Organisers of the Bristol Wine and Food Fair are hoping to bring the event back again next year.

Around 11,000 visitors attended the three-day Harbourside event last weekend, similar numbers to last year despite slightly higher ticket prices.

Visitors were able to sample fine wine and gourmet food and then make a purchase if they enjoyed it.

There were also demonstrations by top chefs and master classes by cheese and wine experts.

The 2008 fair was the first in 15 years so if it returns next year it will be the third in a row.

Organiser Chris Scholes said: "The breadth of choice and range of products available this year was superb – excellent quality – with so many of the exhibitors from last year in particular getting into the carnival feel of the event and revelling in the crowds keen to sample the best they had to offer.

"Visitor numbers were a bit disappointing, not helped by the downpour on Saturday evening, but the wine pavilions in particular were absolutely buzzing and many of the exhibitors reported a significant increase in sales over the weekend.

"Members of the public who I spoke to were extremely complimentary and expressed their support for the event, and I was impressed at how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere remained throughout the weekend. It was great to see so many people really appreciating what these artisans and producers had to offer.

"Praise goes too to all of the team behind the scenes who worked tirelessly to make this event such a success."