Kokova Magazine

Mold is fast developing its foodie credentials with its annual Food & Drink Festival 24 - 25 September having earned a reputation for being one of the best in Wales according to recent research conducted by Welsh Assembly Government.

This year will see the sixth Mold Food & Drink Festival, a True Taste Wales Festival, being held over the weekend of September 24th and 25th in New Street car park located close to the town centre.

The festival, which is the largest event to take place in this part of North Wales, showcases a vast selection of the finest local produce that is available from across this beautiful region of Wales and beyond.

As well as the fantastic food and drink on offer, visitors can watch celebrity and amateur chef demonstrations, participate in fun foodie activities and workshops and enjoy live entertainment.

A free Park & Ride service will run from County Hall into Mold town centre enabling shoppers and festival goers from the local area and further afield to enjoy their visit without worrying about parking.

Mold itself is a delightful market town with its range of individual shops including boutiques, interiors, books, jewellers, and gift shops. Its' renowned street market which is held every Wednesday and Saturday offers everything from fashion and soft furnishings to pots and plants.

Amongst the many and varied exhibitors attending the festival in September will be Orchard Pies, Condessa Welsh Liquers, Snowdonia Cheese, Purple Moose Brewery, North Wales Buffalo, Dragon Chillies and Riverford Organic to name but a few.

With more than 80 stands expected organisers are anticipating another successful festival with something that is bound to appeal to even the most discerning of tastes!

Two local beekeeping associations will be running an exhibition at the festival where visitors will be able to see the bees at work in observation hives, sample a wide selection of locally produced honeys, watch a film all about beekeeping and pick up lots of useful tips from members about how to get started on a new and interesting hobby!

An extensive programme of events will run on both days in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre, Interactive Zone and Outdoor Entertainment areas.

On Saturday 24th September Graham Tinsley and Brian Mellor will each take to the stage entertaining visitors and cooking their speciality dishes. Local amateur and professional chefs will also be putting their expertise to the test in competition finals to win prestigious awards.

On Sunday 25th September the festival welcomes celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli who will be doing several demonstrations during the day as well as a book-signing, definitely not to be missed!

Something new for this year is the Great Welsh Bake-Off Competition run in conjunction with the WI where amateur home bakers are invited to show off their culinary skills and enter their own bara brith.

The competition will be professionally judged by the WI and guest judges and Jean-Christophe Novelli will be presenting the winners with their prizes on Sunday afternoon.

The whole family can also have a go at some fun foodie activities in the Interactive Zone from decorating cupcakes to sugarcraft modelling and our own take on Heston’s Science of Food.

The activities are designed to be fun whilst teaching new culinary skills and encouraging people to try something a little different.

The Interactive Zone will also be home to floristry demonstrations and a Gardener’s Question Time adding a horticultural element to this year's festival.

And finally, the festival will play host to a number of live bands and soloists with a programme of entertainment designed to appeal to most musical tastes scheduled across the whole weekend.

With over 80 stands to visit, opportunities to try before you buy, cookery demonstrations, interactive activities, and musical entertainment, the Mold Food & Drink Festival makes a perfect day out for all the family.

The festival is held in the New Street Car Park in Mold. Doors open to the public from 10am-8pm on Saturday (exhibitors close at 5pm. Outdoor entertainment, food and drink until 8pm) and 10am-5pm on Sunday.
Tickets cost £3.50 for adults, £1.50 for children aged 3-12, and £8.00 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children.
For full details about the event, please visit the website at www.moldfoodfestival.co.uk