Abergavenny Food Festival will be held in September but tickets for the popular event will be on sale from June 1.

Organisers say just like everyone else, they will be presenting a slightly different event this year on September 18 and 19.

‘‘We still want to keep AFF21 fresh and relevant, to deliver amazing experiences for both our producers and visitors, to bring people together in different ways.

‘‘We’re keeping it simple by limiting attendance to ensure the weekend is safe and enjoyable for everyone.

‘‘This means all stroller ticket/wristbands and event tickets will be pre-sold and the box office goes live on June 1.

Wristbands cost £10 (free entry for children 16 and under) for one day (buy two tickets for both days) and you can bag yours online from June 1 or in person at EH Accountancy, 1 Horsingtons Yard, Abergavenny, NP7 5PN between the hours of 9:30am to 2pm, Monday to Friday.

Say organisers: ‘‘These tickets will be non-refundable, and here’s why. The huge food community that makes up the Festival really does need your support after such a tough time.

‘‘And we’re working really hard to add more value, broadening the scope of the event to cover all eventualities.’’

As organiers temporarily streamline the festival programme, there will be more special guest performers to engage with via a Stroller Wristband.

‘‘Other names to be announced, but we are delighted to confirm Matt Tebbutt and Olly Smith (Saturday Kitchen), Chetna Makhan (Food with Chetna), Chris Harrod (Michelin-starred The Whitebrook), Jane Baxter (Wild Artichokes Kitchen), Vanessa Kimbell (Sourdough School) and Poppy O’Toole (Poppy Cooks), plus Hang Fire girls, Sam and Shauna. Stay in touch to find out what they’ll be doing in September. If we have to pivot to running these events online, then your stroller ticket will give direct access.’’

Included in the festival is the atmospheric Party at The Castle as usual on the Saturday (18th).

This event promises live bands, and great eats.

Tickets are £20 but will be of limited availabilityand no walk ups will be allowed on the day.

The advise is to ‘Get in quick’ as this is always a sell-out.

There will also be a series of Drinks Theatre events, kicking off with ‘Cocktails’ on Friday (17th). Tickets: £8 - £12.

Refunds for these events only will be given should organisers have to cancel

A Grand Foodie Raffle will take place bi-monthly and bought stroller ticket numbers go in the pot.

Strike lucky, win once - maybe twice. The prizes are yummy - signed food books, hampers heaving with goodies, restaurant meals, getaway breaks, and courses too.

More details to be shared nearer the event.

There is also a free AFF Magazine stuffed with recipes, topical features, survival and innovation stories and anecdotes aplenty.

It will be going on door-mats mid-August, along with tickets and you pay postage.

On Monday a four metre high otter, part of the ‘Usk Valley wildlife’ installation was unveiled in Abergavenny’s Victorian Market Hall created by the super-talented Bettina Reeves and her team.

The market hall plays a pivotal role in the festival.

To keep up to date and for more information check out the festival website www.abergavennyfoodfestival.com