What to expect as Mabon returns to Caldicot Castle for Autumn Equinox weekend
The Mabon festival of fire, feasting and folklore has announced its full line-up of fire-chefs, demos and independent producers and makers.
Created by Sam & Shauna from Hang Fire BBQ and Street Food Circus, Mabon takes inspiration from traditional autumn celebrations, when people gathered around fires to celebrate harvest and the changing of the season.
Held in the grounds of Caldicot Castle to celebrate the autumn equinox across the weekend of 25 – 27 September, Mabon will kick off with a four-course fire feast on Friday night, cooked by Hang Fire BBQ’s Sam & Shauna.
Eight Fire Kitchens bring together fire chefs and producers to showcase cooking with open flames and smoke and celebrate local and seasonal produce. The Smoke & Fire demonstration stage will be hosted by comedian Jayde Adams and Hang Fire BBQ’s Shauna Guinn with chefs sharing tips and techniques across a wide range of styles and cuisines.
A New Wave Producers market showcases local and independent producers of food, drinks and handmade outdoor cooking kit and Mabon’s Fireside Chats will bring together food and folklore experts to share thought-provoking stories and inspiring experiences.
HANG FIRE FEAST
A four-course banquet experience fit for a castle, where Hang Fire’s renowned live-fire chef Samantha Evans transforms the very best local produce into a one-off feast cooked entirely over fire and served to the sound of stories told by firelight.
FIRE KITCHENS
The Fire Kitchens are a curated gathering of dedicated fire-cooking specialists, including chefs, producers and makers, bringing a world of BBQ traditions to Mabon.
Game & Flames – founded by chef, hunter and fire specialist Cai Ap Bryn, the team creates feasts that celebrate provenance, seasonality and the spectacle of cooking outdoors.
Smokey Rebel – producing bold, small-batch rubs, seasonings, sauces and grill gear, Smokey Rebel will be using their renowned rubs on fire-cooked dishes inspired by global BBQ traditions.
Hang Fire BBQ – Bringing their signature slow-and-low approach to the flames, Sam & Shauna fuse their Welsh and Irish roots with the smoky, soulful flavours of the American South.
Feast Pembrokeshire – bringing their legendary “Beast of Feast” smoker to Mabon, Feast Pembrokeshire celebrates the best of West Wales through food, fire, and flavour.
The Jolly Allotment – The Jolly Allotment brings the best of the garden, cooking seasonal, homegrown and local produce over live fire.
Leviathan Pits x James Peck – Chef James Peck of Cardiff’s Ember, is teaming up with Leviathan Pits and their UK-made premium smokers to showcase bold, beautifully smoked flavours.
The Dough Thrower – using a signature 72-hour fermented dough which is light and full of flavour, topped with seasonal produce inspired by Mabon’s folklore themes.
Reclaimed Fire – authentic Asado cooking, bringing bold flavours, responsible sourcing and the traditions of South American fire cooking.
Drizzle Desserts – Elevating ice-cream, Drizzle’s soft serve and plated creations feature inventive pairings (like olive oil with bee pollen) crafted to surprise the palate.
SMOKE & FIRE DEMO STAGE
The food demo stage will be hosted by award-winning comedian Jayde Adams and Mabon co-creator Shauna Guinn.
Anthony “Murph” Murphy, co-founder of the award-winning Beefy Boys.
Adam Purnell, (Shropshire Lad), founder of Embers in Ironbridge, combining café, events, and cookery school.
Russ Jacques, founder of Smokey Rebel seasonings and rubs.
Steve Guy, aka The Hungry Guy, community chef and food educator.
Matty O’Brien, founder of Penarth-based Matty’s Chop Shop.
Owen Morgan, chef founder of Spanish-inspired Asador 44 and Bar 44 restaurants.
Jonathan Woolway, chef at Michelin Guide restaurant, The Shed, in Swansea.
Polly Baldwin, fire chef, photographer, and founder of Jolly Allotment
Nathan “Big Nath” Ritchie, founder of Big Nath’s BBQ, the Bristol-based live-fire BBQ school, shop and podcast.
NEW WAVE PRODUCERS MARKET
Mabon’s New Wave Producers Market celebrates a new generation of independent food and drink makers who are redefining what local tastes like. It is an opportunity to meet the makers, hear and taste their stories, and take home something unique.
Lucky No.7 Coffee – Welsh speciality coffee brand
Silver Circle Distillery – award-winning vodka and the ‘Ultimate Bloody Mary in a Can”
Shropshire Salumi – salamis and cured meats using free-range Gloucester Old Spot pork
Welsh Homestead Smokery – smoked cheeses, charcuterie and condiments from the Cambrian Mountains
Kadai Bowls – handcrafted fire bowls
Richkins Woodcraft – bespoke wooden creations and kitchen boards
Hive Mind – a modern take on mead, authentically produced in the Wye Valley
Tubby Tomms – small-batch sauces, relishes and preserves
Big Nath’s BBQ Shop – BBQ gear and outdoor cooking essentials, curated by Big Nath
Fold + Hide – outdoor goods, handmade in their Herefordshire workshop
BBQ Magazine – the independent UK magazine dedicated to the world of barbecue and outdoor cooking
MUSIC
Luna Amani – Welsh-Iranian DJ, designer, artist and stylist, bringing high-energy atmosphere with her eclectic DJ sets
FIRESIDE CHATS
Curated by Sam & Shauna, these thoughtful conversations will explore everything from the healing power of food to the folklore of Wales. Hosted by comedian and actress, Jayde Adams and Shauna Guinn. Speakers include:
BBQ Travel Club – tour operator specialising in immersive BBQ and open-fire cooking journeys around the globe, talking about food, fire and travel.
Nerys Howell – Welsh food and drink specialist, food author and broadcaster, making the connections between folklore and rural farming.
Shauna Guinn, author, broadcaster and co-founder of Hang Fire BBQ said,
“We always wanted to create Wales’ first dedicated festival for fire-cooking and BBQ, so we’re thrilled to be back for a second year of Mabon. This is a chance for us to bring together many of the great chefs and producers we work with year round, and give everyone in South Wales the opportunity to experience the amazing food they create.
“We’ve created a line-up that you’re not going to find anywhere else – bringing together kitchens, talks and producers all celebrating our Mabon themes of folklore, fire and seasonal abundance.”
Matt ‘the Hat’, founder and ringmaster of Street Food Circus said:
“Mabon has been a fantastic creative opportunity for us, using Welsh folklore to inspire the line-up, food and entertainment – and using the unique backdrop of Caldicot Castle to create the perfect fire-lit autumn atmosphere.
“We’re thrilled to see such a unique line-up of local food and drink talent being showcased through the event and, as with all of our events throughout the year, are proud to play a part in bringing them all to a wider audience.”
As with all Street Food Circus festivals, tickets for children under 16 are free and Mabon is a dog-friendly event. Tickets are now available at streetfoodcircus.co.uk
