The Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival will return on the Easter bank holiday weekend (April 17-18) after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

From pickles to meats, vegan varieties, curries, cheeses, and chutneys, there will be lots to sample and buy from local artisan producers, as well as ciders, real ales, whiskeys, and wines.

The Arthur John car park on North Road will be the main festival site and other locations around Cowbridge will also be hosting events, including plenty of family-friendly activities such as artist workshops, falconry, and willow weaving will take place at the Old Hall Gardens.

Children can also make 'Beebombs' and bath fizzers, courtesy of the Vale's first zero-waste store, Awesome Wales.

Forage Farm will be setting up a festival park and ride site at Penllyn Estate with storytelling, an Easter egg trail, lambs on the lawn and face painting.

A free park and ride system will also be set up at Cowbridge Comprehensive School.

Polly Wilson, the organiser of this year's event, said: "It's been a tough time for everyone; our lovely exhibitors, who are all raring to get properly back on the festival scene, contributors, and all who enjoy the festival every year.

"We're so pleased to be back after this two-year gap, doing what we do best: showcasing the very best artisan producers and generally just getting the community back together.

"Last year's virtual festival was great, and we were delighted to be able to keep the spirit going but nothing beats bringing the festival back to life; the smells and tastes of all the delicious produce available and the vibrant atmosphere that takes over the whole town."

This year's National Vintage Tractor Road Run will also be passing through the Vale of Glamorgan on Easter Sunday, organised by the Glamorgan Vintage Tractor Club. More than 300 tractors from across the UK will take to the farms and lanes for spectators to enjoy.

On April 17-18, the festival will be open from 09:30 – 17:00.

A day pass will cost £5 and a weekend pass is £8.

Children under 11 can enter for free.

Tickets are available online in advance or on the day at the festival's Arthur John car park site.

You can also read more about the festival, including confirmed exhibitors, here.