Held annually at the National Park Visitor Centre, near Libanus, excitement is building for what promises to be a fun-filled and action packed August Bank Holiday Weekend (28th – 30th August). Whatever the weather, visitors can browse through a fantastic array of local food, arts and crafts, whilst the children will be kept entertained by all sorts of fun and inspiring activities. There’s even face-painting, a bouncy castle, a live Samba Band and Jazz Band lined up to entertain both adults and children!
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, with over 70-trade stands booked to occupy the marquees and grounds. There will be children’s activities and live entertainment on offer – the only problem we expect any visitors to have will be choosing what to take home. Busy Andrew organizes the Summer Fayre, the Hay and Brecon Food Festivals and manages the National Park’s Tearooms. The Summer Fayre is as an important event in the National Park calendar giving local producers the perfect opportunity and setting to promote Welsh produce. For visitors it won’t just be 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 Powell said: “The National Park’s annual Summer Fayre is one of our biggest and most successful events – mostly thanks to all those local people, small Welsh business and producers who come and support us each year. What could be a better way of celebrating the bank holiday weekend than browsing through the fantastic array of Welsh craft, produce and local food. We are hoping for a nice weekend weather-wise but even if it rains the show will go on.”
Mrs Julie James, Chairman of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, is delighted with the Summer Fayre’s popularity. She said: “Local arts, food and drink are a huge asset to Wales and as we look at focusing on the economic climate, it’s these assets that could play an important role in the recovery of the Welsh economy. Every year the Summer Fayre gets bigger and more successful, and we should all applaud its aims. If we can encourage families to buy and enjoy local food and drink that are produced on our doorstep; then we have helped support the Welsh producers and people that are not only making great produce but also improving the economy. It all helps build Wales’ reputation for outstanding arts, food and drink. So whether you live here, work here or just come to visit here there will definitely be something that will appeal to all the family at our Summer Fayre.”