We are not aiming to make Caerleon great again – no need. We are claiming it’s the place to be from July 7 to 16!
It starts on Friday 7 with Shakespeare in the magnificent setting of the Roman Amphitheatre – a comedy by popular demand – The Merry Wives of Windsor, a story of marriage, wealth, jealousy and lies. Sir John Falstaff, staying at Windsor and down on his luck, decides to restore his fortunes by seducing the wives of two wealthy citizens. He sends identical love letters to both. “I will be cheater to them both, and they shall be exchequers to me…” What could possibly go wrong? Find out, come along and enjoy refreshments on site provided by the Priory Hotel (Prosecco, bottled beers and buffet food). The Monmouthshire and Newport Community Choir will serenade with songs prior to the performance.
“Literature on the Lawn” of the Priory Hotel on Saturday 8 offers a programme packed with interest. TV presenter Adrian Masters will be in conversation with authors all day – including Kate Hamer, Derek John, Tom Bullough, and performance poets Patrick Jones and Atilla the Stockbroker will amuse and entertain in the evening.
Monday 10 is something special – BASQUE DAY – a day of international significance marking the 80th anniversary to the day of the arrival in Caerleon of 56 Basque children fleeing the Spanish Civil War. Why did they come? What happened to them? Eddie Butler, acclaimed TV presenter, Hywel Davies, author, Carmen Kilner, Secretary of the Basque Children of ’37 Association and others will help us answer those questions with film, presentations, discussions, exhibition of memorabilia – all in the Festival Marquee on the lawn of the Priory Hotel. Basque food and entertainment with a Basque flavour will follow in the evening with duo NA-MARA giving a concert that will include songs directly related to the Basque refugees.
On Wednesday 12 there is a welcome return of the world famous Morriston Orpheus Choir to St Cadoc’s Church – this time with tenor soloist Robert Lewis. In sharp contrast a big band performs at The Bell Inn on Friday 14 – “The Collective”, a dynamic 17 piece, will deliver a wide-ranging repertoire powered by an amazing rhythm section.
Throughout the Festival bands both plugged and unplugged will perform in pubs too numerous to mention. The climax will be the now traditional “Big Free” weekend on both banks of the River Usk – the Hanbury Quayside, the Bell, and on the Festival Field with live music from 45 bands/performers, arts/crafts, sculpture and exhibitors.
The facts speak for themselves – Caerleon is the place to be.
Visit the website for full details and ticket information.
The 15th Caerleon Festival
Caerleon Village
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