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Huge Welsh event with great food lets kids go free

Street Food Circus returns to St Donats Castle for a Fantastic Fte featuring wrestling, music, a bouncy castle, and so much more

[A general view of a street food festival]

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Street Food Circus will return to St Donats Castle for the Fantastic Fete this summer(Image: Street Food Circus)

With the summer holidays now in full swing Wales has a packed lineup of food festivals, street food pop-up ftes, and festivities.

One of the most highly-anticipated events will take place in a castle by the sea and promise incredible food and entertainment. Street Food Circus will once again transform the historic grounds of St Donats Castle into a buzzing summer festival this August.

Over the course of two weekends 1-2 August and 8-9 August Fantastic Fte will return with a full programme of incredible street food, circus entertainment, Mexican wrestling, indie traders, and live music all set against the dramatic backdrop of a medieval castle overlooking the Glamorgan heritage coast.

[Across the weekend of Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, Fantastic Fte will return with a full programme of incredible street food, circus acts, roller discos, and live music]

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Fantastic Fte has a full programme of incredible street food, circus acts, roller discos, and live music(Image: Fantastic Fte )

The organisers promise a fresh take on the traditional village fte. They will bring a mix of entertainment, food, music, and fun family activities to the castles clifftop setting. St Donats Castle, usually home to UWC Atlantic College students, rarely opens to the public.

This 12th-century castle is Wales' longest continually inhabited castle. It's home to The United World College (UWC) of the Atlantic, a boarding school where international royals and intellectual bohemians send their children. It was once branded "Hogwarts for hippies".

Atlantic College has educated several foreign royals and British politicians. Famous alumni include First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan, Princess Elisabeth of Belgium, Princess Leonor who is the heir to the Spanish throne, and Willem-Alexander, King of the Netherlands.

[An ornate castle-type building]

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Atlantic College is located just outside Llantwit Major(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

The foodie fte is one of several limited public events at the college and offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the castle grounds and enjoy one of Waless most scenic festival locations.

Thats where Street Food Circus comes in as it's known for transforming unexpected spaces into whimsical food-filled extravaganzas with pop-ups at Forest Feastival in Merthyr Mawr and the Big Banquet in Caldicot.

[They have really outdone themselves with a festival-style foodie extravaganza with a bougie big-top feel.]

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SFC always put on a good show(Image: Portia Jones )

The creative team brought Fantastic Fte to St Donats for the first time in 2023 and now it returns this year with even more to see, eat, and experience.

Matt the Hat, founder of Street Food Circus, said: "We are thrilled to be back at St Donats its a truly unique site set between the castle and the sea. Weve reinvented the classic village fte with our travelling circus of attractions, the best street food around, and lots of new activities to keep the whole family entertained. We think its the complete summer day out.

He added: Its a chance to come and spend a magical day with us and explore the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Theres lots of great places to stay nearby so it would also be easy to make a whole weekend of it.

[Fantastic Fete at St Donat's Castle always has great food]

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Fantastic Fete at St Donat's Castle always has great food(Image: Street Food Circus)

More family entertainment this year includes axe throwing, a huge bouncy castle, Mexican wrestling, the Artful Dodgems vintage roller rink, Kiss My Putt crazy golf, SFCs bubble disco, and crafting activities.

This year also sees the launch of the Little Kooks Clwb, which features a range of on-site activities for kids including circus school and a pack of activities to take home to keep them cooking and creating.

Next to the striking castle the lido will open for swimming (5 fee). The pool area will offer views over the beach and provide a peaceful escape from the showstopping main event.

[A lido]

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The lido pool, overlooking the beach next to the castle, is open for people to swim (Image: Street Food Circus)

As the sun goes down over the sea Fantastic Fte switches to an after dark party bringing together music and fire shows to create a laid-back festival feel.

Food remains central to the festival experience and this year Street Food Circus has brought together some of the best street traders from across Wales and beyond serving up an epic line-up of global flavours across the two weekends.

Hungry visitors can enjoy everything from wood-fired pizzas from The Dough Thrower and Southern-style fried chicken from Acme Fried Chicken to authentic Venezuelan arepas from The Queen Pepiada and Afghan street food from Two Lads Kitchen.

[Fire and Flank know their way around a steak]

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Meat fans can look forward to sous-vide flank steak from Fire & Flank(Image: Portia Jones )

Burger lovers can feast on gourmet creations from Burger Bros while Ceylon & Beyond brings the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka and Mar Y Fuego serves up flame-grilled seafood, scallops, and barbecue fish.

Meat fans can look forward to sous-vide flank steak from Fire & Flank and slow-smoked Southern-style barbecue from the legendary Hang Fire BBQ alongside Canadian comfort food classics from Poutine Punks.

For a sweet treat Churros Hermanos will be serving traditional Spanish churros, Drizzle Desserts will bring its soft-serve disco dessert truck, and weekend two visitors can cool down with Paletas fruit ice lollies inspired by Mexican traditions.

[Ever the eager beaver, I arrived just as the gates opened and got stuck straight in]

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I love SFC events(Image: Portia Jones )

The line-up also features rotating weekend specials with Mama Lala bringing authentic Sichuan cooking and TNT Tacos serving Mexican recipes with a twist on weekend one while weekend two welcomes Japanese street food from Hakko House and award-winning Mexican flavours from El Cabrn Tacos.

Keeping the celebrations flowing, drinks will be served by Newports Tiny Rebel Brewery, SFCs Lolas Cocktails bar, and Lucky No.7 Coffee.

Were always looking for that perfect balance of Street Food Circus stalwarts and to find and support the new talent emerging on the street food scene," Matt previously said.

"We know weve got some people who come year in, year out, to visit their favourites and those who want to try something new every time they visit."

Street Food Circus has built a loyal following in Wales with its inventive and wildly creative approach to pop-up events and large festivals. The team previously hosted the Merthyr Mawr Forest Feastival and brought the worlds biggest bouncy castle to Welsh soil. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here.

[Family entertainment includes The Big Bubble Disco]

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SFC always has great family entertainment (Image: Street Food Circus)

Adult tickets for Fantastic Fte currently start at 11.50 per adult, plus a booking fee, and includes access to most performances and activities. Children under 16 can enter free of charge. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leads.

Additional charges are incurred on the day for some premium experiences at the fete such as access to a roller disco, the lido pool, and crazy golf.

The organisers also encourage visitors to make the most of the coastal setting and explore beyond the festival.

[Street Food Circus will curate three distinct food zones]

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Street Food Circus has built a loyal following in Wales (Image: Street Food Circus)

Local beaches, scenic walking trails, and countryside pubs lie just minutes from the castle. With so much packed into one weekend a day ticket could easily turn into a longer stay in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Street Food Circus is now selling tickets via its website. Early booking is recommended. Book here.

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