Viral food vendor Spudman, known for his jacket potatoes, has announced he will appear at Cardiff's Winter Wonderland 2026. The Christmas event opens on Thursday, November 12, and runs until Sunday, January 3, 2027.
Ben Newman, who runs a jacket potato business in Tamworth, has gained 4.2 million followers on TikTok since joining during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fans travel worldwide to try his potatoes, and both Ryan Reynolds and Queen Camilla have eaten them.
Spudman's Cardiff announcement
In a TikTok video, Spudman said: "Middle of October, I need to do a Christmas announcement. Let's get a special guest on." He then appeared in a Father Christmas costume and said: "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Spudmas! Spudman's got me here to help announce where he's going for his Christmas market. I hope all you boys and girls in Wales have been good, cause we're coming to Cardiff! See you in Cardiff!"
He added: "12th of November to the 3rd of January, Cardiff Winter Wonderland! I have been so excited to tell you all about this, I have been keeping it inside. Cardiff, we are on our way!"
Fan reactions and event details
Social media users shared their excitement. One said: "Finally. I’ve been begging you to come to Cardiff for a couple of years." Another added: "Excited to welcome you to Wales." A third said: "Omg I have been waiting for you to come this way. so excited finally !! Hope i get to meet you!!!"
Cardiff's Winter Wonderland will be hosted at Cardiff Castle and City Hall Lawn. Site admission is free, but tickets are needed for attractions like the funfair, giant wheel, and ice skating rink. Cardiff Castle will feature ice skating, an ice walk, the Tafarn bar, food and drink, and entertainment, with curling making its debut this year. Accessible skating sessions and a beginners' rink will be available.
City Hall Lawn will include the giant wheel, family fairground rides, food and drink outlets, and entertainment. The two-storey Sur La Piste – Ski Lodge Bar is also returning, offering mulled wine and hot chocolate in rustic wooden booths.
The attraction remains closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Organisers recommend checking ahead before travelling.
