What's the difference between taste and flavour? Visitors at Wymondham Abbey's Veggie Fest found out as science volunteers carried out interactive experiments on the public.

Wymondham & Attleborough Mercury: Volunteers from the Norwich branch of the British Science Association carried out interactive experiments at Veggie Fest at Wymondham Abbey. Picture: Ed WhitleyVolunteers from the Norwich branch of the British Science Association carried out interactive experiments at Veggie Fest at Wymondham Abbey. Picture: Ed Whitley (Image: Archant)

The 'Science of Taste and Flavour' stall at the free celebration of all things vegan and vegetarian on Saturday was provided by the Norwich branch of the British Science Association.

Visitors could find out whether they are 'supertasters', who have increased sensitivity to different tastes, especially bitterness, by staining their tongues with blue food dye.

The British Science Association is a national charity which aims to integrate science into society and culture.

Norwich branch chairperson Josie Maidment said: 'You don't have to be a scientist to volunteer, and our volunteers include students, people who are retired, full-time parents, and those in employment. We all have a shared enthusiasm for science.'

The free festival also featured lots of food, the Abbey's own local beer, live music, children's activities and The Deacon's Chili Showdown that saw Deacon Louisa challenged the clergy and congregation to make their very best veggie chilli.

Anyone interested in joining e-mail norwich@britishscienceassociation.org