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"It's been quite amazing; I don't think anyone really anticipated how big it actually became.�� It took on a life of its own."��

"It's like we accidentally uncovered this Pandora's box full of fantastic creativity, passion and fresh produce - you really can taste the world in Croydon, we were really pleased with the response it was phenomenal”, enthuses Angela Reed from Croydon BID

It's the first of what organisers hope will be an annual event. Croydon Food Festival saw footfall in the town centre increased astonishingly.�� At a time when businesses across the country are struggling to beat the credit crunch, it was a welcome boost for the borough’s economy.

saviour for market

One of the biggest winners is the ailing Surrey Street market which only a few months ago was reporting dramatic fall in business.�� With many of the events being centred in the market which is one of the oldest in the country, traders have experienced renewed interest.

Angela Reed, Croydon BID

"We've been surprised how immediate the effects of the food festival have been on the market … through the activities we've done in Surrey Street - the live cooking demonstrations …. It’s been phenomenal."��

"Now we're getting guest traders coming down and saying they want a pitch – it seems to have been the catalyst to revitalise the market which is exactly what we wanted to achieve”, continues Angela

Over 40 local businesses took part in the festival including the local college.�� Joseph Sullivan is one of the chefs at Croydon College.�� He was the first chef to show off his culinary skills in the demonstration kitchen.���� With some of his students on hand, he was delighted to present some of his specialities.

Joseph Sullivan, Croydon College

"It's the first time I given a live cookery demonstration and I really enjoyed it.�� I bought two of my students with me as well, one who has aspersers' syndrome and one with moderate learning difficulties who volunteered to come with me and they cooked and stood on the stage and it was really good for them, brilliant for their self-esteem and good for the college", says Joseph

This festival was seen as a way of celebrating the diverse, multi cultural range of restaurants and produce which can be found in Croydon.

"We've got Indian, Italian, Spanish, French, Caribbean and Chinese eateries a plenty and that is just to name a few regions of the world which are represented”, boast organisers.

Listen to full interview with Angela and Joseph's comments by clicking on to links below:

Did you take part in the food festival?�� Let me have your pictures, comments and views.

Email evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk

your comments

my parner,my son and i all couldnt resist the delightful freshly baked bread scent coming from the french bakery stall that was set up for part of the food festival, i must say everything we bought was very tasty,fresh and tasted just like fresh baked pastries should, we devoured a cheese and ham pasty,mini doughnuts and pain aux rasins.

mel, croydon