Family-friendly feasts set for forests, castles and coast — with new Little Kooks Club for young foodies
STREET FOOD CIRCUS is set to return this spring with a packed programme of five family-friendly events celebrating the very best in street food, entertainment and unforgettable days out across south Wales.
Following its landmark 10th anniversary season last year, the 2026 calendar marks a new chapter for Street Food Circus, which has spent more than a decade championing Welsh chefs and independent street food businesses.
This year also sees the launch of an exciting new initiative aimed squarely at younger festival-goers — the Little Kooks Club.
New Little Kooks Club for curious kids
Designed for children who love food, creativity and hands-on fun, the Little Kooks Club will offer access to extra activities at each event, from cookery-inspired challenges to circus skills and creative play.
Young members will receive a backpack packed with ideas, stories and activities to take home — encouraging them to keep cooking, creating and exploring long after the festival ends.
Children under 16 can attend all events for free, with the option to join the Little Kooks Club for an additional fee when booking tickets.
In a further nod to family-friendly dining, every trader will create a special dish tailored just for children.
Award-winning traders and global flavours
Street Food Circus has built a strong reputation for curating some of Wales’ best-known chefs alongside award-winning street food businesses from across Britain.
The 2026 line-up will feature returning favourites including Hang Fire BBQ, alongside debut appearances from Mama Lala Sichuan street food. Regular names such as Two Lads Afghan Street Food, The Dough Thrower, The Bone Cartel, Mar y Fuego, The Queen Pepiada, Pasta a Mano and Burger Bros will also be serving up dishes.
Sweet treats will come courtesy of Paletas Mexican-style ice lollies and Drizzle desserts and soft serve.
Founder and ringmaster Matt the Hat said the focus remains firmly on quality.
“All of our events are built on a foundation of the very best street food chefs that we can find. 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 said.
“This year, we’re also really focusing on how we continue to build the experience around those culinary moments. We want people to relax and enjoy great food and entertainment for all ages — it’s about bringing family and friends together to share moments and make memories.”
Five unique settings for 2026
The season opens with Forest Feastival (April 17 – May 10), set beneath the trees of Candleston Woods on the Merthyr Mawr Estate. Expect global street food, roaming performers, circus school sessions for children and marshmallow fire pits.
Over the late May Bank Holiday (May 22–25), The Big Banquet takes over the historic Caldicot Castle, promising communal feasting tables, high-wire acts, bubble discos and a dramatic evening fire show.
Summer Feastival (June 19–21) heads to Pembrey Country Park, combining sea air and solstice sunsets with a weekend of food and entertainment — and an on-site campsite for those wishing to stay longer.
Fantastic Fete (July 31 – August 9) will transform the grounds of St Donat’s Castle into a giant reimagined village fête, complete with global cuisine, quirky competitions and family-friendly performances.
The season concludes with Harbour Feastival (September 4–6) at Saundersfoot Harbour, where pirate-themed circus acts, DJs and international street food will bring the waterfront to life.
After Dark atmosphere
On weekend evenings, each event will shift into “Street Food Circus After Dark”, offering a more grown-up festival feel with guest DJs, great drinks and spectacular fire shows.
For more information and to book tickets, visit streetfoodcircus.co.uk.
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