Thousands expected to tuck in at food festival

THOUSANDS of foodies are expected to descend on South Wales next month as the Big Welsh Bite returns.

The two-day food festival, held at Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd, attracted 13,000 visitors last year with its wide selection of tasty treats.

This year, the goodies available will range from cupcakes to Indian spices, as well as craft stalls, shows and other attractions.

The event, on August 5 and 6, is being sponsored by Tonypandy ice cream shop Subzero.

The festival is organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf council, and Maureen Webber, deputy leader and cabinet member for council business, said: “Big Welsh Bite is such a popular family event, therefore it is fitting that we join forces with our sponsor Subzero, a popular, home-grown company.

“The event showcases and celebrates local companies and produce, and attracts thousands of visitors each year, providing a boost to the local economy.

“Big Welsh Bite, now into its 14th year, is a celebration of Welsh cuisine. Our event not only promotes all we have to offer within our county borough, but it is also an event that all the family can enjoy.”

Subzero managing director Kevin Jenkins said: “We are delighted to be the sponsors of this year’s Big Welsh Bite, a food festival that celebrates everything that is good about Wales.

“As an award-winning Welsh ice cream producer, which was formed in the county borough and is still based in the area, we are ambassadors for the food industry in Wales and are proud to be associated with such a high-profile event, right here on our doorstep in Rhondda Cynon Taf.”

Organisers of the free event said it stands out and is so popular because all of the produce available will be grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders themselves.