St David’s Day Food & Drink Challenge
As Saint David’s Day approaches, Merthyr Tydfil is preparing to celebrate in true Welsh style – bigger, bolder, and for longer in 2026. Instead of just one day of celebration, festivities will run throughout February, building excitement right up to 1 March for St David’s Day.
The Big Heart of Merthyr is proud to be working in partnership with Visit Merthyr to bring you a vibrant, Mabinogion-inspired Food & Drink celebration…and we’re inviting local cafés, pubs, restaurants and bakeries to get involved.
St David’s Day honours Wales’s patron saint and celebrates our culture, language and incredible food heritage, guided by the timeless message: “Gwnewch y pethau bychain” – Do the little things.
The Challenge: Re-imagine a Welsh Classic
We’re calling on our brilliant local hospitality businesses to put a creative spin on a traditional Welsh dish, cake or drink – inspired by the magic, myth and legend of the Mabinogion. Think bold. Think playful. Think story-led.
Your creation could be:
- A Welsh rarebit with an unexpected twist
- Welsh cakes filled with surprising or mythical-inspired flavours
- A cocktail, mocktail or hot drink using a Welsh base
- Something seasonal, dramatic, or inspired by ancient tales
It might be a one-off creation made just for the celebration, or a limited-edition St David’s Day special on your menu. This is your chance to showcase your creativity, celebrate Welsh heritage, and tempt the town with something truly unique.
Even More Exposure for Your Business
Taking part doesn’t just mean entering a competition. Your creation will be featured on the Trails Map within the We Love Merthyr app, helping visitors discover your business and plan their own St David’s Day food journey around the town. You’ll also be included in Visit Merthyr’s Chwedloni – Legends Come Alive Gŵyl Dewi social media campaign, giving your business additional online visibility as part of the wider celebration.
How to Take Part
To enter, please submit your creation by Monday, 16 February, including:
- 1–2 photos of your dish or drink
- A short list of ingredients
- A brief note explaining your inspiration or the story behind it
Entries should be sent to Elizabeth Bedford at: elizabeth.bedford@welovemerthyr.net
Voting & Promotion
The competition will run on the We Love Merthyr Facebook page and the We Love Merthyr App.
Public voting will take place from 23 February to 1 March, with the winner announced on Monday, 2 March.
And it won’t just be online attention – some creations may spark enough curiosity to send people straight through your doors for their own in-person “taste test”.
Let’s make 2026 the most delicious St David’s Day Merthyr has ever seen.
