Foodies across Wales are in for a real Treat with festivals back on the menu
WALES IS THE PLACE TO BE THIS YEAR IF YOU HAVE A PASSION FOR FOOD AS EVE ROWLANDS FINDS OUT...
FOOD fanatics are in for a treat this year with many beloved food festivals in Wales returning after a hiatus thanks to the pandemic. From Cardiff to Conwy and seafood to gin, here’s some of the biggest events that all foodies need to book in their diary.
Some of them are old favourites and others are newer kids on the block but one thing’s for sure, they all bring up the best-quality food and drink by local vendors.
CARDIFF PROSECCO FESTIVAL Portland House, Cardiff, on Thursday, June 16
This prosecco festival coming to Cardiff has more than 50 types of prosecco and fizz for bubble busters to fawn over at this fizz-tastic festival. But that’s not all there is on offer – they also have a wide selection of gin available to enjoy and a Pimp My Prosecco/jazz up my Gin stand for those of you who want a bit more pizzazz. ■ For more information, see www. proseccofestival.co.uk/cardiffprosecco-festival
PEMBROKESHIRE STREET FOOD FESTIVAL
South Beach car park, Tenby, Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 19
It’s been three years, but street food traders are back on the beach for Tenby’s Street Food Festival. With grub for everyone, they have vegans, coeliacs, vegetarian and carnivores covered. So far, the three vendors they have announced have us drooling – Korean street food specialist Canoodle Catering, The Mighty Soft Shell Crab, serving, you guessed it, soft shell crab tempura with an aromatic chilli sauce and, for those with a sweet tooth, Dutty’s scrumptious cheesecakes will tend to your needs. ■ Read more information about the festival here: www. streetfoodwarehouse.co.uk/ pembrokeshire/
CARDIFF INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
Cardiff Bay, Friday, July 1 to Sunday, July 3
Returning to Cardiff Bay this summer is Cardiff’s beloved international food festival. With a tantalising spread of farmhouse cheeses, handmade chocolates, chutneys, marmalades and more to tickle your tastebuds – complete with specialist liqueurs to quench your thirst – there’s a reason this free feastival is one of the capital’s dishy summer favourites.
Relax on the steps or in the piazza after a busy afternoon of perusing and snacking and soak up the sun while Welsh musicians serenade you. ■ For more information, visit www. cardifffoodanddrinkfestival.com
THE BIG CHEESE Caerphilly, dates TBC
A free weekend-long festival with copious amounts of food to devour including a seperate cheese market, live cookery demos to soak up, a music lounge and bar area to enjoy are just some of the reasons to make your way to Caerphilly for this festival. And if that doesn’t entice you in, a festival whose name is The Big Cheese should pique your interest.
BITE
Insole Court, Llandaff, Cardiff, July – exact dates TBC.
Cardiff’s latest newcomer to the food festival scene, Bite, is a festival hoping to make a lasting impression with real food at fair prices. Set in the gardens of Insole Court in Llandaff, founder and owner of Dusty Knuckle pizza, Phill Lewis, was inspired by a foodie paradise he’d visited in Tuscany, and wanted to recreate that here in Wales. With chefs, street food vendors and producers offering just one dish each priced at £3 a pop, its intention is to be accessible to all, while still offering incredible plates of delicious food. So grab your blanket and spend the day grazing.
BIG WELSH BITE
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7
Residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf will welcome back the Big Welsh Bite this summer. While vendors have not yet been released, if previous years are anything to go by you will be excited for a feast. Think wood-fired pizzas, Welsh beefburgers, spiced tikka wraps, churros, fudge, ice cream, candyfloss and more alongside a buzzing beer garden. And with live music and comedy usually a staple of the weekend, we’re sure this year’s spectacle will match the magnificence of its past events.
WELSH VEGAN FESTIVAL
Tramshed, Cardiff, on Sunday, August 7
If you are a hardcore vegan, have a passion for plant-based living or are simply interested in the lifestyle, this event held at the Tramshed will give you the opportunity to try delicious food from all over the world, drinks and even some cosmetics on their stalls. If you want to learn more, they have guest speakers to open your eyes to food choices in today’s current climate. ■ For more information, visit their Facebook page.
