Organisers of a popular food event have responded after announcing their new venue.

The Smoke and Fire festival team took the decision to move their event from Maldon's Promenade Park to Lower Castle Park in Colchester.

After their announcement today, they explained their decision.

A spokesman said: “We have been delighted to bring Smoke and Fire to Maldon for the last three years, and have been humbled to see it supported so amazingly by the local community, allowing us to add more than £16,000 to our chosen charity's funds from last year’s event alone.

“We had hoped to continue our association with Maldon, however working with Maldon District Council has become increasingly challenging on both sides due to our diverging objectives - and ultimately, for the long term good of the event, we have had to take the difficult decision to move to a new venue.

“We thank the council for their support during the last three years and hope to work alongside their great events team in the future.

“We wish them every success with their schedule of events for this year.

“We extend the warmest of invitations to all Maldon visitors, to come and join our unique atmosphere in our new location, where we promise an even bigger, better event than last year.

“We'll be delighted to see you.”