Food lovers are in for a treat as the Caerphilly Food & Drink Festival returns this weekend, bringing a packed day of flavours, entertainment and family fun to the heart of the town.
Taking place on Saturday 18 April, the popular annual event will see more than 80 food and drink vendors set up across Caerphilly town centre, offering a wide range of dishes from around the world.
Visitors can expect everything from sweet treats such as cookies, cakes and ice cream to savoury favourites including burgers, hot dogs and, fittingly, plenty of cheese. A variety of global cuisines will also be on offer, including Indian, Chinese and Mexican, alongside vegetarian and vegan options.
A highlight of the day will be live cookery demonstrations from Artisan Cooks’ Clover Hunter, who will be showcasing dishes such as egg and chilli feta tacos and green tikka cod curry. Younger visitors can also get involved, with hands-on workshops teaching children how to make their own pizzas and chocolate cookies.
There will also be an educational element to the festival, with The Cookalong Clwb hosting interactive sessions in collaboration with Size of Wales. Visitors will be able to learn how local primary school pupils have been recreating school meals using sustainable, deforestation-free ingredients, with recipes including chicken korma and corned beef pasties available to sample.
Pupils will be on site sharing their experiences and cooking live noodle pot recipes for James Nathan, who will be tasting dishes and offering feedback. The Cookalong Clwb will also run a “Time Travelling Experience”, designed to spark conversation around food sustainability and environmental impact.
Beyond the food, there will be plenty to keep families entertained throughout the day, including funfair rides, face painting and craft workshops. Visitors can also explore a number of additional markets and events taking place across the town, including Crafty Legs’ Craft Fair and Market, Caerphilly Marketplace at Morrisons car park, and the Castle Court Craft and Food Market. The day will round off with the finale of the Caerphilly Comedy Festival at Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall.
Organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and supported by Caerphilly Town Council, the festival continues to be one of the highlights of the local events calendar.
Further information, including travel details, entertainment schedules and a full list of traders, is available via the Visit Caerphilly website.
The festival also forms part of a wider programme of events across the borough in the coming months, including Bargoed May Fair, Risca Beach FEASTival and Pride Caerffili.
