September Business of the Month - Abergavenny Food Festival

Abergavenny's Food Festival is set to take place on Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st September this year with lots of wonderful activities across the town.  The Festival has been awarded 'Best Event in Wales' by the National Tourism Awards for Wales in 2013 so it won't disappoint. 

For those of you who are new to the Festival, here's how it works. The five market venues in the centre of town are all accessed on a Stroller Ticket (wristband) with free entry to children under 16 if accompanied by an adult. Within these venues (outdoor and indoor) are over 200 carefully selected top-notch exhibitors, showcasing the best of Wales, The Marches and further afield. There's something for everyone to enjoy!

There's also a rolling programme of chef demonstrations in the Market Hall, a children's Food Academy at the Castle (sponsored by Organic Centre Wales), and plenty of other entertainment too. Ir's something not to be missed! For more information visit here 

August Business of the Month - Pizzorante

 

Pizzorante is a traditional Italian restaurant. A family run restaurant, the atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming and family friendly, just like the food! Perfect for any time of day and any occasion.

Pizzorante have two new Chefs Max and Lorella fresh from Italy and they both come from le Marche (central Italy on the Adriatic coast).Max and Lorella have brought new dishes that they are presenting on the special’s boards every month, the dishes are part of the rustic regional tradition like the Venetian calf’s liver and onion or the Italian style fish stew.
Pizzorante make fresh pasta and use as much as possible fresh local produce for meat, fish and vegetables and the dishes are cooked to order.

Igino and the Pizzorante Team said they "want to take the opportunity to say a big thank you to our customers for the support they gave us from the day we opened"


Visit here for more information 

If you would like to visit this beautiful eatery please call the Pizzorante team on 01873 85 77 77

Abergavenny’s wall2wall Jazz Festival returns!

Abergavenny’s wall2wall festival is back! With a stunning line up, this year’s event is bigger than ever with two packed days of music over the weekend of 30^th and 31^st August.

On the back of the success of wall2wall’s inaugural year, and the chance to play against the stunning backdrop of the Black Mountains, the festival has managed to secure some of the biggest names in the UK jazz.

These include the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Famed for unique tours which take them across the globe, they promise to give their trademark spectacular performance and with their alumni including Guy Barker, Mark Nightingale and Amy Winehouse they are definitely ones to see to spot the stars of the future!

Also confirmed is chart-topping Jacqui Dankworth, who will be on tour with her latest album Live to Love. She will be performing in the Borough Theatre and offers a wide ranging performance for all to enjoy.

In addition there will be over 26 acts including the likes of 606 Gospel Singers, Arun Ghosh, John Etheridge’s Sweet Chorus, the Basin Street Brawlers, The Three Belles, Tony O'Malley, Brass Jaw and Digby Fairweather to name just a few.

To accommodate all these acts there are four different venues, allowing guests to experience not only a variety of music but a flavour of the town itself.  Abergavenny’s famous Borough Theatre, with its amazing acoustics, will be our festival box office and also host to four major concerts.

Our stroller programmes are accommodated at three unique venues which ticket holders will gain exclusive access to. The first is the town’s ancient castle which will provide a magical backdrop - with the festival stage set within the ruins of the Great Hall and set against the famous Blorenge Mountain.

The Kings Arms, Abergavenny’s oldest pub, which also handily has a grand reputation for fine food and ales, will be the second venue.

Then last, but in no ways least, will be our third stage located in the courtyard of the medieval priory where participants can sample not only world class jazz, but the best of the area’s local produce at the adjacent Tithe Barn Café.

Abergavenny will be in full festival fever over the weekend with free street entertainment in the centre and a unique ‘treat’ stroller will be offered – allowing ticket holders to graze the many cafes and restaurants with discounted offers.

With world class jazz, fine food, stunning views and a range of accommodation, this is one festival not to miss.

For more information and to take advantage of the early bird ticket sales head now to http://www.blackmountainjazz.co.uk/ or contact Ruth at ruthecoulthard@gmail.com / telephone 07528225751.

