Street Food Circus Unveils 2026 Season at St Donat's Castle
This summer, St Donat's Castle will once again host the Street Food Circus, a highlight among five family-friendly events scheduled across South Wales. Set against a stunning coastal backdrop, the event celebrates exceptional street food, memorable days out, and quality time spent with loved ones. The 2026 season introduces the Little Kooks Club, a brand-new experience tailored specifically for children, marking an exciting evolution for the popular festival.
Expanding Family-Friendly Offerings
Following its successful 10th anniversary season last year, Street Food Circus enters its next chapter, having spent over a decade providing a vital platform for some of Wales' most renowned chefs and street food businesses. The new programme is designed to offer high-quality days out for the entire family, focusing on creating opportunities to make lasting memories and share new experiences together.
The Little Kooks Club is a dedicated space for curious kids who enjoy eating, cooking, and trying new things. It features circus skills and creative challenges that encourage exploration throughout the events. Young festival-goers who join the club will gain access to additional on-site activities and receive a backpack to take home, filled with challenges, ideas, and stories inspired by the circus to keep them engaged in cooking, creating, and playing with food.
In a move to enhance accessibility, kids' tickets for all events are free for those under 16, with the option to join the Little Kooks Club available for an additional fee when booking event tickets. Furthermore, all traders this year will create a special dish on their menu specifically for children, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for younger attendees.
Curating Culinary Excellence
Street Food Circus has built a strong reputation for curating Wales' best-known chefs and street food businesses, bringing them to new audiences across the region. The 2026 roster includes a rotating selection of traders across all five events, featuring SFC regulars, Welsh and British Street Food Award winners, and newcomers to the Welsh street food scene.
Offerings range from the best burgers and fire-baked pizzas to international cuisine from India, Mexico, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, and China. Notable traders for 2026 include the return of Hang Fire BBQ and debutants like Mama Lala Sichuan street food, alongside regulars such as:
- Two Lads Afghan Street Food
- The Dough Thrower
- The Bone Cartel
- Mar y Fuego
- The Queen Pepiada
- Pasta a Mano
- Burger Bros
Sweet options will be provided by Paletas Mexican-style ice lollies and Drizzle desserts and soft serve, ensuring a diverse and satisfying menu for all tastes.
Founder's Vision for 2026
Street Food Circus founder and ringmaster Matt the Hat shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season. "All of our events are built on a foundation of the very best street food chefs that we can find," he said. "Our mission has always been to provide a platform for that talent, and to take them to places where people would not usually find them."
He added, "This year, we're also really focusing on how we continue to build the experience around those culinary moments. We know that people are looking for the full package – a great day out where everything is taken care of. We want people to know that when they're with us, they can just relax and enjoy great food and entertainment for all ages. It's a reason to bring family and friends together, to share moments, connect and make memories."
Matt expressed excitement about returning to some of Wales' most unique festival sites, including forests, beaches, castles, and harbours. The event at St Donat's Castle is scheduled for July 31 to August 9, offering a picturesque setting for this culinary celebration.
