Perhaps a costumed medieval feast might take your fancy? Or afternoon tea in a prime ministerial library?

Or even a black-tie canapes-and-rafting trip along the River Dee, followed by Sunday lunch?

This autumn a 40-day programme of foodie experiences has been put together to celebrate the range of produce from north east Wales.

Some 30 events will showcase ways visitors and residents can savour the region’s culinary traditions.

Other activities include hedgerow foraging, masterclasses and production tours, such as visiting an egg farm.

All are designed to coincide with established food festivals in Llangollen, Mold and Wrexham.

The Taste North East Wales (TNEW) “fiesta” is backed by rural agency Cadwyn Clwyd.

It will run though September, October and into November.

 
Launching the programme at Llangollen’s Horseshoe Falls were, from left, Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar, Rafters from SAS Outdoors, Robyn Lovelock of the Taste Team, Donna Hughes of Cadwyn Clwyd, Janet Monshin Dallolio of the Taste Team, Joe Bickerton of Wrexham Council, and Emma Cornes and Jane Clough of the Taste Team
Launching the programme at Llangollen’s Horseshoe Falls were, from left, Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar, Rafters from SAS Outdoors, Robyn Lovelock of the Taste Team, Donna Hughes of Cadwyn Clwyd, Janet Monshin Dallolio of the Taste Team, Joe Bickerton of Wrexham Council, and Emma Cornes and Jane Clough of the Taste Team

TNEW co-ordinator Emma Cornes said the idea was to encourage people to “eat the best” of what the region has to offer – while getting them to explore new places and experience new activities.

“We are showcasing this whole area through the medium of its fabulous food,” she said.

“If you want to go rafting, work in a community garden or go foraging you can experience the unique flavours of the area through each opportunity.”

TNEW is being supported by Cadwyn Clwyd for its first two years. After that it is intended the programme will become an annual and self-sustaining event.

 
Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar, Llangollen, invites foodies to climb aboard
Pip Gale of Gales Wine Bar, Llangollen, invites foodies to climb aboard

Gales wine bar, Llangollen, is one of the businesses behind the Ravenous Rafting experience.

Guests will be served canapes – made from local ingredients – before they embark on a white water trip down the River Dee.

The culinary-adventure mash-up ends with Sunday lunch at Gales, again profiling local ingredients.

Owner Pip Gale said: “We live in an amazing place with amazing food. Everyone knows the lamb is fantastic but we have so many other food producers making lots of lovely products from craft beers and ciders to chocolate, honey and ice cream. They all deserve to be better known.”

 

The initiative is being funded with RDP cash from a pot of almost £8m administered by Corwen -based Cadwyn Clwyd.

Partners include the Clwydian Range & Dee Valley AONB and the Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham local authorities.