It’s been a long time coming for those who are coeliacs and those who follow a gluten-free diet
Cardiff’s getting its first ever gluten-free street food festival(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
There are plenty of food festivals going on across Wales all year round. While some intolerances and allergies are catered for, it’s often a case of missing out for many whose health depends on a gluten-free diet.
But those in and around Cardiff will be over the moon to find out that this autumn there’ll be the city’s first gluten-free festival selling street food, gluten-free brand stalls and more, with coeliac safe dishes.
Cardiff Gluten Free Festival is an independent event that will take place on Sunday, November 8 at Depot. The first round of tickets will go on sale soon with those who’ve signed up for early access able to buy them first.
There’ll be two sessions, 11:15am–1:45pm and 2:15pm–4:45pm.
Organisers say that “the aim is to create a space for the gluten-free and coeliac community to discover great food, support independent businesses and enjoy a fantastic day out in Cardiff”.
As well as gluten-free street food vendors, currently being selected, there’ll be talks and live music, as well as a space for families and kids with family-friendly activities and creative experiences.
The festival has been created, organisers say, because Wales “needed a dedicated event celebrating the coeliac and gluten-free community”.
Coeliacs and those who follow a gluten-free diet often have to be extremely prepared, check ahead or could unfortunately be subject to cross-contamination – when gluten unintentionally gets into what should be gluten-free during the preparation process.
From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What’s On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here
What is coeliac disease?
According to the NHS, coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so your body cannot properly take in nutrients.
Coeliac disease can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloating.
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereal:
Gluten is found in any food that contains those cereals, including:
pastacakesbreakfast cerealsmost types of breadcertain types of saucessome ready meals
In addition, most beers are made with barley.