The Big Cheese Festival
Great Cheese Race in Caerphilly
On the last weekend in July 2013, The Big Cheese Festival takes place in Caerphilly, in the shadow of Caerphilly Castle. One of the highlights is The Great Cheese Race, when competitors have to carry a heavy Caerphilly cheese truckle round a course on a stretcher - with fancy dress an option.
The Great Cheese Race takes place on Friday, which culminates in a spectacular firework display at about 10pm - something not to be missed. This is the 16th year of the Big Cheese Festival, which is entirely free, with over 80,000 people expected to attend in 2013.
Other Events
There are plenty of other events and activities over the weekend, not least of course the chance to eat lots of cheese. There are plenty of produce stalls from all over Wales, showcasing the best in Welsh food and drink - not only cheese but wine, liqueurs, chocolate, jams and pickles, cakes, and plenty more besides.
Other activities include falconry, folk dancing, fire-eating, street entertainers, and plenty of live music too, including strolling minstrels and troubadours. On Saturday and Sunday visitors also enjoy free entry to Caerphilly Castle, which is the largest castle in Wales and the second-largest castle in the whole of Britain.
When is the Festival?
Friday-Sunday, 26th-28th July 2013.
Friday 4-10pm
Saturday-Sunday 11am-9pm
Where is the Festival?
Caerphilly is about seven miles north of Cardiff, on the north side of the M4 motorway. (If you are traveling from London here's helpful information on how to get from London to Cardiff).
The Festival is held where the green arrow is on the map below. Click on the larger map to be able to get your driving directions. You are encouraged to use the various Park and Ride schemes, as some roads around the Festival will be closed, and diversions will be in place. For current information see the Visitor Information page on the official website.
[NOTE: at the time of writing this was still showing the 2012 Festival information, but 2013 information will be available soon.]
View Larger Map
More Information
For further information contact the Visit Caerphilly Centre on 02920 880011 or visit the website: http://your.caerphilly.gov.uk/bigcheese
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