Sunny weather helps serve crowd record for Paisley festival

Thousands of visitors came along to Paisley Food and Drink Festival at the weekend to enjoy the fantastic range of global street food and entertainment over the two-day event.

The free to attend festival, which took place on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 April, attracted crowds from Renfrewshire and beyond to Abbey Close and Bridge Street for one of the most popular events in the town’s calendar.

Thousands of people attended the festival (Image: Jamie Simpson)

Lots of options were available for those who attended (Image: Jamie Simpson)

Pauline Allan, Renfrewshire Council’s events manager, said: “The fabulous weather was a very welcome guest to Paisley this weekend and brought record crowds for what’s always been a popular event.

With more traders than previous events, great music and a friendly atmosphere, it was fantastic to see locals and visitors enjoy some of the best street food and drink vendors, local hospitality and performers.”

This year’s line-up saw more than 60 traders offering the finest street food, artisan makers and licensed bars, live entertainment, kids workshops and much more.

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Locals and tourists soaked in the sun (Image: Jamie Simpson)

There was plenty going on for kids (Image: Jamie Simpson)

This year’s festival was supported by funding from EventScotland, which allowed the event programme to be expanded to include a Big Feed Foodie & Makers Market which proved a big hit with visitors.

Renfrewshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) also served up the very best Scottish ales and craft beers to visitors in their popular Beer Tent.

The event saw a number of delicious street food vendors and festival favourites return alongside some fantastic local venues to offer an enviable selection with something to suit everyone’s tastebuds.

The festival was a real hit (Image: Jamie Simpson)

The sun was out for the festival (Image: Jamie Simpson)

There were plenty of options available for the punters (Image: Jamie Simpson)

Kids were able to get involved in a host of fantastic, free activities on Saturday from food and craft making workshops and sports-themed activities to free face painting and giant inflatable games.

There were also walkabout street performances taking place to keep the little ones entertained.

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards Takeover saw a number of up-and-coming musical acts entertain the crowds on the Friday evening.

Rebecca Edser, head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is a vibrant year‑round destination, with every month, season and region offering something unique for people to enjoy.

“Supported through our National Events Programme as part of Scotland’s diverse portfolio of events and festivals, the Paisley Food and Drink Festival provides an opportunity for communities and visitors alike to connect and share special experiences.

“By enabling organisers to deliver well‑designed and impactful events, we are helping ensure events keep making a positive contribution to both the local community and the wider visitor economy.

"We are pleased to see the Paisley Food and Drink Festival continuing to create a memorable moment in Scotland’s events calendar.”

Other events taking place across Renfrewshire this spring and summer include Renfrew Gala Day on Sunday, June 7, Barshaw Gala Day on Sunday, June 20, Sma‘ Shot Day on Saturday, July 4, Renfrew Pipe Band Competition on Saturday, July 18 and Johnstone Fire Engine Rally on Saturday, August 15.