The 15th Denbigh Plum Feast takes place this weekend and there will be plenty of plum-based produce - despite the fruit having a difficult year.

The worst weather at the wrong times has meant that some producers of the Vale of Clwyd Denbigh plum - Wales only native plum and a fruit with protected designation of origin (PDO) similar to Champagne and Cornish pasties - have reported harvests up to 90% down on the previous year.

But thanks to the efforts of both commercial growers and the people of Denbigh and the wider Vale of Clwyd, enough plums have been grown or preserved from last year to ensure there are enough to go round!

The Denbigh Plum Feast takes place on Saturday, October 5, with stalls at Denbigh Town Hall and events throughout the town centre. Denbigh Town Council has also allowed free car parking for the event.

Peter Jones, Chairman of the Denbigh Plum Group that organises the Feast and helps ensure the distinctive fruit is widely grown throughout the Vale of Clwyd, said: "Despite of the disappointing Denbigh Plum harvest visitors to the event will pleased with the incredible array of jams, chutneys, gins, vodkas, beer, cheeses, meats, cakes, pies  sweet and savoury and gluten free products on offer.

"It's not all about plums either. For the first time in years we have a fresh fish stall from Menai and organic vegetables on offer in the centre of Denbigh town.

"We will also welcome the stallholders who normally trade at the monthly Denbigh Farmers Market who usually trade at the Vale Grocer’s site at  Colomendy Industrial Estate.

"Specialist food producers including Carrie Rimes with her award winning cheeses and Beeches Meat from Gwespyr are some of the 40 food and drink stalls who will be attending the feast this year."

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The Denbigh Plum Feast is a great opportunity to sample local produce, support independent businesses in Denbigh and learn more about this incredible and versatile fruit that - according to legend - dates back to the 13th century.

Since being granted PDO status demand for the Denbigh plum has skyrocketed. To help maintain supply, growers are encouraged to deep freeze excess plums from good harvests to guard against more challenging years.

But the feast also brings together crafters and creators - there is something for everyone at the feast!

"Christmas is only three months away and there will also be an incredible selection of high quality crafts and gifts on offer in the marquee at the back of the town hall," added Peter. 

In addition to the stalls and independent businesses, there will be live demonstrations to help show you the range of dishes you an cook using the Denbigh Plum as an ingredient and showcasing other native or locally grown produce.

Nantyfelin foraging chef Rob Dowell-Brown will be giving tips on what you can do with the fruits you can forage around the Vale of Clwyd while Owen Davies of Eryri-based Real Fun Guy mushrooms will show a myriad of ways people can cook with different edible funghi.