Barrow’s resident foodies celebrated all things vegan at a Christmas fair hosted by an animal charity.

Farplace Animal Rescue is renowned for organising vegan fairs across the UK, but this weekend they touched down in Barrow for the first time.

The event took place at St Matthew’s Community Halls on Highfield Road with hundreds attending.

Of the many things on offer, there was a variety of different stalls selling all forms of vegan goodies.

From vegan burgers to Indian food and oat milk sticky toffee pudding, there was also lots of different patisseries and even a selection of vegan cheeses.

Gareth Edwards, CEO of Farplace Animal Rescue, said: “This was our first time in Barrow and it was so popular. The response we had was very positive, so much so that we have already booked for the event to happen again next year.

“There were two aims when setting up the fair. One, to support our animal rescue, but to also encourage more people to consider becoming vegan as this helps animals and reduces harm to other creatures too. We were also keen to showcase all the amazing products out there.

“As a charity we are also looking into whether Barrow would be a good area to open our next charity shop. We opened one in Carlisle just last week.”

Attendee Kym Johnson said: “It was great. I got there for about ten past ten and it was soon busy. There was a great atmosphere and a real buzz. There were lots of vegan and also non-vegans there all enjoying the food. There was a really good variety including sweet and savoury pastries, burgers and Caribbean food. Everything I had was amazing.

“I was there for a couple of hours and if I’d had time I would have gone back again later. One of the stalls, The Sweet Pepper Cafe, was local and will be opening a cafe in Barrow soon. They are looking for more people to take a stall next time. Vegan make up, skin care, bathing and household cleaning products would be welcome, as well as clothing and shoes.”

The second event is due to take place again at St Mathew’s Community Halls on March 24 2019 from 10am-4pm. Tickets are £1 on the door, under 16s are free and dogs are allowed.

Visit Cumbria Vegan Festival’s Facebook’s page at: www.facebook.com/cumbriaveganfestival to find out more.