Produce markets, masterclasses, cooking demos and family-friendly entertainment all make fantastic ingredients for a day out. Here are some of the best food festivals in South Wales.
May
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival is a family-friendly festival with more than 100 different stalls selling everything from juicy Welsh hog-roast baps to sea salt caramels and melt-in-the-mouth cupcakes. They also offer delicious cheeses from Caws Teifi Cheese and Snowdonia Cheese Company.
June
Welsh Perry and Cider Festival is a small but very popular four-day festival that takes place at Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire. It’s a great opportunity to find out what’s new in Wales’ craft perry and cider making industry, which uses fruit from Welsh orchards specially planted for the purpose. There’s live music each day and family entertainment on the Monday.
July
Cardiff International Food and Drink Festival takes place in the summer and brings three days of gourmet delights to Cardiff Bay and features over 100 food and drink producers. With live music and masses of demos and workshops, this outdoor event draws huge crowds in good weather. To people-watch in style, take a seat in the Champagne Bar for a cool glass of bubbly.
September
Abergavenny Food Festival takes place in the heart of ultra-foodie Monmouthshire. This weekend event is one of the most high-profile food festivals in the Welsh calendar. As well as international celebrity masterclasses, demos and talks, there’s plenty of lighthearted entertainment and imaginative activities including guided foraging walks.
October
Newport Food and Drink Festival is a buzzing one-day festival that only began in 2011, but has already attracted top flight Welsh chefs including Bryn Williams of Odette’s in Primrose Hill, London, and James Sommerin. The programme includes demonstrations from local chefs and street entertainment for all the family.
