Food fans were out in force over the weekend soaking up the sunshine at the annual Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival.
Thousands of visitors flocked to the town for the hugely popular event to enjoy the vast variety of produce on display from a wide range of regional artisan producers.
With something to suit all diets, ages and interests – moreish meats, vegan varieties, curries, cheeses, chutneys; scrumptious ciders, street food specials, great gins, sweet treats and so much more – it proved to be a real highlight in this year’s calendar.
The much-loved food demos which returned for 2023 were a real hit, with chefs including The Muddy Toad’s Tom Lodge, Shampan’s Matthew Saju and Private Chef Christos rustling up some delicious dishes for visitors to then try at home.
As well as the main festival site, the Old Hall Gardens were also buzzing with lots of family-friendly activities to enjoy and plenty of craft stalls selling lovely handmade products.
First time festival goer Ken Dusauzay had only been in the country for four days having flown in from his home in the Caribbean to visit daughter Janey who lives nearby in Llantwit Major.
Speaking about the event, he said:
“This is amazing; it’s my first time here and I’m loving it – from the Caribbean to Cowbridge and the weather is just as good this weekend!
“I’m so glad Janey asked me to come – there’s so much to see and do and such a variety of produce.
“We love our food in the Caribbean, particularly the varied spices and fantastic flavours and there’s plenty to tempt me here.
“I’ll definitely be taking a taste of Wales back with me!”
Festival manager Tracy James-Lieberman said:
“It’s so good to see first time visitors such as Ken having such a great time – he’s added an extra international vibe to the show!
“We’ve had a blast with this year’s festival and are so happy with feedback from visitors and traders – there really was such a variety of produce to please everyone and the two sites complemented each other brilliantly; onwards and upwards to 2024!”
“I do just want to give a huge thank you to Arthur John & Co for allowing us to take over their car park and their continued support throughout the whole year, and also to Macey Owen.
“Special thanks aswell to our lovely sponsors, Hensol Castle Distillery and Specsavers Cowbridge and all the volunteers who stepped up to help make the event happen – Cowbridge Rotary, The Young Farmers and Cowbridge Moovers running Club – as well as all the local businesses who embraced the festival vibe.”
