On 22nd August 2015, Anglesey will play host to the annual Menai Seafood Festival – one of the biggest and best culinary celebrations in all of Britain.

Set up to promote Anglesey’s local fishing industry, this festival has quickly become a Welsh favourite and succeeds in attracting thousands of visitors every single year.

So if you’re planning on visiting our wonderful island this August, or staying at one of our luxury lodges at Silver Bay, here is all the information you need to know.

 

1. Free entry

If you are travelling with your family to the Menai Food Festival, then you’ll be pleased to hear this wonderful festival offers free entry to all visitors. Doors open at 10am and the event has teamed up with several Park & Ride schemes to make getting there as straightforward as possible. It’s also entirely free of charge.

On Friday 21st August, however, something extra special is happening in conjunction with festival. Ensemble Cymru will be taking to the stage to play three works from Mozart, featuring the clarinet, oboe, and flute.

The concert begins at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at £10 per person. Guests can also look forward to exclusive catering from Chateau Rhianfa and Ye Old Bull’s Head (Beaumaris).

 

2. 100+ food stalls

Anyone with a passion for seafood will fall head over heels for Menai’s famous food festival.

From fresh oysters, to traditional fish and chips, there will be over 100 food stalls to tempt the senses. What’s better, visitors will have the chance to meet the local fisherman and farmers who supply Anglesey with all their wonderful local produce.

Love sweet treats?

Then you’re also in for a surprise. Benjamin Lee, our local chocolatier and patisserie, will be at hand with a beautiful selection of delicacies to put a smile on anyone’s face. You can also look forward to mouth-watering desserts from Antoniazzi’s Ice Cream and Mon Ar Lwy.

But if you think the Menai Festival is only a haven for foodies, then think again. There will be plenty of activities on offer to keep all the family happy, including:

• Anglesey Sea Zoo

• Children’s Play Area

• Beside The Sea exhibition

• Window Display Competition

• Rib Rides

You can see why it’s so popular.

 

3. Celebrity chefs and live demonstrations

One of the best reasons to visit the Menai Seafood Festival, however, is its great selection of demonstrations.

Hosted by esteemed chefs like Andrew Sheridan (Chateau Rhianfa), Michael Evans (Welsh Culinary Team), and Ellis Barrie (The Marram Grass), this will be the perfect opportunity to brush up on your culinary skills. You can even purchase all the products directly from the festival to practice at home.

 

4. Rib Rides

Anglesey is famous for its love of Rib Riding – as you can see from one of our recent blogs.

So it would only make sense to offer some rib riding opportunities this year at Menai Strait. Whether you’re new to this adrenaline-pumping sport, or a seasoned expert, this is a must-experience activity. Especially if you love high speeds.

In addition to Rib Riding, the festival will also be hosting a RibRide Duck Race to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. You can show your support by donating £2 at the Rib Ride exhibition stand.

5. Marine Week

Marine Week is one of the most special dates in the Anglesey calendar. Hosted by organisations like Menai Heritage, Marine Conservation Society, and North Wales Wildlife Trust, this is one of the best ways to learn more about Anglesey’s unique seafaring past.

This year, visitors to our beloved island can take part in a multitude of wonderful activities – such as crabbing,  creature tanks, and a Sunset Rocky Shore Ramble. There will also be plenty of day trips leading up to the Menai Seafood Festival, all of which can be found on the event’s website.

 

Silver Bay and Menai Food Festival 2015

The Menai Seafood Festival is undoubtedly one of our favourite events throughout the year. Attracting visitors from far and wide, it’s the perfect chance to sample Wales’ best cuisine and dabble our hand at some outdoor activities.

We might even bring back some treats to Silver Bay.

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