School's out- What's on for the children this Summer

With school finishing and the kids looking forward to the summer, it's down to the parents to find some activities to keep them busy. Well, look no further, we've got it all lined up ready for you to join in in Abergavenny!

Abergavenny Museum and Castle is holding some wonderful events over the next few weeks which can be seen below, set within the beautiful castle grounds it will definitely put a smile on their faces this summer!

Wednesday 23rd July 10am-12pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm

Drop in family craft activity - sketchbooks and scrapbooks
Create wonderful sketchbooks and scrapbooks to record your holiday memories
£2.00 per child

Sunday 27th July 10.00am-4.00pm
Festival of Archaeology
Staying warm and well fed in 1087. Join us for Medieval cookery and spinning and weaving demonstrations, family craft activities, costumer, medieval objects and more.
£2.00 per child. Drop in event.

Tuesday 29th July 2.00pm- 4.00pm
Teddy Bears Picnic
Join us for an afternoon of stories, songs, craft activities and a bear hunt. Bring your teddy and a picnic and have lots of fun in the castle grounds.
£2.00 per child. Booked event

Wednesday 30th July - 10.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm
Drop in Family craft activity - teriffic toys
Explore toys and games through the ages and make some of your own to take home.
£2.00 per child

Wednesday 6th August - 10.00am - 12.00pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Drop in family craft activity - Treasure boxes

Museums are home to lots of treasures. Discover what's in Abergavenny Museum and make a  beautiful box to keep your own treasures in.

£2.00 per child

Friday 8th August 10.00am-4.00pm

Medieval Mayhem

A spectacular day of medieval fun for all the family. Have a go at mechanical jousting and archery, meet a 'medieval' archer, cook and armourer, have a go at heraldry and more.

£3.00 per child. £5.00 per adult and £15.00 for a family ticket

Friday 8th August, 3.00pm

Illyria Theatre Company presents Robin Hood

Illyria's production comes straight from the 14th century Robin Hood Ballards - which makes it as authentic as Robin Hood legends come. Written in fast moving, easy to follow verse, and introducing all the well-loved characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and King Richard, the play is a collection of tales featuring camaraderie, swashbuckling action, and riotous comedy.

suitable for all ages 5+

Tickets £7.50 or £28.00 for a family of four, contact boxoffice@boroughtheatre.co.uk

Wednesday 13th August - 10.00-12.00pm and 2.00pm-4.00pm

Drop in family craft activity - lovely landscapes

Have fun creating landscapes with different materials, inspired by our Sites of Inspiration exhibition

£2.00 per child

Wednesday 20th August - 10.00-12.00 and 2.00 - 4.00pm

Wonderful wildlife

Explore paintings in our new exhibition and make puppets and mobiles based on the animals in the images

£2.00 per child

Wednesday 27th August - 10.00 -12.00 and 2.00 - 4.00

Here be dragons

Design and make your very own dragon then take your new pet for a 'fly' in the castle grounds.

£2.00 per child

To book a place on any of these fun filled events or for more information contact Karin Molson, Heritage Learning, Monmouth Museums Service on 01600 710630 or email karinmolson@monmouthshire.gov.uk or Rachael Rogers on 01873 854282 or email RachaelRogers@monmouthshire.gov.uk

 

Abergavenny in Four Hours

There are lots of things to do in Abergavenny however if you ever only have a few hours to spare Abergavenny can offer you a fun filled few hours! With lots of shops, history and views there is something for everyone.

In four hours the top things to do are:

• Discover the wonderful distinctively independent shops Abergavenny has. See the range of shops here 
• Have afternoon tea at the Angel Hotel, for more information visit here
• View the beautiful scenery, to get an idea of the views around Abergavenny visit here
• Visit the Abergavenny markets that take place in Abergavenny Market Hall, for more information visit here http://www.abergavennymarket.co.uk/

Make Father's Day Special This Year!

