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The Little Cheese festival drew nearly 18,000 visitors to Caerphilly town centre over the weekend.

Dubbed the Little Cheese, in contrast to previous years’ Big Cheese, the smaller event was first held last year and attracted 10,000 visitors – with attendance figures nearly doubling for this year.

The event, organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council, took place on Saturday September 2 and Sunday September 3.

On Saturday, the event drew 11,503 visitors to the town centre – marking its busiest day of the year – while 6,234 people visited on the Sunday.

In contrast, the previous two weekends drew 4,707 and 4,818 visitors to the town respectively.

The Little Cheese brought with it a large number of stalls selling a variety of foods, drinks, crafts and more, as well as live music throughout Cardiff Road and Castle Court Shopping Centre.

There was also a central stage at the Twyn car park, with the event hosting local and headline musicians.

Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard said: “People came out in their thousands for the Little Cheese Festival, and it was awesome to see the streets alive.

“Traders have posed their best event of the year, sales wise, so holding the event more in the town centres definitely helps.”

Cllr Pritchard, who is also the council cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and climate change, added: “Feedback from residents has been in support of fun attractions that have been added this year. A family-friendly atmosphere and brilliant music.”