THE Vale Food Trail is set to return this summer after a successful debut event last year which saw more than 500 visitors enjoy the event.

The event will return on Sunday, May 26, for two weeks across multiple local locations and offers an exploration and celebration of food, farming, and sustainability in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Festival organisers are now inviting applications from businesses, producers and organisations who might like to host an event as part of the festival.

Louise Denham, Sustainable Food Places coordinator at Food Vale, and one of the festival coordinators said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Vale Food Trail back this year – and looking forward to seeing what kind of events our local businesses and producers are keen to run this time around.

“Whether it be bread making, fermentation, or pickling workshops; tastings and tours of local vineyards/orchards or beekeeping and animal husbandry demos – or anything else related to sustainable food – we want to hear about it!”

Penarth Times: Ali Leach from Ali's Edibles taught participants all about the principles of 'no dig' growing last year. Picture: SuppliedAli Leach from Ali's Edibles taught participants all about the principles of 'no dig' growing last year. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)Participation in the event is completely free, and those who take part will benefit from increased visibility through the festival marketing, and a chance to reach new customers from within the Vale.

Last year, more than 30 local businesses offered a varied programme of events designed to bring people closer to food producers and businesses in the local area.

More than 500 visitors and locals travelled around the regions, independently visiting producers, restaurants, and other businesses for events which included farm tours, cookery workshops, tasting events, special exhibitions, live demos and more.

Local food businesses in Barry such as Awesome Wales, Monty and Vitos Diner, and Food For Thought Delicatessen offered a foodies tasting trail.

In Llantwit Major, Ali's Edibles hosted a market garden tour to demystify the process of sustainable 'no-dig' growing.

Penarth Times: Last year, food trail visitors could visit Wales' oldest vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch among the vines. Picture: SuppliedLast year, food trail visitors could visit Wales' oldest vineyard for a wine tasting and lunch among the vines. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)Urban Vertical CIC in Penarth organized a microgreens exhibition that explored the connections between food, art, and design.

Finally, in Cowbridge, Llanblethian Orchards offered an orchard tour that explained how their zero-spray method benefits local biodiversity.

The 2024 Vale Food Trail is an event that will take place in the Vale of Glamorgan, organised by Food Vale, the Vale of Glamorgan's Sustainable Food Partnership, Visit the Vale, Vale of Glamorgan Council, and Menter a Busnes' business support program Cywain.

The event will showcase various activities such as a sunset farm safari where families can witness the abundance of wildlife in an organic farming system at Slade Farm.

Visitors can also try some of the delicious milkshakes made at Penuchadre Organic Dairy Farm after witnessing a milking demonstration.

Furthermore, Peterston Tea is offering a tea plantation tour where visitors can learn about the world of Welsh brew at their award-winning plantation. The event is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.