The line up of star BBQ talent from Wales, the South West and across the UK has been revealed for the first Mabon event, a new annual fire cooking festival which will celebrate feasting, fire and folklore around the autumn equinox in September.
Created by BBQ stars Sam & Shauna of Hang Fire and Street Food Circus Mabon is a weekend food festival bringing together chefs who have all made their names through cooking with fire and smoke.
The festival is inspired by Mabon, known as the ‘pagan Thanksgiving’ and celebrating the the autumn equinox 26-28 September) – the point where day and night are equal, making it a time of balance, equality and harmony.
Mabon takes place within the medieval grounds of Caldicot Castle. A line-up of the best outdoor fire kitchens will be cooking outdoors around a central, covered dining space, preparing small plates (priced at £6 and £12) with a focus on local, ethical and seasonal produce.
Mabon Line up 2025
Fire Kitchens
Hang Fire BBQ:
Credited with being part of a small group that brought true slow and low American BBQ to the UK in early 2013. Sam Evans & Shauna Guinn are still the most award-wining pitmasters in the UK. Picking up awards for their streetfood, cookbook and hugely popular restaurant.
As curators and cofounders of Mabon, they join the chef line-up to create fire-cooked small plates, showcasing their craft, creativity, and passion for the art and science of authentic BBQ.
Sam will also be cooking the ‘Mabon x Hang Fire Feast’, an exclusive four-course seasonal fire feast, joined by guest chefs, under canvas in a truly magical setting, think long tables and shared plates by firelight.
Feast Pembrokeshire: Feast Pembrokeshire brings the magic of open-fire cooking to MABON, showcasing local, seasonal ingredients transformed over oak, birch, and ash. Expect smoky aromas, vibrant flavours, and their legendary “Beast of Feast” smoker
The Smoke and Barrel Brothers: “Metal Micky” has spent over 20 years perfecting live-fire cooking, pairing engineering precision with the theatre of the pit. At Mabon, his iconic Ace Grill will spit-roast a whole Welsh lamb until tender, smoky, and irresistible. Based in Sittingbourne, Micky is known for authentic American barbecue with raw craftsmanship.
Bab Haus: Bringing refined, fire-driven Mexican cuisine, Bab Haus’ signature birria-quesa tacos, slow-smoked pork belly, and artfully plated vegetarian creations balance smoke, spice, and texture, delivering a polished street-food experience that celebrates culinary craft in every bite.
Embers/Shropshire Lad: In 2017, Adam launched YouTube channel Shropshire Lad, sharing his passion for fire cooking, local produce, and Shropshire’s food scene. Since 2022 he has built a national reputation as a live fire chef and in 2023 he opened Embers in Ironbridge, combining café, events, and cookery school.
Big Nath’s BBQ: Bristol’s Big Nathan commands the grill at Mabon with bold, fire-first cooking and unapologetic flavour. Known for his towering burgers, slow-smoked meats, and perfectly charred vegetables, he blends technique with theatre—serving generous plates that celebrate the primal joy of cooking over flame and sharing food with friends.
Hills: Perched at the edge of the Brecon Beacons, Hills are famed for their award-winning burgers. Their special festival menu, showcasing only ethical, locally sourced produce will bring an inventive twist to barbecue, a true taste of Wales, reimagined exclusively for Mabon.
Drizzle: Drizzle Desserts elevate ice cream with sophisticated, adult-focused flavours. Their soft-serve and plated creations feature inventive pairings—think olive oil with bee pollen — crafted to surprise the palate.
Food Demos – The Blaze Stage
Curated by Sam & Shauna, the Blaze Stage showcases live demos from top open-fire chefs. From butchery skills and wood-fired techniques to smoking secrets, guests can learn how to master the art of cooking over flame with some of the most talented chefs in the business.
The stage line up includes:
- The Smokin Elk, Portsmouth
- Owen Morgan (Bar 44, Assador 44), Bristol & Cardiff
- Shane & Maisey (McBagley BBQ), Stroud
- Russ (Smokey Rebel), Kent
- Bodean Hammett (The Legless Lamb), Newport
- Steve Guy (The Hungry Guy), Shropshire
- Adam Purnell (Shropshire Lad), Shropshire
- Matty O’Brien (Matty’s BBQ Chop Shop), Penarth
- Jurgen Hofman (Culinary Demons), Netherlands
- Mursal Saiq (Cue Point), London
- Kate Parsons, (Nomad), Cardiff
Fireside chats
Curated by Simon Wright of Wright’s Food Emporium, Fireside chats will explore everything from the healing power of food and fire the current state of school dinners. Expect lively, honest, and thought-provoking discussion from a brilliant panel of chefs, producers, writers, and change makers. The line up of speakers includes:
- Jonathan Woolway (St Johns/The Shed), Swansea
- Lucy Peterson (Peterson Tea), Vale of Glamorgan
- Stephen Terry (Hardwick), Monmouthshire
- Musral Saiq (Cue Point), London
- Polly Baldwin (Jolly Allotment)
- Maisey McBagley (McBagley BBQ), Stroud
Alongside the fire cooking, demos and talks, folklore performances will bring mystical stories and rituals to life across the weekend and a Mabon market will celebrate new wave food and drink producers.
Mabon curator and Hang Fire BBQ co-founder Sam Evans said:
“We are incredibly excited to bring Mabon to life at Caldicot Castle. This isn’t just another food festival; it’s a curated celebration of fire, food, and the rich traditions and folklore that surround the autumn equinox.
“Our unique line-up of renowned chefs, insightful talks, and captivating live-fire demos will offer something truly special and unforgettable. We’ve handpicked culinary talents who will not only showcase the very best of live-fire cooking techniques but also share their passion and knowledge. We really hope folks get behind this incredible event so we can establish Wales’ first fire festival!
Matt the Hat, founder and ‘ringmaster’ of Street Food Circus added:
“Mabon at Caldicot Castle will be an immersive experience, inviting visitors to connect with the spirit of the season through exceptional food, engaging discussions, and a touch of Street Food Circus’ famous immersive entertainment. It’s a true celebration of community, harvest, and the ancient art of cooking with fire,” he said.
Mabon runs from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September at Caldicot Castle.
