The 8th Caerleon Summer Arts Festival has now drawn to a close.  It was a great success and a major contribution to Newport's 2010 celebrations.  The range of events was comprehensive - the schools art awards - art by young people;  music of all kinds for all ages - classical, Celtic choir, folk, rock and brass; drama, literature and poetry; dance both traditional and exotic; exhibitions by craftsman;  and sculpting by artists from home and abroad.  There was something for everyone.  The quality of the events and the performers was better than ever.   Support from the community was greater than ever.  Summer prevailed. 
 
The festival has become part of the community calendar and its worth reminding ourselves of its features:
 
* created by you - volunteers from the community for the community
* non commercial - no-one gets paid (except the artists)
* made possible by sponsorship - funding, providing services, giving of time - and fundraising
* promotes all of the arts
* local yet international 
* brings artists to the community yet ...
* promotes local talent
* encourages people to showcase their talent
* encourages young people to appreciate the arts
* promotes events all year round at locations around the village culminating in the summer festival
* promotes Caerleon and Newport and celebrates Caerleon's unique historical and legendary heritage
* provides public art - this year storytelling chairs will be placed in the Roman Museum and local schools, and most importantly ...
* gives people the opportunity to enjoy themselves.  
 
Reflecting on this year and previous years we can draw great satisfaction from what has been achieved.
 
Looking to the future - a time of severe financial constraints -  funding - always a problem- poses an even bigger challenge than before - ironically at a time when support for the festival is probably greater than ever. 
  
In the meantime, we hope our readers; patrons and supporters will enjoy the rest of the summer and ...keep watching this space!

p.s. Don't forget to join us at our Facebook page (see link on right), sign up to our mailing list (see link on left), and keep in touch with the News & Events page - where we'll keep you up to date with activities in and around Caerleon over the coming year. And if you have any suggestions for the website please drop us a line (you'll find us on the Contacts & Links page)

Tim Davidson, Chair of the Festival Committee