Held annually at the National Park Visitor Centre, near Libanus, excitement is definitely building for what promises to be a fun-filled and action packed August Bank Holiday Weekend (29th-31st August) with over 70-trade stands booked to occupy the marquees and grounds. Visitors can browse through an endless array of local food, arts and crafts, whilst the children will be kept entertained by a range of inspiring activities including badge-making, face-painting, pottery turning, a 1950s vintage Double Decker play bus, Punch and Judy, archery, paintballing, wellie wanging and folk dancing lessons.
Catering Manager for the National Park Visitor Centre Tearooms, Andrew Powell couldn’t be happier that over 10,000 visitors are expected to show a definite appetite for the finest Welsh food, arts, crafts, children’s activities and live entertainment on offer – the only problem for visitors will be choosing what to buy. Aside from the Summer Fayre, Andrew also organises the Hay and Brecon Food Festivals – no mean feat when you consider that he manages the National Park’s Tearooms as well. He views the Summer Fayre as an important event in the National Park calendar giving local producers the perfect opportunity and setting to promote Welsh produce, but he’s quick to remind visitors that it’s not about the quantity of traders who fill the space, but more about discovering the best quality producers in Wales – and with three days to browse the stalls, visitors are guaranteed to find something to tickle their fancy.
Andrew told us: “What started out as a small National Park community summer fayre has now grown into one of Wales’ largest. What makes it so special – even in its ninth year – is the fact that we still maintain that Welsh community feeling and we are supporting small businesses and producers. What could be a better way of celebrating the bank holiday weekend than browsing through the fantastic array of Welsh craft, produce and food. We are hoping for a nice weekend weather-wise but even if it rains the show will go on.”
Mrs Mary Taylor, Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, is delighted with the growing success of the Summer Fayre, saying: “Every year our Summer Fayre proves to be a great hit with locals and visitors and this year we are looking forward to welcoming everyone. These three days provide the perfect opportunity to learn more about the National Park and the local organisations and businesses that support our work.”