THOUSANDS attended the third Monmouthshire Food Festival in Caldicot over the weekend.

The festival, run to promote the county’s produce, was held for the third time in a year at Caldicot Castle and attracted foodies from across Gwent and further afield.

Cookery demonstrations were held by top chefs including the head chef at the Llansantffraed Court Hotel, Michael Hendry, the head chef at the New Inn in Chepstow, Aidan Fisher, and Ross Cooper, the senior sous chef at the St Pierre Marriott Hotel.

There were 30 stalls booked in to sell their goods to the public after festivals were held in October 2014 and May.

Speaking yesterday (Mon) organiser Charlotte Greig said: “It has been good. Everyone seems to think it’s been good. Some people did better yesterday, some people have done better today."

Monmouthshire Youth Service volunteers helped with the running of the children’s quarter.

“It has gone down a storm: we’ve run out of fruit to make smoothies on both days,” Ms Greig said.

She said dates for next year’s events need rubber stamping by Caldicot Castle chiefs but that they are likely to be held in June and October 2016.

Master butcher Adrian Walker and Chepstow forager Henry Ashby also visited the festival.

And Newport East AM Jessica Morden helped Cwmbran artisan baker Bill King in a bread-making demonstration on Saturday afternoon. Ms Morden wrote on Twitter that she had enjoyed a “great afternoon” visiting and taking part in the festival.

Chefs from the Royal Navy were also at the castle over both days showcasing what they cook onboard ships and submarines.

For more information about forthcoming festivals visit monmouthshirefoodfestival.co.uk.