Friday 24th
6.15pm - Great Cheese Race
7pm - 10pm - Main Music Stage
10pm - Firework Display
Sat 25th & Sun 26th
from 11:00am - The Big Cheese Entertainment programme includes: Reenactment displays, musical entertainment, educational activities, food hall, craft stalls, activity marquee, Tommy Cooper tent, traditional funfair plus lots more.
What was on 2008
visitCaerphilly
Telephone: (029) 2088 0011
E-mail: tourism@caerphilly.gov.uk
RE-ENACTMENT ARENA
The Big Cheese 2008 - TimetableThe town of Caerphilly has a rich historical past and was first utilised for its strategic location by the Romans who built a fort on the present site of the Castle. The fort established a link between the important auxiliary forts of Gelligaer and Caerleon. Caerphilly Castle, the towns most famous attraction was built by the Normans and occupied during the early and late medieval periods.
The Castle will host a variety of interactive living history encampments and reenactment displays illustrating the many different periods of Welsh history.
Y Cantref Breiniol
Sat 26th - 11am, 2:45pm & 5:00pm
Sun 27th - 11am, 2:45pm & 5:00pm
A battle Re-enactment society which attempts to recreate the early Middle Ages, primarily the 10th and 11th Centuries. Britain at this period was influenced by many different cultures. Saxon, Viking and Norman being the most commonly portrayed. The local group Y Cantref is the Cardiff based branch of Regia Anglorum. They typically represent the native Britons of the period, who the Saxons named ‘Welsh’.
Black Mountain Falconry
Sat 26th - 1:15pm & 3:30pm
Sun 27th - 1:15pm & 3:30pm
Watch, spellbound, as these magnificent creatures soar over the heads of the audience at frightening speed, or watch hawks, owls and falcons close up and talk to experienced falconers about these wonderful birds of prey.
Knights of Longshank
Sat 26th - 11:45am & 2:00pm
Sun 27th - 11:45am & 2:00pm
Watch Welsh Knights throw down the gauntlet and do battle with their English overlords. Explore the Knight's encampment and witness how they lived on campaign. Talk to the Knights and try their armour and weapons for size. Visit the Apothecary and experience medieval medicine in all its glory.
Company of Chivalry
Sat 26th - 12:30pm
Sun 27th - 12:30pm
The Company of Chivalry specialises in re-enactment events portraying medieval life in the turbulent 14th century. See knights, soldiers & peasantry in period costume displaying their arms, armour and other artefacts. The 'Company of Chivalry' was formed in 1988 by a group of people from all walks of life with a love of Medieval England in common.
Siege Engine Firings
Sat 26th & Sun 27th
12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
The mighty medieval siege engines, reconstructed from original drawings, will unleash their awesome destructive power on the Castle. There will also be an opportunity for visitors to learn from the experts on how the 'engines of war' sent the medieval equivalent of super missiles and smart bombs to smash and burn those under siege into submission.
Theatre of Alchemy
Sat 26th & Sun 27th
Meet our splendid examples of young European dragons. These delightful creatures are hand tame though inclined to be somewhat mischievous! Our two dragon handlers love to go on walkabout through the crowd creating animated encounters with people (dogs, crows, ferrets etc!) of all ages.
Pole-lathe Turner
Sat 26th & Sun 27th
Watch the talents of experienced woodsman Maurice Clother, a traditional Pole Lathe Turner as he demonstrates his ancient craft and produces delicate and beautifully worked items.
Longbow Archery
Sat 26th & Sun 27th
A chance for youngsters to try their hand at holding the medieval longbow and feeling its power. Experienced bowmen will be on hand throughout the day to show the deadly strength and accuracy of this fearsome weapon.
Basketweaving Workshops
Sat 26th & Sun 27th
Watch the skills of the traditional basket weaver, or even try your hand at this ancient craft.