The Really Wild Food Festival – a down to earth celebration

The 2007 Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival, a down-to-earth celebration of food and crafts that originate from the Welsh countryside, will be held in the ancient cathedral city of St Davids, Pembrokeshire, south west Wales over the weekend of 1 and 2 September.

Among the sixty or so exhibitors and stallholders taking part will be wild fungi experts, producers of delicacies made with wild ingredients, herbalists and local organic farmers. Celebrity chefs will run demonstrations showing visitors how they can include food from the wild in everyday meals and there will also be a food and drink market where visitors can sample local produce for free.

Free craft and countryside courses, guided foraging expeditions and even a bushcraft camp are being held this year. Environmental groups will also be visiting to demonstrate everything they are doing to protect and conserve the countryside.

New faces for 2007 include Mark Gilchrist, the well-known chef and game expert, and Matt Oliver - Wales’ answer to Ray Mears, from Stoatwood Bushcraft. Alex Hill, a professional falconer, will be displaying some of his fantastic birds and Bruce Slark from Coppicewood College will be teaching all kinds of fascinating woodland and countryside skills.

The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival was first held in 2005 and is growing larger every year - attracting new chefs, exhibitors and events. It appeals to a whole range of visitors of all age groups including dedicated foodies, countryside enthusiasts, those who want to try their hand at traditional skills and people just looking for a special day out. Professor David Bellamy is the Festival Patron (see quote below).

The festival will be held in St Davids football ground and is open for 10am until 5pm both days; tickets are £3 adults, £2 for concessions, 50p for children. There is free parking on the site and there are plenty of undercover activities, stalls and exhibits.

For further information visit Reallywildfestival.co.uk.