MARION SAUVEBOIS finds out how Sausage and Ale Trail organisers are getting ready after two sell-out years

IT has gone down as the great banger frenzy of '15. Deli counters were stripped bare of every last bratwurst, cafes picked clean of chorizo and chefs scrabbled, rounding up every last spare bun as queues of famished gourmets clamoured for their promised baps.

Beer barrels had long been siphoned dry.

Who could have predicted hotdog mania would sweep Old Town?

After last year’s second sell-out (if a tad manic) run, which depleted Wood Street eateries’ stocks and tested harried barkeeps’ speed at the beer pump, the Sausage and Ale Trail is back for thirds on Sunday– with an even larger banquet of sausage and lager-themed fare.

Not to mention veggie and raw alternatives and even treats (and a tipple of dog beer) for discerning pooches.

There will be no question of being caught short this time around. Coffee shops, restaurants and watering holes have been stockpiling for days, braced for the onslaught of ravenous visitors.

“We never expected it to be so big,” admits Jan Wojtowicz, vice chairman of the Old Town Business Association, which runs the festival. “It was a shock to see how busy the first year was. Last year we were a bit more prepared but places sold out really quickly. Wilson’s sold out in two hours. It’s getting busier every time. This time people have contingency plans,” he smiles.

The new and improved 2016 edition is expected to draw in crowds of up to 3,000 foodies and will see 16 stalls line up Wood Street serving a feast of baps, wraps and puddings. The majority of businesses on Devizes Road and the High Street will also join in with special offers and menus.

Among the treats in store are Rays’ famous beer ice cream and cider sorbet, beef and ale sausages and a selection of craft beers courtesy of The Hop Inn.

El Toro will offer a range of Spanish and South American staples including Paella, Choripan – a chorizo sausage roll slathered in chimichurri sauce - and steak baguettes.

The Pantry will stick to its Polish influences with Bigos Sauerkraut, stuffed with Polish sausage and served with mash potatoes. Again this year Balula’s will sell its popular spicy chorizo and aioli rolls.

Eggelicious will introduce six new wraps including chicken, chorizo and mozzarella, and spinach, chorizo and mozzarella, all for £5. There will also be vegetarian options.

“I can’t remember much about last year – it was just so busy,” chuckles owner Ash Mistry. “It’s hard work but I enjoy it and I want to be part of the community. It’s a good way to try new recipes and change things a bit.”

“This year the quality of the food has gone up a level,” adds Jan. “I think there’s a bit of competition and everyone is trying to improve on what they did before. There is more choice and more flavours.”

Wilson’s Family Butcher will return to Wood Street with its flaming barbecue on Sunday. Breaking with tradition, owner Martin Wilson will leave his award-winning sausages in the cold room and instead treat festivalgoers to a hog roast. This, he hopes, should ward off a repeat of last year’s meat shortage.

“We just wanted to do something a bit different this time and to have even more meat to make sure we don’t run out. We were surprised at the number of people who came last year.”

GlamoRose Cakes will provide a sweet release from this savoury feast with trays of creamy cupcakes.

The Sausage and Ale Trail will also welcome a host of newcomers including Gustoso and Dotty’s Café, which will chip in with homemade Guinness and steak sausage hotdogs and pie and mash.

Wood Street’s newest addition, Helen Browning's Chop House will pull out all the stops with a selection of hotdogs, pulled pork and barbecue ribs.

“We thought we’d do ribs because they’re really popular and easy to grab and eat,” says head chef Paul Winch. “We wanted to be part of it, but not step on anyone’s toes. I think we’ll fit in quite well.”

No-one will be left out, not even punters’ furry friends. In keeping with the theme, Bella Jojo’s Pet Boutique & Spa have sourced a range of sausage-flavoured snacks, including venison chipolatas and even ordered in doggy beer especially from Belgium.

“The beer is actually chicken flavour,” says co-owner Fruit Archer. “It’s very healthy for dogs, and helps them to stay hydrated. So there’s actually a purpose for it. We will also be doing little doggy hampers of sausage and beer. We wanted to take part and support the community so we just had to find a way to work round it.”

More than just sampling is on the cards for guests with live music, face painting, henna art, and children’s craft activities.

There will also be a raffle. And visitors have a chance to win a Mazda if they manage to uncover the secret combination to unlock the car.

“It’s not just about the food; it’s more of a family day,” adds Jan. “We have three areas of music and a lot of people are getting involved. We hope we can make it even bigger next time.”

The event on Sunday runs from 12pm to 5pm.