Two weeks ago the bustling town of Hay – famed for its bookstore lined streets and imposing castle ruins – was overrun with writers, thinkers, talkers, poets and families all armed with their latest reads and broad brimmed hats. With the sunny weather set to continue who could resist coming back to Hay to enjoy the annual Food Festival guaranteed to overload the senses of sight, taste and touch with nothing but the best food from the Bannau Brycheiniog and the Marches.
From 10am onwards on Saturday 26th June, over 50 local food producers will transform the Memorial Car Park in the Hay Town Centre into a dazzling al-fresco marketplace bursting with Welsh flavour. Celtic Spirit, Caroline’s Real Bread Company, the Welsh Venison Centre, Welsh Whiskey Company, Breconshire Brewery, the Pudding Shop from Ludlow, Ralph’s Cider, La Pasta di Mama – selling fresh pasta and sauces from Trecastle, Love Patisserie, Dore Valley Chocolates from Peterchurch, Neuadd Fach Baconery are all signed up to attend plus many other local food producers.
If you fancy sampling the delights of Wales, a little bit of everything, or just tucking into your favourite ice cream this will be the place to be – and if eating proves to be tiring work, there are is always the castle grounds overlooking the town to just stop, take a break and watch the world go by.
Andrew Powell, Catering Manager for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and organiser of the event said: “I’m gearing up for a busy Saturday for the Hay Food Festival. This small festival is always popular and we are expecting a great turnout of people to attend.”
Mrs Mary Taylor, Chairman for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “The movement towards supporting local food is one that Bannau Brycheiniog National Park has wholeheartedly supported for many years now and it’s always such a wonderful high-spirited community event, with so many food producers eager to take part. This is an ideal opportunity to showcase all that is best in food and drink in the Bannau Brycheiniog and the Marches.”
Other diary dates for food enthusiasts include the Bannau Brycheiniog Summer Fayre held during the August Bank Holiday weekend (28th -30th August) and the Bannau Brycheiniog Food Festival on Saturday 2nd October held in the Brecon Market Hall and the town square– a must for all food lovers!