With its castle ruins, historic market, and nearby hike-worthy mountains, Abergavenny attracts locals and savvy travelers year-round. However, come September, this charming Welsh town completely transforms, welcoming thousands as it hosts one of the UK’s premier food festivals.
Ready for an epicurean adventure? Here’s a taste of what you can expect at the Abergavenny Food Festival.
A Festival 20+ Years in the Making
The Abergavenny Food Festival was launched by two local farmers in 1999. Their livelihoods were threatened by the BSE crisis (mad cow disease) and the subsequent foot and mouth outbreak in 2001. What began as a way to boost the UK farming industry’s reputation soon evolved into a vibrant, weekend-long celebration of food culture, engaging over 30,000 visitors every year.
What to Eat
It’s essential to arrive with an empty stomach; food trucks and pop-up kitchens line the high street, spilling into adjacent squares and taking over the castle grounds—an idyllic picnic spot. The culinary offerings are vast, with options ranging from bao buns and biltong to traditional Welsh beef burgers.
Stalls showcasing produce from Wales are marked with a dragon symbol. You’ll find not only Welsh cakes and bara brith (traditional fruit loaf) but also a plethora of homegrown honey, cheese, smoked meats, baked goods, and other delightful treats for tasting and taking home.
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the opportunity to pick up a jar of salted caramel, flavoured with Anglesey sea salt from Halen Môn, a condiment beloved by notable figures. The region’s burgeoning distillery and craft brewery scene means you can taste delicious beer, gin, and whiskey from both northern and southern makers.
Alongside local offerings, you’ll find international flavors: think poutine with maple syrup from Canada, Asian street food, sushi, churros, and Sicilian cannoli. You can also discover innovative products like plastic-free, compostable crisp packets and liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Feed Your Mind
In addition to the culinary delights, you’ll find plenty of food for thought in panel discussions and debates on various food-related topics. Esteemed restaurateurs, farmers, and food professionals will explore everything from the future of agriculture to the foods of the Islamic world, along with on-trend chef demonstrations.
Get Involved
After exploring the stalls and sampling free tasters, it’s time to roll up your sleeves. There are numerous opportunities to enhance your culinary skills—join a pasta-making class, learn fermentation techniques, or embark on a culinary journey with a food photography or blogging workshop. Off-site excursions can inspire you to forage for botanical cocktail ingredients or refine your barbecue skills with newly acquired campfire cooking techniques.
How to Make the Most of Abergavenny Food Festival
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Plan Ahead: The festival program is extensive; check the timetable and site map online to devise a plan of action before your arrival.
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Look Before You Nibble: Don’t settle on the first food stand you see; explore all options for the tastiest dishes before queuing, it will be worth the wait.
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Embrace Food Envy: Despite your appetite, there’s simply too much food here to taste in one weekend. Ask for recipes, purchase edible souvenirs, and remember for next year!
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Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget your reusable water bottle—there are free refill stations throughout the festival and a tote bag for all your delicious purchases. A lightweight raincoat is also wise, as Welsh weather can be unpredictable.
Make It Happen
Abergavenny is roughly an hour’s drive or a 40-minute train ride from Cardiff. Kids are welcome and enjoy free entry, although you’ll need to leave four-legged friends at home. Accommodations in Abergavenny book up quickly during the festival weekend, so plan ahead or be ready to stay further afield.
Explore the incredible offerings at the Abergavenny Food Festival and immerse yourself in a memorable culinary experience!
