Christmas Fayre at St Donat's Castle 2025

Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Christmas Fayre at St Donat’s Castle

🎄 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 6th and Sunday 7th 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 Standley Room of St Donat’s Castle for just £8.50 per child and they’ll each receive a selection box too.

🎶 Festive Entertainment Throughout the Day 🎶

Our Christmas Fayre isn’t just about shopping—there’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy as you soak up the festive atmosphere! From magical performances to live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:

• 11am–12pm | Simon Sparkles Family Magic Show (Tythe Barn)
• 12pm–1pm | Brass Band (Outdoors – Top Lawn)
• 1pm–2pm | Simon Sparkles Family Magic Show (Tythe Barn)
• 3pm–4pm | Live Music (Tythe Barn)

Whether you’re enjoying the spellbinding tricks of Simon Sparkles, tapping your feet to the sound of a brass band, or unwinding with live music, these performances add an extra sparkle to your day at the Fayre.

🌟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.

📅 Date: Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th December 🕒 Time: Two sessions each day — choose your entry time when booking

• Session 1: 10am–1pm
• Session 2: 1pm–4pm

📍 Location: St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1WF

🎟️ Entry Fee: £14 per car or £3 on foot

💸 Early Booking Discounted Fee: £11 per car or £2 on foot (if booked before 30th September)

👉 Please note: Tickets are valid only for the specific time slot you select (Session 1 or Session 2). Please arrive anytime within the time slot of the ticket you have purchased.

To enquire about trading at the Christmas Fayre, please visit our website.

Some things to consider:

Tickets & Entry

• Tickets are valid only for the specific date and time slot selected at booking and cannot be transferred between event days. Please ensure you attend at the time and date shown on your ticket.
• Car tickets must be pre-booked. Spaces are limited and often sell out in advance; if sold out, entry by car will not be possible on the day.
• On foot tickets do not require pre-booking and are for those arriving by public transport, bicycle, or walking. On foot tickets are for individuals arriving by public transport, bicycle or walking. For local bus times click here and for train times here
• Car tickets are charged per vehicle (not per person). We encourage car sharing with friends and family.

Parking & Accessibility

• Parking is in nearby fields or campus areas, a short walk from the castle. Please wear suitable footwear.
• Parts of the event take place outdoors and the castle grounds include cobbled areas.
• For families with young children, we recommend baby carriers over prams/buggies due to uneven surfaces, narrow corridors, and expected crowds.

Payments

• The Main Entrance and Arts Centre Café are card payment only.
• Most stalls accept card payments, but some may be cash only. We recommend bringing some cash.
• There are no cashback facilities on site. The nearest ATM is in Llantwit Major.

Dogs

• Dogs are not permitted inside any buildings.
• Dogs are welcome in the exterior gardens but must be kept on a lead at all times. Please clean up after your dog.

General Site Guidance

• Access is limited to the fayre areas only. Please do not enter other campus buildings or rooms.
• To report a concern, please speak to a member of staff or visit Main Reception.
• As St Donat’s Castle is home to UWC Atlantic College and the fayre takes place during term time, alcoholic beverages are not permitted on campus during the event.

About UWC Atlantic

St Donat's Castle is home to UWC Atlantic College, an international boarding school for students aged 16–18, dedicated to making education a force for unity - bringing together people, nations, and cultures in pursuit of peace and a sustainable future.

A core principle of UWC Atlantic is to provide transformative educational opportunities to deserving students from around the world, regardless of their financial means.

By attending an event at UWC Atlantic College, you directly support this mission, with all proceeds contributing to the College’s financial sustainability and scholarships, ensuring more young people can access this life-changing experience.

Learn more at: https://www.uwcatlantic.org/support-us

Safeguarding our Community: Things You Should Know…

Safeguarding concerns can be reported to the Safeguarding Lead via Main Reception.

You are not permitted in areas on campus outside of what is being used for this event.

This event will also be attended by students of UWC Atlantic. We have a safeguarding policy which can be read here: https://www.uwcatlantic.org/about/policies-safeguarding.