The Caerleon FESTIVAL 2013 - 5th to 14th July

In these dark days of double dip austerity I am delighted to declare that this year’s festival – the ELEVENTH - promises to be the best yet – a box of delights bursting at the seams with entertainment, music, drama, comedy, literature and events to celebrate the 150th birthday of Caerleon born writer Arthur Machen.  Sadly, Arthur won’t be with us, but his presence will be felt as “Machenalia” grips the community.

Festival goers will have unbounded opportunities – to meet famous authors at the Priory Hotel and enjoy the final of the  All Wales Comic Verse Competition sponsored by the Tiny Rebel Brewery; to hear poet Dannie Abse in the Roman Baths; to laugh along with comic poet John Hegley in the Town Hall; to experience the magic of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in the Amphitheatre; to learn more about the mystery of Machen and walk in his footsteps; to be stirred by the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir in the Church; to sip beer and dance to the music of dozens of performers at “The Big Free” music weekend; to browse the arts and crafts market and more, so much more.

To get us in the mood there will be a “Farmers’ Market on the Common”, and Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors” at a country pub on dates leading up to the festival fortnight.

To cure post festival blues and raise our spirits in the autumn there will be gigs galore featuring entertainer Richard Digance, global guitarist Stefan Grossman, and the incomparable Belshazzar’s Feast.

So, stay alert, watch this space, follow forthcoming events and newsletter pages (see menu bar above), and don’t forget Facebook and Twitter.

Tim Davidson - Chairman

Provided with the support of: