The only thing that could improve this balmy summer sunshine would be to enjoy some food and drink whilst basking in it and July is packed with festivals to make that possible! Megan Thomas looks at the best on offer.
Cardiff International Food & Drink Festival
Roald Dahl Plaza, Cardiff Bay
Fri 6-Sun 8 July
This long-running Cardiff festival fills not only Roald Dahl Plaza with people from across the UK, but also your belly with all the delicious produce that Wales has to offer. Between the street food piazza, the producer’s fair and the farmer’s market, there is bound to be a flavour for everyone, whether you’re stocking your fridge with artisan cheeses and fresh vegetables, or enjoying an ice cream by the sea whilst listening to live music.
Price: free. Info: 029 2087 2087 / www.mermaidquay.co.uk
Cardigan Bay Seafood Festival
Aberaeron Harbour
Sun 8 July
You can rest assured knowing that you’re in capable hands here, and that you’ll fall in love with the often-underrated fish and shellfish that is local to the area. Moreover, you’ll learn just how versatile fish can be in your recipes, whether it’s in a curry or a fresh salad.
Price: Free. Info: www.aberaeronfishfest.com
BITE! Food Festival
Insole Court Gardens, Cardiff
Sat 14 July
BITE! describes itself as “the art and craft of food” and is a new and exciting addition to Cardiff’s food festival scene. The duo of Dusty Knuckle Pizza’s Phill Lewis and Street Food Circus’ Simon Thomas have teamed up to cook high quality food, focusing on rejecting fast food but keeping everything under £3.
Price: free (£5 parking donation). Info: www.insolecourt.org
Gower Chilli Festival
South Gower Sports Club, Swansea
Fri 27-Sun 29 July
End July the spicy way at the Gower Chilli Festival. The heat here can be sizzling, with a chilli-eating competition as well as the Great Gower Chilli Cookoff. If that isn’t enough, the Chilli Bar with its Gower Gin theme ought to do the trick.
Price: £6 day ticket/£10 weekend pass. Info: www.gowerchillis.com
Cardiff Rum Festival
SSE SWALEC, Cardiff
Sat 28 July
Free rum samples, cocktails, street food, live music and the opportunity for private tastings are all part of the package for this event. Run by UK Rum Festivals, you’re guaranteed a day of expertise and taste!
Price: £30. Info: www.ukrumfestivals.com