The picturesque town of Llangollen will become the culinary capital of the UK for one weekend in the autumn.
Thousands of foodies will be flocking there for the popular Hamper Llangollen food festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 17 and 18, to browse over 120 stalls at Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion.
The event, now in its 19th year, is rated as one of the Top 10 food festivals in the UK and has provided successful platform for innovative new food and drink from North Wales.
It has helped launch successful products like the Aberffraw biscuit, Blodyn Aur extra virgin rapeseed oil and the Dangerous Food Company’s chilli jam.
The rural development agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, has provided financial support over the past few years to ensure the festival’s long term viability. This was funded through the Rural Development Fund for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Welsh Government.
The 2015 event will also feature demonstrations by top chefs, including Britain’s youngest head chef, Luke Thomas, and Welsh culinary champion, Graham Tinsley, along with stand-up comedian, Silky, who will show off his cookery skills for the first time ever.
Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport, in whose Clwyd South constituency the event takes place, is a fan of the festival.
He said: “Hamper Llangollen is an incredible success and a great annual occasion for the Dee Valley.
“I’m particularly pleased that there’s a focus on encouraging new exhibitors and giving prominence to the many outstanding food and drink producers in North Wales for whom it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase their unique and delicious products.”
Hamper Llangollen chair Colin Loughlin believes this year’s festival is going to be one of the best ever.
He said: “Thanks to a whole host of indigenous companies, North East Wales is rapidly establishing a reputation as a centre of excellence for high quality cuisine.
“The food festival is a perfect shop window for the companies who form the backbone of our rural economy.
“The location of the Pavilion is absolutely spectacular – I can’t imagine that any other food festival in the UK has a more beautiful setting.”
For more details about Hamper Llangollen 2015 visit www.llangollenfoodfestival.com
