Fears for food festival as venue goes on sale

A food festival which brings thousands of visitors to Mid Wales each year could be held for the last time in its current location after the venue's owners announced they were selling up.

Glansevern Hall, based at Berriew, near Welshpool, has held the Welsh Food Festival since 2005, overseeing its growth to a nationally-renowned event which now attracts more than 100 exhibitors and thousands of foodies.

But the Thomas family has announced that after next month's festival, which will be held on September 1 and 2, it plans on selling the hall.

Jenny Thomas said: "We are very proud of how the Welsh Food Festival has flourished to become one of the best in Wales.

"We believe that it encapsulates everything that is special about this wonderful part of Wales – the talented people, quality food and wonderful culture.

"Naturally we will have mixed feelings at this year's festival given that we are leaving Glansevern Hall, which has been our family's much-loved home for the last 30 years, but we do hope that any future owner will carry on this tradition of hosting the festival."

Bernard Harris, chairman of the festival, said: "The Welsh Food Festival 2012 will include more stalls, cookery demonstrations and children's activities than ever before. We are particularly excited about a new addition to the festival which includes a rural lifestyle and country living area.

"Some of Wales' top chefs including Welsh TV chef Dudley Newbury will once again be cooking up a feast along with local chefs. Other new additions include donkey rides and a miniature steam railway."

For further information about the food festival visit www.welshfoodfestival.co.uk or follow the event on Facebook.