Popular Newtown Food Festival returns after being cancelled for two years

After a two-year break, Newtown Food Festival took over the Town Hall Grounds and there were plenty of treats on offer from more than 40 independent producers from across mid Wales and beyond.

Food lovers were in their element with everything on offer from Caribbean, Indian, Thai and plant-based cuisine, to coffee makers, cider producers and artisan chocolatiers.

Organisers were forced to postpone the 2020 and 2021 events due to the Covid pandemic.

Among the many festivalgoers who praised this year’s event was Hywel Lovgreen, from Newtown. He said: “It’s fantastic for the family. The weather has been good. The music has been excellent. The food is wonderful and a nice couple of glasses of cider. What more do you want?”

The incredible Circus Raj wowing the crowd in the Children's Village at the Newtown Food Festival.

A cooking demonstration takes place at the Newtown Food Festival.

Plenty of visitors to the stalls at Newtown Food Festival.

Jess Jones, who lives in Tregynon, said it was great to see so many people at the festival.

“I love the community feel of it,” she said. “There’s a lot of things going on here that I didn’t know happened in Newtown. It’s just nice to be somewhere where there are so many people.”

“I think it’s been brilliant,” said Newtown photographer Dan Badger. “There’s lots of people here. There’s lots of local suppliers but lots of other people coming in from afar.”

Jack Davies added: “It’s really good to have something like this in town. It’s just nice to be able to come about and see lots of different stalls, lots of nice food.”

“It’s fantastic to see so many people out and about,” said Jill McAloon. “Back to normal.”

The festival has gained a reputation over the past nine years for showcasing the best of food and drink in the region and attracts visitors from all over the UK.

Nadine Roach, from Kerry Vale Vineyard, said it was great to be back.

“Festivals like Newtown are great because there are loads of local artisan producers,” she said.

“It’s lovely to see everyone back again and lots of friendly faces and lots of businesses and lots of members of the public coming to support us. It’s great.”

Geoff Morgan, from Welshpool-based Morgan’s Brew, said local businesses need all the support they can get as everyone faces tough times ahead.

“It’s been three years since the last one,” Geoff said about the food festival. “We’ve missed it.”

He added: “Local businesses need support all the way with everything that’s going on.”

Also in the producer's marquee was Sara Davies from Llanidloes-based chocolate makers Coco Pzazz. She said: “It’s really nice to be back out again in the community and selling again since Covid, and meeting all of the customers. It’s just great.”