Christmas in Caerphilly

2010

Foodies will be in their element as the fayre fills Caerphilly town centre and castle with stands overflowing with seasonal produce fit for a king’s table. Visitors can browse the medieval market, full with authentic traders, or sup ale in the medieval tavern. Watch out for the pick pockets, beggars, scoundrels and thieves, join in with the hue and cry and when one is caught, it’s the stocks for them!

As the spirit of a medieval Christmas settles on Caerphilly’s unique and colourful town, there will be an abundance of attractions for visitors of all ages to see. Food and crafts stalls line the high street and castle walls, with over 120 high quality traders displaying their wares. Fun activities and entertainment will enhance the annual fayre bringing fantastic colour and excitement to Caerphilly with a special visit from Father Christmas.

Selected events

Mandrake

SAT 9.30-10.15am, 11.00-11.45am, 12.30-1.15pm, 2.00-2.45pm &
3.30-4.15pm
SUN 10.30-11.15am, 12.00-12.45pm, 1.30-2.15pm & 3.00-3.45pm

Mandrake! are serious about medieval music, and they want the power of that music to reach as wide an audience as possible. Mandrake feature twinned bagpipes, hurdy gurdy and twinned percussion. It’s an infectious and boisterous mix that is well suited to popular public events. In fully authentic medieval costume or carnival dress, led by its bagpipe divas, Mandrake! also makes a distinctive eye-catching spectacle.

Medieval Beggers

SAT 10.15am, 12.30pm & 2.45pm
SUN 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm

The Medieval Beggars are escaping from the Black Death and are in need of a few quid or even a sandwich. The End is Nigh - and having seen this lot you will believe it!

Vinney -
Fools Paradise

SAT 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

A silent clown with a gentle style, combining physical comedy, balancing feats, an array of juggling skills and uninhibited audience participation. Vinny makes the straightforward seem impossible and the seemingly impossible look easy.

Vinny is a simple fellow who is easily confused, he can't tie a shoelace and has a memory like a sieve but with a little help from his friends in the audience he is somehow able to perform astonishing feats of balance and co-ordination.

Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen Brass Band

SAT 11.00am - 1.00pm

Come and listen to some up beat christmas tunes to get your toes tapping. At the Castle Court Bandstand, Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen brass Band will be in full swing.

Santa Stuck Up The Chimney - Circus Malabaristas

SAT 11.00am, 1.15pm & 3.30pm

When Santa got stuck up the chimney he must have been in Caerphilly as he's still stuck there!!! Will he be happy or grumpy? How would you feel being stuck up a Chimney? Come to the market and find out!

Jester - Circus Malabaristas

SAT 11.30am, 1.30pm & 3.30pm
SUN 10.00am, 12.00pm & 2.00pm

With an eclectic mix of clowning, manipulation and juggling, Juan the Jester will delight and amuse the audience. Lots of laughs, Magic Boxes, shakers cups, messing around, hats, lots of public interaction and a dead daring finale on Walking Globe!

Roller Skating Robin - Circus Malabaristas

SUN 10.00am, 12.00pm & 2.00pm

Watch out as this roller skating robin whizzes past you. With its big red breast and brown fluffy feathers this robin is sure to have you chasing its tail.

Moses The Magician

SUN 11.00am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm

Amazing medieval tricks and scary stunts performed by Ozmoses the magician - will you dare to watch as his wicked and totally surreal sense of humour delivers magic, in a bewilderingly baffling fashion right under your nose.

Illuminata

FRI 5.30pm & 6.30pm
SAT 5.30pm & 6.30pm
SUN 5.30pm & 6.30pm

Free entry

As darkness falls, the Castle’s walls of the inner ward will be bathed in light for a twice nightly sound and light spectacular. Illuminata, reflects the fascinating history of this iconic stronghold.

Download the Illuminata Leaflet (pdf 675k)