Caernarfon's food festival won't take place next year despite huge success
A hugely popular food festival won't take place next year. Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon was first held in 2016 and has grown in popularity each year since then.
This summer was the most successful festival to date with thousands coming to the expanded event. But the organisers have taken the decision to not stage the festival next year.
The Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon Committee said it was "unavoidable" and added that this was not the end for the festival.
The group released a statement to explain the decision. They said: "A month after the most successful festival to date – the biggest yet, with all costs met – the Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon committee has made the difficult but unavoidable decision to take a year's break in 2026.
"Since our first festival, Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon has grown beyond all expectations in terms of size and popularity. The addition of the family area at Coed Helen Park last year was an important step, and while the growth is a source of pride and a huge boost for the town, it has also brought significantly higher responsibilities and pressure on our team of dedicated volunteers.
"It is difficult to convey the human cost of organizing a festival on this scale. We as volunteers have given endless hours of our time, energy, and passion to make each festival a success. However, some key volunteers need to step aside in the year ahead, and we recognise that the current model imposes an unsustainable burden on those who remain.
"After careful consideration, at a meeting on 9 June, the committee voted to take a break in 2026, and designate the said year as a 'year to develop'."
They said the break will allow them to adapt the organisational structure to make it more sustainable, develop new ideas and methods of festival management, build stronger partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders and create a more balanced workload distribution amongst volunteers.
The statement added: "We want to reassure the people of the town that Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon is not coming to an end. During our year off, we will continue to organise our popular fundraising events such as our curry competition, and commit to supporting events such as the annual Fireworks display (organised by the Town Council) and the Christmas market (co-organised with Galeri Caernarfon). Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
"The committee will meet regularly throughout 2026 to continue these arrangements and to develop our new vision, provide training opportunities, and develop relevant skills for members. We will also, of course, start planning for the 2027 festival. We are also calling on interested individuals to join us afresh to plan for 2027. We appreciate any contribution.
"We see next year as an opportunity to work more closely with businesses and the local community to ensure our community can maximise the economic benefits of the festival in 2027 and beyond.
"We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon - our volunteers, sponsors, local businesses, performers, stallholders, visitors, and most importantly, the people of Caernarfon who have made our festival such a success.
"We look forward to returning in 2027 with renewed energy, ensuring that Gŵyl Fwyd Caernarfon continues to celebrate our community's vibrant food culture for years to come. Thank you very much to everyone." Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
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