Abergavenny Food Festival 2019

Since its inception in 1999, the Abergavenny Food Festival has become a wonderful celebration of all things food, bringing together chefs, farmers, food producers, food and drink authors and journalists, restaurateurs, and many more with a foot in the food industry. Visitors love the laid back and welcoming vibe of the festival, and the opportunity it provides to learn more about food, and to engage with the experts.

We’ve attended the festival a few times, and I’ve even participated in a couple of them – I ran an informal Blogger’s Chat Room over breakfast with Rude Health one year, and stepped forward to deliver one of Rude Health’s rants another. But more often, we attended as regular visitors, browsing and taking advantage of everything the festival has to offer.

Since Pete and I moved to Abergavenny earlier this year, we’ve been even more excited to attend as local residents.

Collage from Abergavenny Food Festival

Abergavenny Food Festival 2012

The Best Things About Abergavenny Food Festival

  • It’s an affordable and great value festival. Earlybird tickets are now on sale at £10 on Saturday, £8 on Sunday or £15 for both days. These give you access to wander freely around the festival, and include lots and lots of free events and demonstrations.
  • There are many additional cookery classes, demonstrations, talks and tastings available, these are priced individually and always very popular. If you are interested in attending these, buy your tickets as soon as you can. I’ve attended many of these events and they have all been really good, hosted by some of the best names in food and drink.
  • This years line up of speakers (for free and paid events) includes Anissa Helou, Asma Khan, Bee Wilson, Cyrus Todiwala, Diane Henry, Elly Pear, Fiona Beckett, Genevieve Taylor, Jekka McVicar, John Whaite, José Pizarro, Mark Diacono, Olly Smith, Patrick Holden, Pete Brown, Sandor Katz, Tim Hayward, Trine Hahnemann, Xanthe Clay, Zoe Adjonyoh, and many more. I’m also pleased to see Josh Byrne on the list, having discovered The Black Bear Inn in Bettws Newydd only recently – Avergavenny Food Festival has always been a huge supporter of rising stars within the industry.
  • Unlike some food shows, the quality and relevance of exhibitors is very high. You won’t find stalls selling ironing board covers, waterproof doggie coats, or cars! The organisers select exhibitors carefully, to maintain the festival’s focus on quality food and drink, and I always discover many wonderful and delicious things, as well as enjoying old favourites. I’ve also learned how much exhibitors truly love being at Abergavenny, which shows in the way they engage with visitors.
  • Stands and event venues are spread out across Abergavenny town centre, giving exhibitors and visitors plenty of space. Even on Saturdays, it doesn’t feel as crowded and crushed as some big-name shows I’ve been to. It’s also a lovely way to enjoy Abergavenny itself, with its many historical buildings and some really great local restaurants.
  • The Festival is very proud of its role in transforming the way people think about food. There are topical debates on what are often thorny issues, talks that make us look differently at where our food comes from today and how we might face the challenges of the future, with new ideas often pushing the boundaries of current thinking.
Abergavenny Food Festival

Abergavenny Food Festival 2018

 

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13 Comments to "Abergavenny Food Festival 2019"

  1. Becky Thorn

    My youngest daughter lives in Cardiff at the moment and we’d really enjoy a day together at the food festival.

    Reply
  2. Ruthy J

    I have always wanted to go to the Abergavenny Food Festival so would love free tickets!

    Reply
  3. Aly

    I’d love to win tickets for the chance to see the discussion led by Bee Wlison; the food; the opportunity to see all the independent producers; the food; the chance to maybe bump into some of ther famous foodies I see on TV or on social media; the food; to enjoy the best little market town, Abergavenny ; and most importantly, the food!

    Reply
  4. Neeta

    What’s not to love… food, more food and a handy place to stay just a round the corner! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Martine

    I’d love to take our foodie friend Greg to see the wonders of the festival!

    Reply
  6. Rachel jones

    I would love to have the chance to explore the food fest as I’ve always worked helping the local pubs out as it’s such a busy event for Abergavenny. Working as a cook in a school and a chef 👩‍🍳 at a pub on weekends this would be right up my street 😃

    Reply
  7. Dannii

    I love a good food festival – a great way to try some new and local produce. And it’s in a beautiful part of the world too.

    Reply
  8. Chris

    I have always wanted to visit Abergavenny Food Festival but to visit as a winner would be sensational.Thank you for giving us a chance 😀

    Reply
  9. Lindsey Trainer

    My Dad is 80 this year and has never attended. He would be thrilled as he mentioned he’d like to come.

    Reply
  10. Diana

    We just moved to Cardiff last year, so would really love to win and get to eat all the food! Thank you, great giveaway!

    Reply
  11. Alison

    Food, Abergavenny what’s not to like? Recently retired so have time to go – and with friend who loves to return to her homeland whenever she can!

    Reply

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