For release 21st November 2011
Over 40 Welsh food, drink, arts and crafts producers are selling their wares from 10.00am onwards, and there will be plenty of opportunity to buy some wonderful handcrafted Welsh Christmas presents for your friends and family. The stallholders, who are all local to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park and the Marches will be selling a range of locally made produce including fine cheeses, breads, chocolates, liqueurs, meats, handmade cards, wooden toys, textiles and jewellery.
The festival takes place in the middle of Hay in the Memorial Car Park against the beautiful backdrop of Hay Castle. There will be a heated marquee housing the majority of stall holders so even if the weather outside is frightful, the atmosphere inside will still be delightful.
On Saturday 26th November, visitors and residents will be treated to a schedule of entertainment including music and carols from the Aberhonddu Male Choir, Brecon Town Band, the Wedding Singer Tony Royale and many local school choirs. The day will culminate with the switching on of the Christmas lights at 5.00pm in the Monument Square.
Trading will be as normal in Hay with many centre shops hoping to be inundated with the boost in population. But if all this excitement is too much for festival goers, they can sit down and enjoy the proceedings from one of the many local cafes or coffee shops.
“Hay Winter Food Festival is such a wonderful asset to Hay and every year it has grown bigger and bigger”, said the Mayor of Hay, Mrs Mary Fellowes. “So many people contribute to the success of the Hay Winter Food Festival and my thanks go out to the organisers including Hay Town Council, Hay Chamber of Commerce, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority and many other supporting local businesses. We are delighted to welcome so many visitors and residents to an event that takes so much pride in supporting local producers and suppliers.”
Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe, Member of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority said: “People come from all over the world to experience the delights of Hay – and the winter time is no exception! I think if you’re tired of commercialism taking over the holiday period and would like to get away for a real traditional Christmas that celebrates the art of crafts, local food and drink, Hay is certainly going to be the place to visit.”
The Hay Winter Food Festival is running from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th November 10pm to 4pm.