**A Feast for the Senses: Wales’ Fantastic Fête Delivers Culinary Magic Within Ancient Castle Walls**
Food enthusiasts and families alike were treated to a truly exceptional experience at this year’s Fantastic Fête, a vibrant culinary festival staged within the centuries-old walls of St Donat’s Castle, set dramatically on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Equal parts street food haven and carnival spectacle, this annual event drew crowds eager for a unique fusion of flavours, entertainment and a touch of Mediterranean grandeur — all under the shadow of medieval battlements.
Entering a food festival through the arched gateway of a 12th-century castle may sound the stuff of fantasy, but in Wales, such a combination feels entirely fitting. The imposing St Donat’s Castle, often described as a “Hogwarts for hippies” due to its regular role as UWC Atlantic College — an international school with royal alumni — becomes a public playground only rarely. For the Fantastic Fête weekend, festivalgoers were invited to roam its historic grounds, usually reserved for the global elite, in search of award-winning eats and culinary adventure.
Organised by Street Food Circus, a group well known for transforming unexpected spaces into lively, imaginative food events across Wales, this second edition of Fantastic Fête raised the bar with its creative offerings and seamless organisation. Attendees enjoyed a festival atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional village fête, but reimagined with big-top flair, roller discos, circus acts, live music, and an impressive variety of food stalls lining the castle’s lawns and seafront lido.
Matt the Hat, founder of Street Food Circus, summed up the spirit of the event: “St Donat’s is a truly unique spot, poised between the castle and the sea. Fantastic Fête brings together everything we want to share — the best of street food, family entertainment and an after-hours celebration that transforms the fête after dark.” With a strong focus on accessibility, ticketed entry times and well-spaced layouts ensured even the hungriest visitors could sample gourmet tacos, Korean fried chicken, and artisanal desserts without lengthy waits or overcrowding.
The calibre and variety of food did not disappoint. From the succulent, slow-cooked steak and cheesy garlic mash offered by Fire & Flank (whose steak roll proved a particular crowd-pleaser) to the bold and brilliantly presented Korean chicken strips served by Bone Cartel, the event showcased some of the most exciting and innovative street food Wales has to offer. Bone Cartel, recently expanded from market stall to permanent shopfront, has ignited a fried chicken craze in the region, with generous portions and an award-winning recipe that clinched ‘Best Main Dish’ at the British Street Food Awards.
For those keen to try as much as possible, the festival’s distinct food zones made it easy to discover everything from South Asian curries to Mexican-inspired street eats. Acclaimed vendors like Smokin Griddle and Two Lads Kitchen vied for attention alongside newer pop-up stars. Not to be overlooked were classic comforts, including churros from Church of Churros, extraordinary cheese toasties, and truffle parmesan fries, all enhanced by an array of locally crafted beverages on offer from stalls such as Tiny Rebel Brewery and Lola’s Cocktail Bar.
Beyond the food, Fantastic Fête cultivated a lively atmosphere teeming with performances and interactive entertainment. Acrobats, jugglers and circus troupes delighted children and adults, while bubble machines and DJs added a surreal, festival-meets-fête energy. With paid workshops, art corners, face painting, and the option to cool off in the sea-facing lido or unwind in a mobile sauna, the fête invited guests to indulge every sense.
Strolling between festivities, visitors encountered everything from Mexican wrestling matches to roller disco dance sessions, providing ample spectacle for all ages. The makers’ market, curated by Annie Lolo, shone a spotlight on independent Welsh crafts, creating a laid-back yet inspiring space for gift shopping and discovery.
Tickets for the festival were competitively priced, making it accessible for families, and as dusk approached, the focus shifted. Daytime activities gave way to lively evening sets, with DJ Yoda’s ‘80s Mixtape bringing waves of nostalgia and party spirit to close out the celebration.
Fantastic Fête has quickly established itself as a flagship event for food lovers and families seeking something special. By blending gourmet street food, engaging entertainment, and a fairy-tale setting, this is a festival that captures the imagination and delivers lasting memories. For those searching for a summer blowout that combines history, cuisine and carnival wonder, Street Food Circus at St Donat’s Castle is set to become an unmissable annual highlight on the Welsh calendar.