A record number of people enjoyed RCT Council’s popular Big Welsh Bite food festival last weekend over two fun-filled days for all the family.

Around 20,000 people of all ages came along to the Council’s flagship food festival at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd – which is also the home of the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty.

Sponsored by Sub Zero Ice Cream, the annual event is so much more than just a food festival. As well as all the mouth-watering delights on sale, there were many more attractions to keep the thousands of visitors entertained.

Admission to the event was FREE on both days. Many of the stalls were also providing free samples of their produce.

Councillor Maureen Webber, Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Council Business, said:

“The wonderful weather certainly brought the people out at the weekend and we had more people than ever before enjoying Big Welsh Bite this year.

“Big Welsh Bite is an annual event that always proves to be popular with families and visitors of all ages, but this year’s edition has been exceptional. I’d like to give a huge thanks to everyone who came along to support it.

“With so many people coming to Pontypridd to enjoy Big Welsh Bite, it also provided a huge boost to the local economy over the two days as footfall in the town centre increased considerably over the weekend.

“It has been a fantastic showcase for Rhondda Cynon Taf. Not only does it celebrate the many excellent local companies and produce in RCT, but it has also been a fantastic tourist opportunity for us.

“Visitors came from far and wide came to enjoy the atmosphere. Our County Borough offers something for everyone, from wonderful landscapes and scenery to culture, industrial heritage and so much more.”

Attractions at Big Welsh Bite included Black Mountain Falconry, an exciting Birds of Prey display; The Runner Pack, a fun-filled show featuring a brace of ducks being put through their paces by their friendly sheep dog pals; Game Show Mania, with host Chunkie Russell; and The Black Rock Llamas, starring Corky, Caspa and friends.

These arena shows were staged over the two days. Other attractions included go-karts, farm animals, a funfair for all ages and even walking, talking fruit and veg characters!

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The talented RSD Dance Group, based in Rhondda Cynon Taf, also performed at the event, much to the delight of the crowds.

But as well as the host of attractions for all ages, there was no getting away from all the food on offer – mouth-watering cakes, curries, pastries, pulled pork, confectionary, pasties, rolls and so much more.

All produce available at Big Welsh Bite 2018 was grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed by the stallholders themselves, resulting in a scrumptious range of local produce.

Along with the two-day event at the weekend,, the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, also situated in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, welcomed a further 2,000 visitors alone at the weekend. 2018 has been a record-breaking year for Lido Ponty, with over 68,000 visitors this year alone.

For details on all future events across the County Borough, follow RCT Events on Twitter @whatsonrct and share and like What’s On Rhondda Cynon Taf on Facebook. Also visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson