THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the fifth annual Newport Food Festival today.

The hugely-popular event was praised for putting the ‘buzz’ back into the city centre, as the streets were full of foodies looking to sample a wide range of delicacies.

From Welsh cakes and luxury chocolates, to noodle dishes and locally-produced fruit and vegetables, the food festival catered for almost every taste as thousands of people sampled the foods on offer.

More than 70 exhibitors took part in this year’s Admiral Newport Food Festival, with early estimates that it would top the 10,000 people who attended last year.

This year’s efforts were praised for being ‘bigger and better’ than the previous four years, with many families choosing to leave their fridges empty in the build-up so they could stock up on food from the festival.

Steve Martin, aged 47, from St Julians, said: “It’s nice to see a bit of a buzz in Newport city centre.

“There seems to be a big variety of foods, but I went for the good old standard burger.”

He added: “I grew up in Newport and there used to be a similar sort of thing down the cattle market.

“It’s good to see it coming back.”

He also praised the bands performing, the food demonstrations and the overall vibe of the event.

“We need more of these type of things as they bring people into Newport,” he said.

“It’s great to see so many crowds here today.”

Mike Yearseley attended the food festival with his young son Thomas.

“It’s great to see local guys like Parc Pantry at events like this,” he said.

“The turnout has been cracking and it makes for a good day.”

Mr Yearsley, who runs his own food blog @tastywales, added: “We are going to try some of the local food as we have kept our fridge empty in preparation for the food festival.

“There seems to be a great buzz around here with lots of music and stalls.”

Newport Mayor, Cllr Herbie Thomas, praised the ‘fantastic’ food festival after judging a teenage cookery competition.

“Everywhere around me there are people coming to see the food festival and that is what Newport needs,” he said.

“It is wonderful seeing so many people in the city centre helping to boost the local economy.

“It’s got bigger every year and a lot of the credit has to go to the sponsors who have been absolutely marvellous.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to them.”

Gavin Forbes, who was attending the food festival with his young daughter Heather and his wife Georgina, said: “This is our third year and it’s got better every year with a bigger variety of foods.

“We are going to hunt round for something for lunch and fill up our bag full of delicacies to take away.”

He added: “It’s great that they have so many demonstrations, and it’s all quality food that has been produced locally.”

Stall holders were also celebrating bumper trading conditions as they made the most of the huge demand.

Karen Shellam, who was selling Welsh cakes from her stall, said it had been ‘very busy’ as she was rushed off her feet.

“For me it’s the best year we have ever had,” she said.