AS the biggest food festival in Wales comes to Abergavenny this weekend we have all you need to know to plan your visit to make your weekend run smoothly and stress free, from how to get there and where to stay to bag drops and whether you can take your puppy…

When is Abergavenny Food Festival?

Abergavenny Food Festival takes places this weekend, Saturday September 17 and 18. There will be two events today but markets don’t open until the Saturday.

Can I still get a ticket?

Postal tickets have now closed but you can still purchase tickets online for collection or buy them on the door.

How much are tickets?

Saturday wristbands: £9 advance, £12 on the day

Sunday wristbands: £7 advance, £10 on the day

Weekend wristbands: £14 advance, £18 on the day

Children under 16 go free with a paying adult.

Tickets to special chef events are sold separately and start from £8.

What does my wristband include?

Wristband tickets give you access to lots of activities around the Festival including chef demos, castle entertainment, markets and the children’s food academy.

But don’t forget that for masterclasses, tutored tastings, the artisan kitchen school, tours and forages and the parties at the castle you have to purchase your tickets separately.

What time can I arrive?

Once you have collected your wristband, you are free to wander the festival as you please. The festival is open on the following days and times:

Saturday September 17

The streets and markets: 9.30am - 6pm

Night Market: 6pm - 10pm

The Castle: 9.30am - 5pm then 7.30pm till 11:30pm for the parties

Sunday September 18

The streets and market: 9.30am – 5pm

The Castle: 9.30am – 5pm

How do I get there?

The festival is accessible by car, coach and train. And if you are coming from further afield look no further than festival sponsors, Cardiff airport.

Just remember, if you are travelling from across the border please make allowances for the Severn Tunnel closure.

Is there parking?

Parking in town is limited and fills up very early and very fast.

There is car parking aplenty in one of the festival car parks, including Llanellen park and ride (located 10mins south of Abergavenny on the A4042 - Saturday only), Bailey Park park and walk (located north of town on the A40), Brecon Road and Castle Meadows.

It is strongly recommended to use a carpark that is closest to your route to avoid frustrating search for a space and possible delays through town.

Parking costs £4 per car (£2 goes towards next year’s festival and £2 to local community charities)

Where can I stay?

There are lots of lovely places to stay in and around Abergavenny.

Can I bring my dog?

The festival team love dogs and other pets, but sadly with the exception of assistance dogs aren’t allowed any in the internal or external market venues.

As they may spend much of the day in your car, it is advised to leave your dog at home. If you do wish to bring your dog, please park the car in a shady place and ensure the dog has water etc.

Where can I leave my bags?

This year there will be a bag drop located in Blas O Britain (King Street, opposite Argos). It is 50p a bag and operates from 11am to 6.30pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday.

Baby feeding

This year the festival has created a quiet baby feeding tent at the castle on the lower meadows. A quiet, comfortable space for you to feed your baby at the Festival, away from the hustle and bustle.

For all you need to know about the Abergavenny Food Festival, visit abergavennyfoodfestival.com