Build appetite for foodie feast
UP to 18,000 foodies are expected to flock to Beaumaris this weekend for the island’s biggest food festival.
Set against the backdrop of the historic castle, the annual event is expected to see record numbers this summer – around 6,000 more than last year, it has been predicted.
The festival, now in its fourth year, will be held on Town Green on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3, and will showcase the best food exhibitors, chef demonstrations and arts and craft marquees.
More than 100 local food stalls will be dotted around the town, the most the festival has ever seen.
Live music will be played from the bandstand to entertain the crowds, and there will be many children’s activities.
Organiser He fyn Thomas, said: “The festival is getting bigger every year. We’re seeing more and more producers each year, more international street food and more live acts who want to perform.
“We will have a great variety of stalls for everyone.
“All profits made on the day go towards local charities and the local community centre. Over the last three years, we have raised more than £70,000 for local causes.”
This year’s event will also see twenty fundraisers swim the Menai Strait on September 2 in memory of Irfon Williams, a former mental health manager from Bangor, who moved to England to receive cancer treatment.
The swimmers will start from Caernarfon Castle at 2pm and will aim to finish in Beaumaris between 5.30-6pm before they join the food festival to host an auction to raise funds for the #teamirfon campaign in memory of their friend.
Mr Thomas added: “We’ve seen a lot of interest in the charity auction so far for Irfon Williams, which is a fantastic cause.”
Cookery demonstrations, hosted by chef Rob Hughes from Anglesey Cookery School, will take place on both days from 11am, before his cupcakes and shortbread decorating workshops for kids at 1.30.
On Saturday, dishes will include green pesto pasta and, on Sunday, he will be showing people how to make curried chicken and mango salad.
A hidden herb and spice competition in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity will also be taking place on the same stall over the weekend.
Tickets can be bought on the day and are £5 a day, £7 for two days. Children under the age of 14 go free.
Free parking will also be available on both days for festival-goers.
The event runs from 9.30am - 8.30pm on Saturday and from 9.30am - 5.30pm on Sunday.
For more information, please visit beaumarisfoodfestival.co.uk.