Images: Alannah Franklin Media
A brand-new cultural gathering celebrated its inaugural year as CeltFest2026 welcomed visitors to the 35-acre Afon Mêl Honey Farm near Newquay, Ceredigion. Hosted by Sam Cooper and Bob Thorton with Hayley Payne and Graeme Boxall organising and booking the bands, the festival brought together live Celtic music, historical living displays, craft traders, and regional food and drink producers in a shared celebration of Celtic history spanning Wales, Devon, and beyond.
Sam Cooper, who converted the former dairy farm in 1999, has expanded the family-run operation to manage over 500 beehives across Wales. In 2023, Sam partnered with Bob Thornton, who previously ran More Mead for over five years, to expand their drink recipes, manage sustainability, and grow their joint venture.
A Vision Rooted in Ancient Traditions
Inspired by ancient Bronze Age feasting gatherings recorded near Stonehenge, CeltFest2026 was conceived as an inclusive community assembly centred around music, storytelling, and regional heritage. Held on a level camping field at the honey farm site, the inaugural gathering provided an atmospheric setting for visitors from across the UK.
The festival’s atmosphere and key moments were captured through the photography of Allanah Franklin. Her visual work documented the evening performances, re-enactments, and artisan displays across the site, capturing the unique spirit of the weekend.
Living History and Artisan Craftsmanship
A major feature of the weekend was the presence of a Viking living history reenactment group, demonstrating early medieval military tactics, shield wall formations, and traditional archery techniques. Craft traders and artisans displayed handmade goods, textiles, and traditional wares, while visitors explored a wide selection of local craft items.
Regional Produce and Evening Feasting
The festival highlight featured community feasting inside the central Mead Hall marquee. Prepared by Spitting Pig Devon, a catering team with deep Celtic roots, the feast was served alongside seemingly unlimited mead poured from large jugs along the tables, representing exceptional value at £50 per head. Host site Afon Mêl Honey Farm, which also keeps Gloucestershire cattle on its 35-acre holding, supplied sparkling mead and specialty honey-based drinks throughout the evening.
Live Music and Cultural Performances
The main marquee staged musical acts throughout the event, featuring headline performances by musical groups including PerKelt and Clann an Drumma. The schedule also included a Welsh-language opening ceremony, fire-spinning displays, and traditional music sets that kept attendees entertained long into the evening.
Looking Ahead to Future Gatherings
Following positive feedback from attendees and traders alike, the organizers plan to establish CeltFest as an annual fixture on the Ceredigion event calendar. Future editions aim to expand camping capacity and continue showcasing regional artists, living history groups, and local food producers.
More images and media coverage from the event can be viewed on the A Franklin Media Facebook Page.
