WELLIE-WANGING, micro-brewers and the first Torfaen bake-off were some of the highlights at yesterday’s Llanyrafon Manor Country Fayre.

Celebrating the ‘best of food, farming and the countryside in Torfaen and Caerphily’, more than 35 food, drink and craft producers from across the region showcased their produce in brilliant sunshine yesterday.

More than 5,000 visitors attended the picturesque manor grounds with the fair tipped to become an annual event in the Torfaen calendar.

Councillor Bob Wellington was among those who enjoyed a diverse programme of events include cookery demonstrations, wildlife talks and traditional country games such as barrel rolling, may pole dancing and a tug-of-war.

He said: “This has been a brilliant event and a fantastic showcase for rural products in front of thousands.”

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Entertainment took on a Celtic theme with musicians and Morris dancers putting on a show in the Manor grounds.

While the borough’s first bake-off, with prizes awarded for best cake and best Welsh recipe, enticed competitors with the sweet smell of success and kudos.

Baker Bill King said: “I really hope this become a regular fixture in the Torfaen calendar.”

Ahead of the event Cllr Ken James, cabinet member for regeneration and sustainability at Caerphilly council said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting this event, which will provide a real opportunity for local producers from both Caerphilly and Torfaen to showcase their produce. It promises to be a day of fun for all the family too, so I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved and help celebrate the quality and diversity of local produce that our county boroughs have to offer, while supporting local traders”.

The event also promoted sustainability, with visitors encouraged to walk or cycle wherever possible, and take advantage of the new cycle route alongside the Afon Llwyd which runs past the Manor.

For more on the manor see llanyrafonmanor.org