03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Caerleon Festival in full swing this month from July 3
The music will follow what has been billed as a 'light-hearted opening ceremony.'
The vibrant ten-day event is a celebration of arts, music, literature, drama, dance, crafts throughout the famous Roman town and birthplace of fantasy novelist, Arthur Machen.
Now in its 23rd year, the festival brings together artists, volunteers, schools, and local businesses to produce a midsummer festival of fun and culture.
The town will use its historic settings and events will take place in the iconic Roman Amphitheatre, as well as St Cadoc's Church, Priory Hotel's lawn, the town hall, as well as pubs and open fields.
Highlights of the ten-day event include Shakespeare in The Amphitheatre, with a performance of As You Like it, choirs, visual arts and more.
There will also be comedy tributes, with actor Joe Rooney performing a Father Ted celebration at St Cadoc's Church, Monday, July 7. Joe Roony played Father Damian in the cult comedy.
Another attraction is From Page the Stage, a celebration of musicals that have been inspired by classic novels. The event promises to be a musical journey that will include Le Miserables and West Side Story.
Many of the events are free and some are ticketed. You can choose formal and more informal events, depending on whether you want to listen to writers in conversation or dance and sing along to music.
The Festival's Tim Davidson has said: 'Whether you are into Shakespeare under the stars, open-air music, conversation about literature or regional crafts, come and see what the Caerleon has to offer. '
The official dates of the festival run from July 3 to July 13.