GIN, RUM & FIZZ FESTIVAL Cardiff on Saturday, August 13
Explore the makeup of some of your favourite gins, rums and fizz as local distillers and other suppliers from around the UK come together to showcase their magical potions for you to sample and buy a bottle of – if they take your fancy. With an
MARGAM PARK GREAT
Instagram selfie station, games corner, prop box, fizz bar and music, this festival is going to be a fun – and gin – filled day to remember. ■ Visit www.festivalflyer.com/festival/ cardiff-gin-rum-fizz-festival-2022/ for more information
CARDIGAN RIVER AND FOOD FESTIVAL
Cardigan on Monday, August 22
Situated near the banks of the River Teifi, foodies from all over are encouraged to sample some of the best locally sourced food in Wales.
From seafood to beef and wine to beer, make the most of a delicious day out for all the family ahead of the bank holiday – we may even see the return of Cardigan Castle’s family area, Parti ‘da Barti. ■ For more information, visit www. cardigan-food-festival.co.uk/home
NEWTOWN FOOD FESTIVAL
Newtown on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
Following a two-year hiatus, Newtown Food Festival is back for its eighth year. Hosted in the town hall grounds, they are looking forward to
NEATH FOOD AND welcoming back foodie fanatics for Mid Wales’ biggest free food festival. A treat for the whole family, there will be a wide array of local producers, exhibitors and activities to keep you and your little ones happy for the whole weekend.
While munching on some delicious dishes, your ears will also have a treat as some of Wales’ best talent will have you up on your feet, dancing the Saturday night away. ■ For more information, see www. facebook.com/newtownfoodfest/
GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL
Margam Park on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4
Street food, chef demos, artisan markets, bars, challenges – including man vs food, cake-offs, a baking and a BBQ stage – this food festival has it all. With foraging, a mini zoo and kids’ cooking stage, it really is fun for all the family – even the dog! ■ For more information, visit www. greatbritishfoodfestival.com/margampark
ABERGAVENNY FOOD FESTIVAL
Abergavenny on Saturday,
September 17 and Sunday, September 18
Perhaps one of the biggest Welsh food festivals in any foodie’s calendar, the Abergavenny extravaganza boasts over 150 incredible producers and exhibitors. A haven to get you salivating, it will feature chef demonstrations, talks and debates with some of the culinary world’s latest talent. While we don’t know the line-up just yet, we do know that it’ll be just as amazing as previous years, which have had Great British Bake Off contestant Richard Burr and River Cottage’s gluten-free guru Naomi
Devlin. ■ For more information, visit https:// www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/
MOLD FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL New Street Car Park, Mold, on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18
Featuring exhibitors such as Halloumination, Enjoy Desserts, Bongo’s Rock N Roll Chillis, Bexton Cheese and Bella The Prosecco Van, this food festival is back for all to feast their eyes (and stomachs) on. ■ For more information, visit www. moldfoodfestival.co.uk/
NARBERTH FOOD FESTIVAL
CAERPHILLY
Narberth Town Moor car park, on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25
This foodie favourite has been running for over 20 years, and it’s clear to see why. Not only is it set in the quaint Pembrokeshire town of Narberth, the festival has more than 50 stalls on offer, which in the past have hosted foods from Spain to Trinidad, and entertains guests with not just music but guest chef masterclasses and workshops. And with food comes friendship, as this festival was deemed the friendliest food experience in Wales. ■ For more information, see www. narberthfoodfestival.com
NEATH FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
Neath on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8
After being forced to cancel the event last year, the Neath Food Fest is back. Returning with its Hot Street Food Zone, it’s the admirable focus on local products, most of which come from award-winning suppliers based in the town’s Victorian market and surrounding area, that makes it so special. ■ For more information, visit www. npt.gov.uk
NEWPORT FOOD FESTIVAL
Newport on Saturday, October 8
They are currently on the lookout for exhibitors to feature at their 11th foodie showcase, but it’s clear that Newport’s Food Festival is ecstatic to be back in action after an “unavoidable hiatus”. At its last event in 2019, there were over 70 stalls, 75% of which were hosted by Welsh producers. Of the event returning, local councillor Jane Mudd has said: “I know it has been sorely missed and its return will be welcomed by all those who appreciate great food, a great atmosphere and a great day out.” ■ For more information, visit www. newport.gov.uk
LLANGOLLEN FOOD FESTIVAL
Eisteddfod Pavilion on Saturday, October 15 and Sunday, October 16
Reduced to a “bite-size” festival last year, it’s safe to say the team are delighted to be back in the Eisteddfod Pavilion this year for their 25th anniversary. And although the vendors haven’t been announced yet, we have no doubt it’ll be celebrated in good taste. ■ For more information, visit www. llangollenfoodfestival.com