WINE tasting, jalapeno eating, and sausage making were among the gastronomioc delights on offer at Oxford Castle over the weekend, for its first Food Festival.

Visitors to the free event were treated to live cooking demonstrations, competitions, and tasters from restaurants and bars in the castle complex.

And a ‘creative butchery’ show by Stuart Cutler, pictured, of Foxbury Farm, near Brize Norton, proved a surprise hit with the children at the festival. Festival organiser Sarah Mayhew said the weekend had been a resounding success.

She said: “It has been great, we had thousands of people here. The butcher was a real hit – especially with the children.

“After he had finished his demonstration there was a surge of children asking how they could become butchers themselves.”

The success of this year’s event means the festival is likely to return next year.

Ms Mayhew said: “I am already looking forward to it.”