There are lots to see and do in Abergavenny and plenty of Father's Day Inspiration

If you want to make Father's Day special this year there are 6 things you must see or do for Father's Day in the beautiful town of Abergavenny....

1 Visit the distinctively independent shops

Abergavenny is a beautiful place to visit if you are looking for a family day trip, relaxing day out or for a great shopping experience. Unlike your usual shopping locations Abergavenny is full of independent local businesses that offer quality unique items that can't be found anywhere else. Visit the following link to browse the shops available in Abergavenny, http://www.loveabergavenny.com/index.php?page=shop
.

2 Take in the history of Abergavenny's Castle & Museum

Abergavenny Museum is set in the grounds of a 'ruined' Norman Castle, where you can enjoy a picnic during the summer and a brisk walk on colder days. The museum building was formerly a hunting lodge built by the Marquess of Abergavenny.

The displays tell the story of this historic market town from prehistory through to the present day. The displays are on several levels, with some help most areas are accessible to wheelchair users. Visit the following link for more information about the museum and castle, http://www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk/

3 Experience the Abergavenny markets

Situated in the middle of the town known as the Gateway to Wales, Abergavenny
Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales.
Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy a traditional indoor & outdoor market, with
over 200 stands selling a huge range of goods.

Less well known, but equally worth a visit are the Friday and Saturday Markets.

The Friday Market is an indoor only event but still offers over 60 stalls with
something to interest everyone.

The Saturday Market was established over 13 years ago and is now both indoors as
well as outdoors with approximately 100 stalls.

Other events held in the Market Hall include Farmers Markets, Craft Fairs, Antique

Fairs, Flea Markets, Arts & Crafts Fairs and the annual Abergavenny Food Festival.

The Market is open from 6am to 5pm on Market days. Please see following link for more information, http://www.abergavennymarket.co.uk/

4 Visit Abergavenny Food Festival

Why not make a promise Dad this year to take him to the best Food Festival around!! Some of the most daring adventurers of the food world join us each year on  the Welsh Borders: producers, performers, artisans, cooks, writers and entertainers. There are two hundred exhibitors across five venues and around fifty special individually ticketed events to choose from. It is the perfect place to visit for all ages and will not disappoint, the next festival date is 20th and 21st September. For more information visit the following link, http://www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com/

5 Explore the Sugarloaf Mountain and beautiful walking routes

Abergavenny has been attracting hikers from around the world for years. With stunning views over the Brecon Beacons Park and the town, it is a backpackers haven.

Our peaks and trails include Sugar Loaf, the Blorenge, and the Skirrid.

The walk paths around Abergavenny have beautiful views and are perfect for a day out all year around.

 http://www.walkingbritain.co.uk

6 Experience The Hardwick

Michelin Star Chef Stephen Terry is the proud owner of the Hardwick. At The Hardwick the choice is almost ridiculous for the size of the restaurant. This doesn’t make for an easy life but it works and customers enjoy visiting for old favourites and new dishes alike.

The Hardwick is perfect for a special occasion or to treat yourself. It is highly recommended and makes a special experience. They also have luxury hotel rooms for you to stay in.

These are just a few of the wonderful attractions in Abergavenny that are sure to wow your Dad this Father's Day for more information on Abergavenny visit the link here:

www.loveabergavenny.com

May Business of the Month- Victoria Valentine

We are delighted to announce the wonderful award-winning Victoria Valentine is our May business of the month. With bespoke wedding dresses to beautiful accessories, the boutique has everything you need for your big day! The boutique is something not to be missed! 

The gorgeous gowns are carefully selected from British bridal wear designers Charlotte Balbier and Mia Mia by Alan Hannah; Victoria also offers the exclusive Victoria Valentine Collection, a range of exquisite gowns designed by Victoria and handmade here in Monmouthshire.
The boutique also offers a Bespoke Bridal Service, where the bride can work with Victoria to create her unique dream dress!

To book your appointment email victoria@victoriavalentinebridal.com or call 01873 852866

www.victoriavalentinebridal.com

www.loveabergavenny.com