TEN-DAY FESTIVAL WAS A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL FOOD, FARMING, AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN.
The second annual Vale Food Trail, held from 26th May to 4th June 2024, concluded with remarkable success, bringing together an estimated 1000 visitors and locals to explore and celebrate the rich gastronomic heritage and sustainable farming practices of the Vale of Glamorgan.
Event Highlights and Festival Recap:
The festival featured more than 30 local businesses, offering 46 diverse events that showcased the best of local food and sustainability.
Key highlights included:
· Cowbridge Food & Drink Festival: Held on 26th and 27th May at Old Hall Gardens in Cowbridge, this family-friendly event featured interactive activities, live demos, and tasting sessions, attracting over 300 attendees eager to learn about sustainable food practices.
· Gardening and Sustainability Workshops: Participants enjoyed the ‘No Dig Gardening Demo’ at Ali’s Edibles, herb growing demo at Pugh’s Garden Centre, a horticultural farm tour at Bonvilston Edge, and the ‘Forest Garden Tour & Plant Sale’ from Ediculture at Coed Hills. These sessions were highly appreciated for their practical insights into eco-friendly cultivation methods.
· Beverage Experiences: Guided vineyard tours at St Hilary, Tair Gafr and Glyndwr Vineyards, Welsh wine & cheese pairings at Barry Island Spirits Co, and craft beer tasting at Craft Republic drew significant crowds. The roastery tours at The Welsh Coffee Co and plantation tours at Peterston Tea were also major attractions, offering a deep dive into local production.
· Cultural Events: The film screening of ‘Six Inches of Soil’ by Friends of Pencoedtre Woods and Vale Local Nature Partnership, along with the ‘Space to Grow’ art exhibition by Urban Vertical CIC, sparked meaningful discussions on food, sustainability, and community engagement.
· Unique Activities: From making goats milk soap at Garlic Meadow to enjoying a hog roast at Forage Farm, and learning about steak cuts at Rosedew Farm, taking a guided foraging walk at Slade Farm, these events offered something for everyone. These activities highlighted the diverse and vibrant food culture of the Vale.
Louise Denham, Sustainable Food Places Co-ordinator at Food Vale and one of the festival organisers, reflected on the success:
“The response to this year’s Vale Food Trail has been incredible. We saw a significant increase in participation, with an estimated 1,000 visitors engaging in a variety of events. The Vale Food Trail 2024 not only celebrated local food but also strengthened the community’s commitment to sustainability. We hope that attendees were left with a greater appreciation for local produce and sustainable practices, reinforcing the Vale’s reputation as a hub for eco-friendly living and delicious food.”
The success of this year’s event has set a solid foundation for future festivals. Plans are already underway for the 2025 Vale Food Trail, with a focus on expanding the range of activities and engaging even more local businesses and visitors.
For more information and updates on next year’s event, sign up for the newsletter at https://www.valefoodtrail.com.
