Newport Food Festival a huge hit as crowds gather in their thousands (original) (raw)

After a two-year absence, Newport Food Festival returned with a tasty bang this weekend. On Saturday (October 8), foodies gathered in their thousands to Newport's city centre streets.

There were plenty of food stalls as traders showcased the best in food and drink from across the city and the wider region. Returning alongside the stall holders were chef demonstrations at the Newport Now Zone at Newport Market, which included demos by Hywel Jones of Restaurant Hywel Jones at the Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa, James Davies of Horton's Coffee House and Steve White of the Mercure Hotel.

The festival also had a full programme of activities taking place including face-painting and roaming street theatre. Entertainment included music from the Gwent Music Community Choir and street entertainment from the Hungry Chefs and the Flying Seagulls.

There were also Giant Seagulls roaming around, a balloon modelling Magic Chef and craft sessions with Flying Start. This year's event was partnered and sponsored by Newport NOW, Newport Live, Newport Market and Hywel Jones.

Returning alongside the stall holders were the chef demonstrations at the Newport Now Zone at Newport Market (Image: Newport Food Festival (Facebook))

Many who attended the food festival took to social media to share their thoughts on the event. In a post marking the event on Newport Online's Facebook page, Laura Custard: "Great stalls, great atmosphere, we really enjoyed it!!"

On Newport Food Festival's Facebook page, others also praised the event. Tracy Bishop said: "Was lovely really enjoyed the demos yummy". While Helen Sanderson said: "Newport Food Festival was amazing as usual".

Thousands came to the event on Saturday following a two-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic (Image: Newport Food Festival (Facebook))

The food festival has been a popular event since its launch back in 2010. It was due to hold its 11th event in 2020, but was cancelled by Newport City Council over health and safety fears arising from the pandemic. The festival was not held in 2021 either.

Ahead of the festival's return this year, Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of the council, said: “I’m very excited to see the return of the Newport Food Festival after an unavoidable hiatus.

The festival also had a full programme of activities taking place including face-painting and roaming street theatre (Image: Newport Food Festival (Facebook))

“The festival has attracted fantastic producers and suppliers both from the local area and slightly further afield, and many thousands of visitors since its inception in 2010. I know it has been sorely missed and its return will be welcomed by all those who appreciate great food, a great atmosphere and a great day out."

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