Narberth Food Festival shows Pembrokeshire produce

Crowds of people attended the event at Town Moor Car Park on the first day, featuring over 45 stalls, street food, chef demonstrations and live music.

Inside the food theatre, locals perused the various businesses that were all offering unique products.

Numerous locals attended the event and explored the various supplier stalls. (Image: Newsquest)There was live music at the festival. Pictured on stage are Desert Life. (Image: Newsquest) There were over 45 stalls at the festival, featuring cakes, alcohol, chocolate, oil, fish, meat, sauces, honey and more. (Image: Newsquest) Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs was in attendance. (Image: Newsquest) Retiring chairman of the festival, Colin Russell said: “The event is in a new site this year, but we’ve had new faces and old faces. It’s lovely to see the festival supported by the community for the 24th time. Long may it continue.

“I’m so pleased it’s still going strong since I was there at the first ever food festival in Narberth and that it’s so popular.”

After talking to several businesses, the consensus was the food festival in Narberth is a great way to make people aware of local produce and support the community.

Still Wild founder James Harrison-Allen and his selection of botanicals. (Image: Newsquest)Kelly Fowler was there to offer a range of pet treats. (Image: Newsquest) Anne-Marie Harries from Farmers Food, offered free taste samples of her jam and chutney. (Image: Newsquest) Barry Chantler, owner of Chantler Teas expressed how important it is people to support local businesses. (Image: Newsquest) Founder of Still Wild, James Harrison-Allen said: “I love the festival. There’s always a great crowd, plenty of local products and good producers. It’s nice to see producers from West Wales showcasing everything we have in the area.”

Kelly Fowler from Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery said: “There’s been a good turnout. Residents should always support local businesses."

Carol Vine from Preseli Pickled added: “It’s very good for the community. It’s always a good show. We need all the help we can get.”

Barry Chantler from Chantler Teas agreed: “It’s important for people to support local businesses or they will be gone.”

Anne-Marie Harries, while displaying her selection of jam and chutney from Farmers Food also remarked: “There’s a nice footfall from events like this and Pembrokeshire deserves more recognition for it’s produce.”

Harry Thomas explained the process behind making Pembrokeshire Gold Rapeseed Oil. (Image: Newsquest) Tom Bottrill revealed how Welsh Honey producer 'Bee', focuses on the conservation of bees. (Image: Newsquest) Suzanne Vaughan with a selection of meat from Carn Edward. (Image: Newsquest) Indeed, the festival allows smaller businesses to showcase their products and inform locals how everything is made.

Harry Thomas, who takes pride in making Pembrokeshire Gold Rapeseed Oil said: “We grow, harvest, press and bottle it. We undertake the whole process from field to fork. What we produce is completely sustainable.”

Another producer focused on sustainability is Bee, an award-winning maker of Welsh Honey.

Tom Bottrill said: We offer raw unpasteurised honey and focus on bee conservation. We currently harvest honey from 180 hives.”

Suzanne Vaughan from Carn Edward, an online butcher added: “People need to know how their food is produced.”

Furthermore, independent businesses exist in Pembrokeshire to offer locals other options, besides what can be purchased in supermarkets or franchise restaurants.

Val Ellis from Celtic Spirit said: “Small businesses need the support. Without them, all products would be the same.”

Val Ellis, Celtic Spirit, thinks a variety of products from local businesses is essential in Pembrokeshire. (Image: Newsquest)Owen Rosser with his bottles of chilli sauces. (Image: Newsquest) Meanwhile, managing director of Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Owen Rosser revealed how disillusionment with the lack of options for chilli sauces, inspired him to start his business.

Owen also expressed how it’s essential to meet customers in person rather than solely relying on people buying products online.

He continued: “It’s important to know what businesses are out there. Not everyone uses social media.”

This sentiment was echoed by Bloc-o-Choc’s Lowri Francis who sees the importance of face-to-face selling, even for businesses that mainly sell online.

Lowri Thomas and Bloc-O-Choc's variety of chocolate. (Image: Newsquest)Angharad Rees showcasing Welsh Honey by Gwenyn Gruffydd. (Image: Newsquest) Since COVID-19, shopping online has become more popular, yet there is no replacement for building rapport with your customers.

Angharad Rees from Gwenyn Gruffydd said: “As a small business, it’s important to meet our customers. We are fortunate to have events like this which are run by volunteers.”