For just under £15, you can enjoy full access to the festival for the entire weekend. And this year, we’ve packed it so full of fantastic free content, you’ll need both days to fit it all in. So we wanted to share exactly what you get with your wristband.
Chefs in the flesh
Feast your eyes on some of your favourite chefs in action, at one of the many chef demos on offer.
The Robert Price stage in the Market Hall features free chef demos across both days, with a special focus on showcasing the best of Abergavenny, Wales and beyond. This is where you’ll find local talent cooking up a storm and giving you top tips to get you cooking at home.
This year Tom Kerridge will also be lighting up the Market Hall stage, so you get to hear from one of Britain’s very best Michelin starred chef, all included with your wristband.
The Markets
Let’s be honest; one of the reasons we all flock to our local farmers’ markets is to take full advantage of the delicious produce on offer. Our showcase market will be even better than usual, accommodating an exciting array of new food producers, community stalls, street food stands, plus plenty of your old favourites. Expect to shop ‘till you drop in the Producer’s Markets, enjoy the Fish and Fizz in St Mary’s Priory Courtyard, and take the time to nibble your way around the Cheese and Wine Market. Want to shop, but not carry your shopping around all day? Don’t worry, this year we’ll have a shop and drop service so that you can leave your produce and collect it at the end of the day.
The Night Market
On Saturday, the festival Night Market will return, with fun and frolics in Lower Brewery Yard until late. Expect the best international street food, stalls with dinner packed up ready to take home and enjoy, and the rocking festival bar to ensure the perfect warm, summer night.
The stage in Lower Brewery Yard is programmed with bands and choirs throughout the weekend, with a surprise live band to play the Night Market.
The activities tent in Lower Brewery Yard will have tastings, demonstrations and activities for the kids throughout the weekend.
Free speech
Feeling chatty? Or just food-confused? Then come and give your two pennies-worth at one of our many free Talks and Debates where we’ll be tackling the questions on everyone’s lips; is sugar making us sick? What’s Brexit got to do with the price of fish? What on earth is ‘real bread’ and where can I find it?
We’ll be shedding some much-needed light on a myriad of issues; from clean eating to going vegan, from sustainability to ‘climate friendly’ food. Our ultimate aim is to get the conversation flowing and to teach you how to eat well in simple, practical terms. Look out for The Farmyard stage, the Vintage Tents up at the Castle, and the return of the much-loved Rude Health Rants.
Did we mention the Garden Shed going in at The Castle? Come and get your hands dirty potting, planting and picking up top tips on how to get growing.
Free kids
No, we’re not giving away children but you can bring yours for free, and there’s plenty to keep them occupied.
Hands on cookery classes will be running daily at the Kids’ Academy. During each session, the little chefs will learn to cook a dish they can eat on site, and then replicate for peckish parents at home. Workshops will be run by the wonderful Jethro Carr from The Kitchen Academy, accompanied by a team of exciting guest chefs. It’s all about children learning where their food comes from and teaching them how to make healthy, tasty versions of their favourites at home.
Research has shown that children who understand the origins of their food are more likely to have a life long passion for cooking and eating their veg, so get them down to our Edible Education space quick sharpish and they’ll be polishing off their swiss chard in no time. Don’t miss Bristol chef Freddie Bird cooking up a big kids feast on Saturday morning, and the amazing Travelling Kitchen workshop taking 8-12 year olds on a historical culinary tour of Wales. And on Sunday morning the brilliant Dragonbird Theatre will be taking the kids on a magical adventure in the Dome at the Castle.
Perhaps you’ve got a mini masterchef in the making? Then sign them up for the Young Chef of the Year competition; our hugely popular event that gives the stars of the future a chance to shine. But if your little ones are happier behind the scenes, head to the Dome in the Castle grounds where you’ll find an abundance of child-friendly entertainment throughout the festival.
Still not convinced? We haven’t finished…
Each morning between 10:00 and 12:00 we are turning The Farmyard over to the kids. Have a go at feeding lambs, churning butter and spinning wool. A wonderful way of introducing children to the idea of ‘field to fork’, whilst giving you the opportunity to meet the people that produce your food and listen to their stories. The NFU education bus will be packed full of activities to keep little hands busy.
So there you have it; we’re tired just writing about it! An eclectic array of enticing markets, an interactive farmyard, continuous children’s entertainment, dozens of chef demos, a smorgasbord of celebrity speakers and some seriously high-brow chatting, a night market packed full of great food, fizz and fantastic music – all within the beautiful backdrop of Abergavenny.
Money well spent, we reckon. Get your weekend wristband in advance here.