The Abergavenny Food Festival faced challenges as all train services were cancelled on its busiest day of the year. Scheduled for September 21 and 22, the festival is anticipated to draw over 25,000 visitors to the market town. Unfortunately, the main railway line that connects Shrewsbury and Newport is closed for essential track safety work and the installation of a new accessible footbridge at Abergavenny station. In response, Transport for Wales is providing additional rail replacement buses for attendees.
To mitigate the impact of the railway closure, festival organisers have collaborated with Network Rail and Transport for Wales to ensure alternative transport options are available. They have arranged for a shuttle bus service between Abergavenny station and the town’s bus station, situated near the festival venue. Lucie Parkin, the festival director, highlighted the importance of using public transport and expressed excitement about welcoming participants from near and far.
Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, Nick Millington, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the closure but emphasized the significance of the ongoing railway improvements. He assured that efforts are being made to facilitate transportation to and from Abergavenny during the festival weekend. Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, Transport for Wales chief operations officer, acknowledged the festival’s economic importance and assured attendees of a comprehensive bus operation to minimize disruptions.
The last buses from Abergavenny station to Hereford and Newport will run on both festival nights. Standby buses will be available at key locations throughout the day, and the rail replacement plan includes services calling at all stations and direct services to Newport, Hereford, and Shrewsbury. This approach aims to enhance capacity for travellers to local stations. Despite the railway closure, festival-goers are encouraged to make use of the alternative transport arrangements to enjoy the Abergavenny Food Festival on September 21 and 22.