THE 2002 month long Chepstow Festival crams in more than one hundred events.
This year's highlights include international mime artist Nola Rae, Stacey Kent – winner of the 2001 Best Vocalist at the British Jazz Awards – Liverpool poet Roger McGough, comedy from Ross Noble and Sarah Kendall, folk from the Oysterband and a major historical spectacular held in Chepstow Castle.
Most of the Festival events are put on by people within the community and is a great showcase for the talent that exists. This is the eighth Festival and there really is something for everyone.
For the kids there is a wildlife roadshow, a mini-fest, storytelling and a rave for teenagers. Family events include street entertainment, Rock in the Dell, and the Festival Finale with brilliant fireworks.
There will be plenty of inspiration for art lovers with loads of workshops, craft fairs, a painting competition and a chance to buy at the best of local art.
Theatre-goers have a wealth of choice with a mini Shakespeare Festival, Chaucer's bawdy 'Canterbury Tales' and a rip-roaring 'She Stoops to Conquer.'
All musical tastes are catered for with jazz, classical, opera, folk, popular songs and music with a Jubilee theme as well as brass bands at the bandstand.
Get to know Chepstow with town walks and local rambles along the Wye and for a taste of the area there is a chance to buy local produce from the Farmers' Markets.
The Festival runs from this Friday until July 28. Programmes are available from the Ticket Office in Bank Square, Chepstow, telephone 01291 625391, or visit the website chepstowfestival.co.uk for details.