DESPITE recently becoming a nation of alfresco diners, we've been enjoying food in the great outdoors since the beginning of time.
Whether it's eating a full-blown meal or simply purchasing groceries from a market vendor – food festivals are the perfect destinations for foodies seeking a culinary adventure.
And none more so than at Christchurch Food Festival, an event that's grown from strength to strength since its beginnings in 2000.
Despite last years event being cancelled due to the Coronavirus, this year's three-day show is scheduled for the August Bank Holiday.
These pictures, taken in 2001 during the second event of its kind, show food lovers having a great time.
Pancake races got the festival off to a flipping good start as participants ran the route along Church Street.
There was plenty to see and experience with producers travelling from throughout the UK and beyond.
There were oysters from Ayrshire, glistening olives and crusty Italian breads, plus German beers from Aalen Round Table.
A video from the festival in 2013
Shoppers could also buy Norwegian pancakes, Amish funnelcakes and French crepes and garlics.
There was a strong local presence including traditional cheeses, hog roasts, jams, chutneys and flavoured oils, ales, herbal produce and organic veg.
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