ONE of the most popular annual events in south Wales’ calendar is off to a roaring start.

This year’s 19th annual Big Cheese Festival in the grounds of the 13th century castle kicked off on Friday, July 29, with the ever-popular cheese race followed by a spectacular fireworks display in the evening.

And visitors flocked to the site on a sunny Saturday morning for the first full day of the two-day event, with hundreds of people already there before it had even officially opened its doors.

Among the attractions were re-enactments, demonstrations, a funfair and music as well as scores of stalls with some unique crafts and tasty treats. The castle was also open for free throughout the weekend.

Speaking on Saturday event organiser Stacey Francis said the event had already got off to a great start.

“We’ve got lots going on this year,” she said.

“We’ve got 60 food producers and about 100 craft and trade stalls.

“It’s ideal weather and tomorrow is going to be nice as well, apparently.”

Among the stallholders were Ant Evans and Keith Whaley of Bridgend-based firm The Happy Little Soap Shack, who only set up their business in November last year.

Mr Evans said he was pleased with the amount of people who had stopped by their stall.

“We’ve had lots of people interested,” he said.

“This is the first big event we’ve been to.”

Jon Mier of Riverford Organic Farmers, based near Cwmbran, was also on hand showing off his freshly-grown vegetable boxes.

“We’ve been doing this for 10 years now,” he said.

“This sort of thing is getting more popular. It’s been a good year so far.”

Ten-year-old Owen Davies of Pontypridd said he was looking forward to going on the fairground rides.

“Mum and dad took me to the castle before but there weren’t rides here last time,” he said.

“I like the castle but I want to go on the rides.”

Dad Nathan said he and his family had been coming to the event for years.

“There’s always so much here, it’ll keep Owen occupied for hours,” he said.

“It’s fantastic that it’s free, too.”