Curry lovers are in for a treat this summer as The Great British Curry Festival 2026: The Global Edition arrives in Cardiff Bay for a day celebrating one of the world’s most loved dishes.
Taking place at Lo Lounge on Saturday 15 August, the festival will transform the waterfront into a celebration of flavours, culture and entertainment, exploring how curry has travelled the globe and evolved into unique dishes enjoyed by millions.
The event runs from 1pm until 9pm and is split into two sessions, giving visitors the choice of attending either the afternoon session (1pm-4.30pm) or the evening session (5.30pm-9pm).
Seven Nations. One Champion.
At the heart of the festival is a global curry competition featuring independent street food vendors, chefs and restaurants from across Wales.
Each vendor will represent one of seven nations, serving their country’s signature curry in a bid to be crowned the festival’s champion.
The countries represented are:
- Bangladesh
- Britain
- India
- Jamaica
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Thailand
A panel of judges will decide the overall winner, while festival-goers will also have the chance to vote for their favourite dish in the People’s Choice Award.
The full list of traders will be announced in the coming weeks.
The £10 Curry Experience
Visitors will be able to sample “The Seven Curry Wonders of the World” through a special £10 festival menu.
Each vendor will offer a signature curry, rice and a traditional snack for a fixed price of £10, making it easy to experience flavours from around the world throughout the day.
Vegetarian options will also be available for every nation, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
More Than Just Great Food
Alongside the food, the festival promises a packed programme of live entertainment and cultural performances.
Highlights include:
- Live judging and the Curry Crowning ceremony
- Public voting for the People’s Choice Award
- DJs playing global sounds throughout the day
- Live performances from Bhangra dhol drummers
- Traditional Thai dance performances
- A live reggae singer
- Bollywood dance performances and audience workshops
- An interactive spice masterclass hosted by award-winning chef Anand George
- Three festival bars
- A family activity zone
- Henna artists
- Dessert stalls
- A spectacular sunset fire show to close the festival
Free Tickets Available
The first 500 festival tickets will be available free of charge, with children under 16 also receiving free entry.
After the free allocation has gone, tickets will cost £5 plus booking fee.
With global flavours, live music, family entertainment and Cardiff Bay’s waterfront providing the backdrop, The Great British Curry Festival is shaping up to be one of the city’s tastiest events of the summer.
Tickets are available now through Eventbrite, with organisers expecting the free allocation to be snapped up quickly.
