One of the area’s biggest events will bring the summer to a mouthwatering close this weekend when the fifth Welsh Food Festival is held at Glansevern Hall, near Berriew.
TV chefs will among the celebrities as over 6,000 people are expected to descend on the area for two days of culinary expertise that will leave the taste buds tingling.
And the event will bring another timely economic shot in the arm for local business. As well as the many locals expected to attend, visitors will be travelling in from across the UK and beyond, filling the local bed and breakfasts and hopefully providing an end-of-summer boost to the local shops and services.
“We’ve always been passionate about bringing opportunities to Mid Wales and promoting its fantastic produce. This is why we agreed to host the Welsh Food Festival,” said Jenny Thomas, who lives at Glansevern Hall with husband, Neville. “I’d like to think that we have done our bit to encourage people to enjoy what is on offer in this wonderful part of Wales and in doing so raise awareness about the benefits of buying local produce.”
Local TV personality and avid mywelshpool reader Sian Lloyd (left) will be on hand to share her cookery skills with award-winning demonstrator Dai Chef, but top expert billing for the weekend has been reserved for familiar TV chef Bryn Williams.
Bryn shot to stardom by winning a TV show to cook for the Queen’s 80th birthday and is looking forward to demonstrating.
“I’m passionate about promoting the best of Welsh produce which is why I am really excited about supporting the Welsh Food Festival,” he said. “I use Welsh produce as much as possible. Sourcing the best of Welsh produce is what I believe in and I’m certain that the food I’ll prepare at the Festival will demonstrate to consumers how fantastic homegrown produce really is.”
One of Britain’s top junior chefs will be showing off the talents that saw him beat off 7,000 competitors to be crowned Future Chef. At 16, Luke Thomas has cooked with some of the world’s best known chefs and is well on his way to becoming the youngest ever holder of a Michelin star.
Leading chef Tim Harrison will demonstrate campfire cooking, while a host of activities – including live music - across the 18th Century property’s beautiful 25-acre gardens will provide plenty of entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Admission
Adults £6; Senior Citizens £5.50; Free entry for children under 16; Free parking
Free Bus
Welshpool Town council is running a vintage bus from the Tourist Office, Spar Car Park, every half hour on the SUNDAY.
Timing
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Location
Glansevern Hall Gardens, Berriew, nr. Welshpool, SY21 8AH
Timetable
Saturday
10.30am Gloria Lambourne
12 noon Jason Elvin
1.30pm Dai Chef with Sian Lloyd
3.00pm Wine and cheese tasting with Mat Evans, Tanners Wines and Shropshire Cheese Co.
Sunday
10.30am Bryn Williams
11.30am Tim Harrison – campfire cooking in the walled garden
12noon Luke Thomas
1.30pm Bryn Williams
3.00pm Tim Harrison
Entertainers
Saturday
10.45am Harpist – Alice Spandrzyk
12noon Kickin’ Alice – Appalachian step dancers and band
1.15pm Four Tissimo – local brass quartet
2.30pm Hijinx – ceilidh band
3.45pm Harpist – Alice Spandrzyk
Sunday
10.45am Harpist – Alice Spandrzyk
12noon Four Tissimo – local brass quartet
1.15pm Llangadfan Dancers – Welsh folk dancing
2.30pm HiJinx – ceilidh band
3.30pm Llangadfan Dancers – Welsh folk dancing