Real Ale Trail, various dates
Spring 2023 in Vale of Glamorgan, April/May 2023 in Conwy, May 2023 in Snowdonia
A one-day festival that lets you drink while someone else drives? Perfect. Hosted on different days throughout the year in Wrexham, Conwy, Snowdonia, Vale of Glamorgan and other places besides, the Real Ale Trail connects local pubs via a dedicated pick-up-and-drop-off bus for those holding a Real Ale Pass. Each featured pub puts on a minimum of three fantastic ales, plus home-cooked food and entertainment.
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival
28 - 29 May 2023
Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival, takes place in the spring. It takes place in multiple locations around the town, including activities at the Old Hall Gardens, a large open-air market of food stalls, street food and drinks producers in the Arthur John & Co car park and a mini vegan festival in The Duke of Wellington Inn's car park.
Cardigan River and Food Festival, August
2023 dates to be confirmed
There’s more to Cardigan’s food scene than seafood. Our inland shores also get in on the action at the Cardigan River and Food Festival. Sample the best in locally sourced food from independent Welsh producers while watching a boatload of water-based activities on the River Teifi.
Abergavenny Food Festival, September
16 - 17 September 2023
Attracting more than 30,000 people to the streets of the gorgeous Mid Wales market town every year, Abergavenny Food Festival is the biggest event in the UK’s foodie calendar. Gorge yourself on a mouthwatering menu of cookery masterclasses from celebrity chefs, tastings galore and countless stalls selling food from both Wales and across the globe. There’s also an extensive entertainment programme featuring live music, street performances, talks and hands-on activities.
Newtown Food Festival, September
2023 dates to be confirmed
Newtown's food festival comes alive each September. The festival welcomes Welsh food and drink with music by local artists, all concentrated around the beautiful market town of Newtown. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mid Wales countryside, this free event is great value. Check out details of this year's event on their Facebook page @NewtownFoodFest.
The Big Cheese, Caerphilly, September
2023 dates to be confirmed
The Big Cheese will be back in 2023. It's hard to resist a festival called The Big Cheese, but fun name aside, the free weekend-long festival always makes for an enjoyable day out. There are three huge food halls to devour, street food areas, live cookery demos, a live lounge and bar area and all the medieval activities and hijynx that a setting like this demands.
Conwy Honey Fair, September
2023 dates to be confirmed
The Conwy Honey Fair is said to be one of Britain’s oldest food festivals, dating back over 700 years. The Royal Charter of Edward I dictates that it must happen on the same date every year – 13 September – unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case, it moves to the Monday after. At the fair, you can expect to see honey, honey-related products, beekeeping stalls, preserves, sweet treats and other produce and crafts.
Mold Food and Drink Festival, September
2023 dates to be confirmed
The Mold Food and Drink Festival is another charming event, which showcases a great variety of produce from the town and surrounding areas. There's plenty to keep everyone occupied, with interactive areas, a cookery school and chef demonstrations.
Narberth Food Festival, September
2023 dates to be confirmed
Narberth Food Festival has built up a reputation as a fun and welcoming foodie event. In fact, The Daily Telegraph called Narberth one of Britain’s 20 friendliest places. With food stalls, cookery demonstrations, music, street theatre and children’s activities, it’s the perfect Pembrokeshire day out for food fans of all ages.
Neath Food and Drink Festival, October
2023 dates to be confirmed
Neath Food and Drink Festival welcomes around 60 exhibitors and award winning suppliers to Neath's famous Indoor Victorian Market. The festival is a true celebration of local produce and the historic market town. Street food will be available in Angel Square and Neath Square while entertainment fills the surrounding area.
Newport Food Festival, October
2023 dates to be confirmed
Newport Food Festival is scheduled to return to Newport city centre. This buzzing one-day festival began in 2010 and has grown from strength to strength. There are over 75 stalls of food and drink, chef demos, live entertainment and family fun.
Llangollen Food Festival, October
2023 dates to be confirmed
Llangollen is no stranger to big events (it hosts the International Music Eisteddfod every year), so it’s no surprise that the town pulls out all the stops for the annual Llangollen Food Festival. Alongside delicious local produce and cookery demonstrations, there's a range of unusual events like speed truffle-making and pumpkin carving competitions.
Denbigh Plum Festival, October
2023 dates to be confirmed
The Denbigh Plum Festival takes place in October. The fruit was granted Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in 2019, under the European Union Protected Food Name (EUPFN) Scheme. It’s been a long road to achieving PDO status for the Vale of Clwyd Denbigh Plum – a technical process which takes several years to reach fruition.
Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair, December
2023 dates to be confirmed
Portmeirion Food and Craft Fair has a stunning setting: the grounds of a colourful Italianate village in Snowdonia. 120 stalls and chalets celebrate Welsh products and businesses while live music, cookery demonstrations, workshops and a magical Christmas Grotto provide add-on entertainment.
These are just a selection of the great food and drink festivals happening across Wales. Search for more food festivals.
