Food Festival growth sparks call for more volunteers

The continued growth of Newtown Food Festival could see a more formal volunteer operation introduced next year, with organisers warning the existing core committee should not be expected to take on the extra workload.

A report going before Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council’s Economy and Environment Committee on Monday says the 2026 festival was a major success, but its growth and expansion onto High Street has increased demands on volunteers and resources.

More than 100 exhibitors, performers and workshop providers were involved in this year’s event, while businesses reported increased footfall after activities were extended further into the town centre.

The report states: “The key priority for 2027 should be to strengthen the volunteer and resource structure around the festival rather than relying on the existing core committee to absorb further growth.”

The festival’s core committee consists of just 10 people, with its contribution throughout the year estimated to be equivalent to at least a two-day-a-week job.

More than 150 volunteer steward hours were also provided during the festival weekend, on top of more than 150 hours contributed by committee members.

The festival report says: “The Newtown Food Festival committee (a core team of 10 people) put in 100s of volunteer hours over the course of the year, working with Newtown Town Council, to make this event such a success.”

For 2027, proposals include establishing a formal Festival Volunteer Coordinator, increasing the number of stewards and introducing defined roles and shifts.

Suggested numbers include 20 to 25 general stewards, six to eight High Street and pedestrian stewards, four to six people providing information and welcoming visitors, six to eight dealing with waste and litter and eight to 10 helping with setting up and dismantling the event.

Organisers say volunteers could work shorter two to four-hour shifts rather than having to commit to the entire weekend.

The proposals follow another expansion of the festival this year, including the use of High Street.

The report says: “We had positive feedback from High Street businesses & Bear Lanes, who welcomed the expansion of the festival into the town centre, and many businesses noticed an increase footfall on the Saturday.”

It adds: “In the feedback, 80% of visitors said they would like to see High St closed again and incorporated into the festival in the future.”

More than 80 exhibitors attended, including 34 food and drink producers, 19 street food and bar stalls, 10 craft traders and 17 charities. Some 44 per cent were based in Montgomeryshire.

Organisers said demand exceeded the space available.

The report states: “We had to turn away dozens of traders, due to the festival being fully booked, showing the growing demand of the festival.”

There were also 20 live bands and choirs, seven chef demonstrations in the festival kitchen and another demonstration on High Street.

Twelve free craft workshops and activities were provided, with more than 200 people booking places.

Feedback from traders was largely positive, with one saying: “As regular traders, this was our best year yet!”

Another said: “Very well organised event. Great that it's free for visitors and the carparks are free.”

Visitors also praised the event, with one describing it as “The BEST weekend in Newtown”, while another said: “This was the best Newtown Food Festival I’ve attended. A brilliant admin team to be able to make this happen.”

But the report also identifies areas where improvements will be needed.

Feedback called for more tables and chairs, better monitoring and cleaning of public toilets, more portable toilets, more frequent bin collections, better waste management, baby-changing facilities and clearer walkways.

The council report says the growth of the event means additional requirements should be identified earlier, including volunteer numbers, toilets, waste provision, pedestrian management, safety arrangements and staffing.

A Festival Resource Plan is recommended ahead of the 2027 event.

The report concludes: “The success of the 2026 event demonstrates the strength of community involvement, and a more formal volunteer network would help make the festival sustainable as it continues to develop.”