Help to set up ‘virtual’ food events is now available
WITH traditional food events off the agenda this summer, many Welsh food and drink producers have had to find other ways of reaching the public. This has resulted in several “virtual” food events being set up across Wales.
Help with venturing into this new world is now available from Cywain – a Menter a Busnes programme dedicated to developing new and existing micro-businesses and SMEs in the Welsh food and drink sector.
Cywain’s tourism and hospitality development manager Nia Ball explained: “We’re extending to [Welsh food festivals] the chance to access the free benefits and services that we’ve historically offered to food and drink businesses, including expert guidance on relevant topics and financial support towards eligible costs.”
■ Taste of (August 1)
West
Wales
In a few days, the virtual doors will open at the Taste of West Wales Festival. Instead of the public physically attending at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, they will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds via the internet.
Co-ordinator Diana Vickers said: “Stallholders had already signed up for the spring festival, and when it and the summer festival was cancelled, we started to think outside of the box – and came up with holding a virtual festival.”
The festival will run from 10am-4pm on the Showcasing West Wales Facebook page. Diana will guide visitors through the schedule of live chef demonstrations, craft workshops, and a host of producer videos and stalls.
■ www.tasteofwestwales. co.uk
■ Gwyl Fwyd Amgueddfa Cymru Food Festival (September 12-13)
Each year the
St
Fagans
Food Festival attracts thousands of people – and organisers hope this year’s virtual event will be just as popular. Renamed the Gwyl Fwyd Amgueddfa Cymru Food Festival, the event is a Wales-wide celebration of food and drink, featuring a number of National Museum of Wales sites, including St Fagans.
There will be activities for all age ranges on various social media platforms. On Facebook there will be family-focused interactive “have a go” events, while Instagram (museumwales) will have a more “festival vibe” aimed at 18 to 30 yearolds.
National Museum Wales head of events Mared Maggs said: “The partnership with Cywain has been invaluable. Their network of suppliers has allowed us to diversify our audiences and engage with producers across Wales.”