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Caerphilly Cheese Festival attracted more than 13,000 visitors to the town centre last weekend.

The two-day event, held on Saturday August 31 and Sunday September 1, brought with it a host of food and craft stalls, entertainment, and more.

It was held in place of the Big Cheese, which has not been held since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and more recently, ongoing works at Caerphilly Castle. In recent years it had been replaced by the Little Cheese Festival, held at the Twyn car park.

However, this year’s event was held on the grassed area behind the castle, while a food court and drinking area is set up at the Twyn car park.

More than 50 food traders were based at the event’s food halls, with six cheese traders attending over the course of the weekend. There was also a full music programme, along with a bigger fair, crafts, animals, and more

In total, 13,311 visitors were recorded in Caerphilly town centre during the event, an increase from 8,876 the previous weekend.

Footfall at the Twyn car park bar area was 11,442 on the Saturday alone, while the Crescent Road bar area drew 3,366 visitors over the two days.

The event received praise from a number of Caerphilly-based businesses.

Crafty Legs Events, which runs monthly market stalls in the town, said: “Caerphilly Cheese Festival has always been our favourite. A festival we’ve grown up with and have fond memories of since we were kids.

“Now our own children get to enjoy it and our dream of having one craft stall at the festival all those years ago has now over delivered.

“It was a super mad week and weekend, but the best and we are so grateful to everyone involved, everyone who supported us, our stall holders and the public.”

The owners of the Tipsy Trailer described the festival as “remarkable” and said: “Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the Little Cheese for graciously hosting us and orchestrating such a phenomenal event. We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed, danced alongside us, and contributed to our event’s remarkable success, selling out on five separate occasions.

“Your unwavering support is deeply cherished, and we eagerly anticipate reuniting with you next year. Please remember to save the date for 2025, everyone.”

Tracey Undery, of The Deli on St Fagan’s Street, praised the council’s events team and added: “It’s been the best event we’ve ever had, and the atmosphere was fabulous. We’ve never had such a great weekend.”

Cath Livermore, of Upmarket Family Butchers, described the weekend as “a good opportunity for people to discover us at Ffos Caerffili”, while Beth Shinton, from Consurio Lounge, said they were “so busy” during the event.

Councillor Jamie Pritchard, who is the council’s cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and climate change, hailed it a “fantastic weekend”.

Cllr Pritchard added: “Thank you to everyone who came to support the event. A lot of positive feedback has been received, which is very pleasing.”