalls selling bottled ciders and ale on tap.

Younger visitors not full of pie enjoyed a giant bouncy slide or scrambling up a climbing wall.

“It’s been fabulous,” said Bingley Chamber of Trade Chairman Howard Martin, who helped organise the event with Bradford Council.

“The weather has brought everyone out – we need more of this,” said Mr Martin, deservedly sipping a pint in the sunshine.

Bob Parker, the Council’s town centre manager, added: “We are delighted lots of local businesses got involved and this event showcased what the town has to offer.”

Tips in cooking and free vegetarian grub were available from the team at Jamie’s Ministry of Food in Bradford.

And more healthy eating was available at Snowden Hill’s lean meat buffalo burgers which proved a hit with shoppers.

And Bingley’s regular market greengrocer, Graham’s Market Kitchen, also did brisk sales of salad, fruit and veg.

Skirting past a well-stocked cheese stall, the sweet-minded were presented with immaculate cakes and fancies courtesy of the French Tart Company.

Cafe Maison nearby offered every type of continental coffee to perk the tastebuds.

Mum-of-two Emma Jacobs, of Keighley, enjoyed a capuccino and an egg custard slice as daughters Alice and Fiona cooled down with ice creams.

“We’ve had a lovely time and it’s been a really nice trip out, said Mrs Jacobs, a teacher.

“The girls have enjoyed the slide and I’ve bought a huge bit of Camembert to take home.”

The festival continues tomorrow and Sunday.