ABERGAVENNY Food Festival will bring the best names from around the culinary world to the market town of Abergavenny on September 17 and 18, but each year the 2014 Monmouthshire Business Award Corporate Social Responsibility winner, does more than put on a weekend of food and drink…

1. It supports volunteers

Every year Abergavenny Food Festival decorates the town’s Market Hall with art installations.

Working with Arts Alive Wales, it commissions and pay for these decorations which are brought to life by more than 50 crafty volunteers.

It has also supported 20 Coleg Gwent Level 2 catering students to gain work experience.

2. It helps employ young people

The festival is put on by a part-time team of seven and a small board, but over the festival weekend it employs over 120 local young people through Job Centre Wales and Melin Homes to steward, wash up, chop and slice food, recycle and clean.

For many it is their first paid work and has led to further employment.

3. It boosts tourism

Over the festival weekend in September the Festival brings in more than 30,000 visitors to the town of Abergavenny plus an estimated £4 million contribution to the local economy each year.

4. It raises money

Since 2013, the festival has helped local sports clubs and community groups fundraise over £22,000 by donating two thirds of the proceeds of all car parking fees.

This money has been invested in sports kit and equipment, plants and landscaping for the community.

5. It supports locals

As 30,000 people descend on the market town, the festival supports local retailers in the market town to run promotions and a programme of Fringe events linked to food.

The weekend is also made up of entertainment from local musicians such as Gwent Youth Orchestra, The Borough Band, The Abergavenny Rock Choir and Nidus Children’s Choir.

The September 16-18 festival includes demonstrations, a night market, food forage tours and a gin palace.

Argus readers can use the code AFFARGUS2016 for a 10 per cent discount when buying tickets.

Visit abergavennyfoodfestival.com