The Abergavenny Food Festival, as suggested by the name itself, is a food festival celebrated in the Welsh town of Abergavenny on the third weekend of September. This year, the festivities will take place from September 16 to 17. A brief introduction to the place itself, Abergavenny is a town in Wales that is around six miles from the English border and presents itself as a gateway to Wales. The town used to be the site of an ancient Roman fort but today, it is more famous for its delicious cuisine and culture.
History of Abergavenny Food Festival
During the peak of the Roman Empire, Abergavenny used to be a fort to host the Roman army in the British Isles. The purpose of this fort was to maintain peace between the local English and Welsh tribes and to guard the river passageways. Even in those times, to feed the army stationed in the fort, the surroundings were covered with marketplaces where people used to trade freely, the earnings of which were collected as taxes that were sent to Rome.Later when England became a Kingdom and many Welsh territories also formed part of it, the town was frequently attacked and plundered by the invading English, Scottish, and Viking armies. Therefore, the structures of this town were constructed such that they were considered temporary. Often, the deserters in the army used to come and settle in the town as merchants to start something of their own, hence the marketplace was once given the name “traitors’ market.”Staying true to its marketplace-like culture and style, the town grew with time and during the 18th and 19th centuries became a proper settlement for merchants and farmers. With growing populations, the town expanded and rose in prominence. During the ‘70s and ‘80s when the cattle became infected by Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (B.S.E.), the economy of the town was heavily affected. To counter the effects of the crisis, the town planned to start something that would create a substitute form of earning.Eventually, two farmers Chris Wardle and Martin Orbach launched the Abergavenny Food Festival towards the end of the ‘90s. Over the years, the festival has received so much limelight and attention that it has become a part of the to-do list of many people. People from all over the world come to Wales especially to attend the festival, which lasts for two days over the third weekend of September.
Abergavenny Food Festival timeline
Gobannium, an ancient Roman Fort, is constructed to maintain a stronghold in the Roman-British territories.
Abergavenny and the town structure almost come to the brink of destruction because of the war between Seisyll ap Dyfnwal and William de Braose.
Abergavenny becomes part of the greater Newport, Abergavenny, and the Hereford development project, which aims to construct a railway connecting the towns.
The Abergavenny Food Festival is celebrated for the first time by two farmers Chris Walder and Martin Orbach.
Abergavenny Food Festival FAQs
Do I need a ticket for the festival?
Yes, you may need a ticket for the festival. The reason is that after covid-19, the event would be happening for the first time, and to ensure no unpleasant event occurs, attendance will be limited.
How can I register for a stall during the festival?
There is a website “www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com” which is the official website of the event. Just visit the site and register yourself over there. The event’s organizing committee will review your application and will brief you on the registry.
What is the best place to stay in Abergavenny?
There are many hotels, inns, and resorts in the town, which range from luxurious and expensive to cheap and cost-friendly. Just go through your financial position to decide the best package for you.
Abergavenny Food Festival Activities
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Attend the festival
Like you have to ask? There is food, there is perfect weather, and there is culture. Attend the festival and treat yourself to the delicacies.
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Take pictures, forget diet plans, makes memories
Trust us when we say, everyone deserves a cheat day or two. Since this is a two-day festival, simply forget about all your dieting, and indulge yourself in consuming whatever this food festival has to offer. Do remember to take pictures of the people and different food items.
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Share your experience on social media
Once you have attended the festival or are still there, you can chat live with your friends and family to share your experience. This will not only elevate you in your social circle but will make others attend the food festival as well.
5 Interesting Facts About The Abergavenny Food Festival
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“Best event in Wales”
Believe it or not, the Abergavenny Food Festival has been declared by many as the best event in Wales.
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Biggest attendance
The year 2019 saw the event get the biggest attendance of all time as 35,000 people attended the festival.
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The festival’s host committee
There is an actual, non-profit, organizing committee that has been organizing the festival since the beginning.
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A party in the ruins
The ruins of the ancient Roman fort are used to host musical events during the festival.
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Return from Covid-19
After two years of being affected by the Covid-19 situation, the festival aims to return with a full blast this year.
Why We Love Abergavenny Food Festival
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Who doesn’t love food?
According to the “Daily Mail,” the event is described as “Abergavenny is to food what Cannes is to Films”. With this comment coming up about the festival, we do not think anyone would still doubt the quality of food available on the stalls of this festival. Besides, it is not just the food that is great. Keep your eyes open and you will find a lot of things that would match your interest.
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The weather is great
The summers are almost about to end and autumn is nigh, there is warmth during the day and cool during the night. A “summery” delight during the day and a cozy bonfire at night with the aroma-filled air in your lungs, your stomach would simply crave food. Just imagining this is pleasing.
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A beautiful town
Not everyone is a foodie. Even then, that individual or group of individuals would love to roam around the town and explore the marketplace, historic sites, and beautiful rivers. There’s something for everyone.
Abergavenny Food Festival dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 17 | Saturday |
| 2023 | September 16 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 14 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 13 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 12 | Saturday |
