MONMOUTH is going to be all up in the air this summer, with a series of events celebrating one of its favourite sons, aviation and motor pioneer Charles Rolls.

This year marks the centenery of the death of the third son of Lord and Lady Llangattock, whose ancestral home was at The Hendre.

Rolls is probably best known for his motoring exploits, culminating in his co-founding the Rolls Royce Company with Henry Royce in 1904. But from 1907 until his tragic death at an air show in Bournemouth in July 1910 his passion was for flying.

Off Centre Theatre's 'Rolls Revue' (Monmouth Girls' School, Tuesday June 1 to Saturday June 5) provides a light-hearted look at his life and times in the form of an Edwardian entertainment, with comedy sketches, mimes, music and dance routines linked by historical figures of the era.

As part of Monmouth Festival (Sunday July 25) the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club is staging a rally in the town, where scores of lovingly maintained Rolls Royce cars will be on display at Monmouth showground before leading the carnival procession through the streets and heading out to The Hendre.

During Festival week (Saturday July 24 to Sunday August 1) an art exhibition at Dixton Church entitled 'Flights of Fantasy', features a mix of art and nature/science based events centred on flight, including an art competition for local primary schools.

Before turning his attentions to flying Rolls had taken a keen interest in hot air balloons (he made more than 170 ascents) and the development of airships.

The Festival finale features a kite display and spectacular 'balloon glow' at Monmouthshire showground (Sunday August 1) with eight hot air balloons dancing to music and fireworks.

The centenary celebrations then move on to Monmouth Show (Thursday August 26) marking the event's close links with the Rolls family through exhibition, pageant, display and competition, including an aerial display by vintage aircraft,

The show will also feature a Pageant of the Horse presented by the Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies.

Later in the year there will be a 'Rolls of Monmouth walk' (Monday October 25) as part of Monmouth Walking Festival (http://www.walkinginmonmoutshire.co.uk">www.walkinginmonmoutshire.co.uk).