CHRISTMAS FAYRE 2024
Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle
2025 Christmas Fayre information is not yet available. Join our mailing list to stay up to date.
2024 Christmas Fayre information:
🎄 Welcoming over 70 craft, food and drink traders 🎄
Join us for a delightful day filled with festive cheer at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 30th November and Sunday 1st December. Enjoyed by all, our annual 2-day fayre takes place in the Vale of Glamorgan (near Cardiff and Bridgend) and welcomes over 70 local food, craft and drink traders to kickstart the festive season.
Wander through our charming 12th-century castle, arts centre and gardens, and enjoy a festive market brimming with handcrafted treasures, unique gifts, and artisanal crafters. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind holiday decorations, lovingly made crafts, or a day out to treat yourself, our stalls have something special for everyone to enjoy.
Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa as you explore and refuel at one of our international street food traders. From hearty comfort foods to sweet treats and festive beverages, a delicious bite awaits you around every corner.
🎅 Meet Santa and Make Magical Memories! 🎅
No Christmas celebration is complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself! Bring the little ones to meet the jolly man in red, share their Christmas wishes, and take a photo of the moment. You can pre-book to meet Santa in the grand Dining Hall of St Donat’s Castle for just £8.50 per child and they’ll each receive a selection box too.
🎩 Enjoy a Complimentary Magic Show for the Little Ones! 🎩
Get ready for a sprinkle of enchantment as our Christmas Fayre features a complimentary magic show just for the kids! Watch their eyes light up with wonder as the talented Simon Sparkles dazzles them with mind-boggling tricks, illusions, and festive fun. This enchanting performance is sure to leave them amazed and entertained, adding an extra touch of magic to their Christmas experience. Perfect for kids of all ages, this show will be a highlight of their day at the Fayre—so be sure not to miss it!
Entertainment times are as follows:
11am, 12.30pm, 2pm | Simon Sparkles Family Magic Show
🌟Don’t miss out on this merry and magical event! 🌟
This is more than just a Christmas Fayre —it’s a celebration of community and creativity. Bring your friends and family, soak up the festive atmosphere, and make memories to remember. Our Christmas Fayre is the perfect place to find joy, support local artisans, and taste the true flavours of the season.
Wrap up warm and head to St Donat’s Castle on Saturday 30th November or Sunday 1st December, 10am to 4pm.
2025 KEY EVENT INFORMATION:
đź“… Date: tbc
đź•’ Time: 10am-4pm
📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF
🎟️ Entry Fee: £tbc
🎫 Tickets: available from September 2025
Some things to consider:
- You are reserving your spot for one specific day—tickets are valid only for the date selected at the time of booking, and cannot be used between the two event days. Please ensure you attend on the date you have booked.
- Parking is on fields or in areas on campus a short walk from the castle. Please wear appropriate footwear. Part of this event also takes place outdoors and there are cobbled areas around the castle
- If you are bringing a little one, we recommend a baby carrier over a pram or buggy. This this is a popular event with large crowds expected. By nature, castle corridors can also be narrow and footpaths are cobblestone.
- Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. Dogs are allowed in the exterior gardens but must remain on the lead at all times and dog waste must be picked up and disposed of appropriately
- Pre-booking is strongly encouraged for car tickets; car spaces are limited and often sell out in advance. If car tickets are sold out, entry on the day is denied. Â
- You are not required to pre-book on foot tickets.
- Car tickets are charged per person for as many people as you can fit in the car; we encourage you to car share with friends and family. The fee is for the car (not per person) and you do not need to also book on foot tickets.
- On foot tickets are for individuals arriving by public transport, bicycle or walking. For local bus times click here and for train times here
- As indicated on the map, you are not permitted to enter any buildings or rooms not part of the Christmas fayre. Please respect the safety of our student community. To report a concern please speak to a member of staff or go to main reception.
- St Donat’s Castle is home to UWC Atlantic College and the fayre takes place during the academic term. As such, alcoholic beverages are not permitted to be consumed on campus during the fayre.
- We do not have any cashback facilities. Most stalls accept card payments, however not all, so we recommend you bring cash. The nearest ATM is in Llantwit Major.
Christmas Fayre tickets sell out - advanced booking encouraged
Tickets on sale from September
Join our waitlist
Christmas Fayre 2024: Trader Information
Interested in Becoming a Trader?
2025 trader information will be available from September 2025. Join our trader mailing list to be notified.
Are you a local artisan, street food vendor, or craft maker with unique products to share? We’d love to have you at our Christmas Fayre! Join our festive marketplace and showcase your creations to a vibrant community eager to support local talent. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with Christmas shoppers and fellow creatives while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
đź“‹ How to Apply:
Simply fill out our trader application form and submit it as soon as possible. Spaces are limited and sell out, so early applications are encouraged!
Exhibition locations include:
Dining Hall – 19 craft stalls plus Santa experience
Brandestoke Hall – 23 craft stalls
Great Hall – 7 craft stalls
Street food market – 10-12 food traders
Glassroom – 12 food and drink stalls plus cafe and seating
Additional spaces include:
Breakfast room – face painting and activity crafts
Tythe Barn – live entertainment with theatre style seating
Gallery – first aid hub
đź’ˇ Why Join Us?
Benefit from a steady stream of visitors looking for unique Christmas gifts and delicious food. This well-established event that has been running for over 20 years attracts over 1,500 visitors per day from outside of our community, as well as over 500 staff and students living on campus.
Be part of a warm and welcoming event that celebrates local talent and enjoy a lively, festive atmosphere that’s perfect for showcasing your products.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this magical event! Apply today and make this festive season special for you and our visitors.
đź’° 2-Day Trader Fees:
ÂŁ300 outdoor food (repeaters price: ÂŁ270*)
ÂŁ180 indoor food and craft (repeaters price: ÂŁ160*)
*Repeaters price only applies if you attended Summer Fayre 2024.
Applications to trade for 1-day will open after 1st November subject to availability of remaining pitches.
Further information can be found on the application form page. Sign up to our trader mailing list to be kept up to date with summer and Christmas fayres.
