Countryside festival is a really wild success

Crowds in their thousands have gone crazy for Pembrokeshire’s annual celebration of the great outdoors.

Curly boys: Will Incledon and his golden doodle, Alfie, were the perfect pair to win ‘dog most like owner’

Now in its eighth year, The Really Wild Food and Countryside Festival has become renowned for its friendly atmosphere, food and drink, wacky entertainment and hands-on madness for every member of the family.

More than 80 exhibitors and producers showcased what Pembrokeshire and Wales does best – whether serving up delicious tastes or offering a chance to try traditional rural crafts.

Amongst the highlights of the two-day festival was the water-themed Eaulimpix, with an enthusiastic team from the National Trust claiming the coveted Geauld (correct) medal, while more than 100 competitors and their furry friends took part in the first Really Wuff dog show.

And amongst some crazy outdoor contests was the Welly Wanging event, where Rhufan Cockwell (correct) powered his boot over 33 metres to glory.

Helping hands: Two Really Wild volunteers take a break from kitchen duties

Celebrity chefs, including foraging expert Fraser Christian, cooked up a storm with locally-sourced ingredients, with Anthony Evans serving up heart, tonsils, nettles and seawood to two blindfolded teams in the Really Welsh Bushtucker Trial. Two talented local chefs from Cwtch, Andy Holcroft and Nick Mascall both demonstrated mouthwatering dishes from this Award winning restaurant.

Also dishing up the goods in the Kitchen Tent was local food champion Deri Reed – ’The Ethical Chef’ – of Cardiff.

“It was a simply brilliant festival,” he said. “I was impressed with the variety of foods for sale and the great atmosphere.”

The winner of the best Really Wildly decorated stall was Scott Davis (correct) of Carmarthenshire gourmet food company Cnwd, with Coedcanlas Honey of Lawrenny second and Fredericks Chocolaterie of Narberth third.

The evening music festival, organised by Mike Chant, went with a real swing, with an audience of over 400 people enjoying local artistes Honey Fungus, Lowri Evans and the Lovely Somethings.

Said Really Wild Festival founder Julian Horton-Powdrill: “We had truly beautiful weather – the first time we have not had rain! Our new mini events were a huge success, and some new producers and exhibitors who entered into the ‘wild’ spirit of the two days.

“We are already planning next years’ Really Wild Festival, and should have some more unusual things going on.”