A FESTIVE food and culture festival descended on Blaenau Gwent this weekend attracting thousands of visitors.

A first for Blaenau Gwent, Festive FaCE is the brainchild of Valleys FaCE who announced in October they were launching a Christmas version of the popular event.

The not -for-profit community regeneration project, held its first two day food and culture event in July. The project aims to showcase existing small enterprises within the local area, incorporating local artisan food, drink and craft producers.

Taking over the Festival Park in Ebbw Vale on Saturday and Sunday, shoppers braved the cold for the event which featured an ice rink, a Santa’s Grotto and a festive market of some 50 stalls.

Craft stalls joined a wide selection of food and drink sellers. Among the exhibitors were Arm Candy, Bakestone Bakery, Tudor Brewery, Choc and Beyond, St. David’s Hospice and many more.

Jaime Devine, managing director of Tudor Brewery in Llanhilleth, is one of the founding members of FaCE.

He said: “We just want to show off local businesses and produce.”

He added: “We want to give people the chance to show off their businesses, no matter how small, and showcase the talent the valleys has to offer.”