Fabulous festivals of North Wales
The dictionary defines a festival as a special occasion with its own social activities, food or ceremonies.
With a rich culinary and cultural heritage, there’s plenty to celebrate in North Wales and it’s reflected in the numerous family-friendly festivals taking place at this time of year.
It’s the perfect opportunity for local artisans to showcase their finest offerings and for festival-goers to sample some real Welsh hospitality.
North Wales Blues & Soul Festival, Flintshire – 2 – 4 August
North Wales Blues & Soul Music Festival is set to return for its sixth year!
Topping the bill is the award-winning Paul Lamb & the King Snakes, with a further 17 acts confirmed including Delta Moon and Elles Bailey. As well as incredible music, the festival features a range of fringe events and music-related workshops.
Menai Food Festival, Anglesey – 3 – 4 August
This waterfront festival features local food and drink producers, craft stalls and street food stands – visit and you’ll soon understand why Anglesey is nicknamed the Breadbasket of Wales!
Live music will be performed throughout the weekend and a mini funfair onsite promises to keep little ones entertained.
Rock The Park, Wrexham – 9 – 11 August
Rock the Park is a family-friendly music festival featuring the UK’s best tributes to rock and pop artists from around the world, including tributes to Foo Fighters, Pink, The Beatles and Queen!
The Friday night ‘Dance Classics’ event will feature world-class original DJs, including Basshunter, Ian Van Dahl and Ultrabeat.
Beaumaris Food Festival, Anglesey – 31 August – 1 September
With over 100 confirmed exhibitors, this popular event promises to be a lip-smacking weekend of food, drink and entertainment.
Cookery demonstrations from the likes of chef Jason Hughes (currently competing on BBC 2’s Great British Menu) and Neil Davies (Catch 22 Brasserie, Valley) makes this an unmissable event for food fans.
Mold Food Festival, Flintshire – 21 – 22 September
Now in its 14th year, this much-loved food festival has perfected a secret recipe of exhibitors, activities, music, and cookery demonstrations! Organisers promise outstanding produce, some new faces, and a welcome return of the popular children’s cookery school.
Headlining this year’s event is actor-turned-cheesemaker Sean Wilson, better known as Martin from Coronation Street!
Looking Ahead
Gwledd Conwy Feast (25-27 October) is the most popular food festival in the area but it isn’t just for foodies; the Feast celebrates food with local chefs showcasing their wares, as well as live music, art and innovative displays. Llandudno’s annual North Wales Choral Festival (8-10 November) promises a jam-packed weekend that no music lover should miss.
Feeling festive? Head to the Queen of Welsh Resorts for the Llandudno Christmas Fayre (14-17 November); it’s a firm fixture on the town’s calendar and gets bigger every year! Finally, Portmeirion’s Food & Craft Festival (6-8 December) provides a really intimate, seasonal atmosphere for Christmas shopping in stunning surroundings.
What do you think?