Visitors travelled from far and wide to Saffron Walden at the weekend to celebrate the town's connection with all things saffron.
Saffron Walden was named in honour of the spice, as the saffron crocus was widely grown in the 16th and 17th centuries due to the town's favourable climate.
The stigmas of the flowers were used in medicines, as a condiment, in perfume, as an expensive yellow dye, and as an aphrodisiac.
Stalls at the event sold goods incorporating all aspects of saffron - from food, dyeing, history, medicine, cultivation, drinks and beauty products, as well as books about the use of the spice.
There was also a living history reenactment, including a Queen Elizabeth I impersonator, and the day was supported by local councillors and Mayor Cllr James de Vries.
David Oelman, on behalf of the Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group, said: "Congratulations are due to the many volunteers who helped with the day and who made a huge contribution stewarding the day with good humour and cheerfulness, the performers too helped to make it an event for all ages, attracting appreciative audiences which reached out to the whole community."
Many local businesses supported the event with additional funding, special displays and saffron products.
Musical entertainment was provided by Garden Youth Music Group. Singer Sakara, who is a founding member, sang as a representative of the group.
Singer Joanna Eden, who closed the event with a set of her songs along bass playing partner Andrés Lafone, said: "Sakara writes incredible and honest songs and sings them with real passion and develops a warm relationship with any audience.
"We couldn't be more proud of her and we're thrilled that she's studying music at college and performing regularly!"
Anyone interested in joining the Garden Youth Music Group, which welcomes young people age 12+, can email joannaedengarden@gmail.com. The group meets on Monday evenings in term time from 7pm to 9pm at Fairycroft House Arts and Media Centre.
David added: "Combined with the new plaque telling the story of saffron beside the Town Hall, saffron walks around the town, saffron in Bridge End Garden, pargeting demonstration in Church Street, exhibitions in the Gibson Library and the Museum and the work done by local school children, the celebration of the story of saffron has been truly revived."
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