The preparations for Usk Festival are well under way for what is an ambitious 10 day event planned for this summer, 22nd June to 1st July 2012.
The Festival kicks off with the annual Duck Race. Organised by and held at Usk Atheletic Club, this family event is one of the Towns summer favourites.
Over the first weekend of the Festival, one of Usks most prestigious annual events, Usk Open Gardens takes centre stage.
When the gardens are put to bed, there is Usk PTFAs Treasure Hunt to look forward to, whilst you can end the evening with live music, as Doc and the Rev belt out some classics at The InBetween in Bridge Street.
On Sunday evening you can celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk, barbeque and live music from Lounging About at the Usk Rural Life Museum as part of Monmouthshire Walking Festival.(more details on this www.walkinginmonmouthshire.org)
Thoughout the week, starting on Sunday, Wales are in Minor County Cricket action at Usk Cricket Club, you can catch Usk Youth Brass Band in workshop on Monday and enjoy a traditional afternoon Tea Dance at Usk Royal British Legion on Tuesday.
On Thursday, you can enjoy a leisurely daytime walk with Usk Conservation and Environmental Society, join the Scouts for a Camp Fire Sing Song at 6.30pm and from 8pm those two aristocrats of British Jazz, Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball take to the Festival stage with a two hour show of anecdotes and classic Live Jazz (Tickets 01291 672207)
On Friday 29th, John Lawsons Circus pitch their Big Top on the Market Field for three days of dazzling live Circus perfomances, and later, fans of Johnny Cash can enjoy a live tribute band at The Castle Inn in Twyn Square. Saturday 30th June sees Diabolical Drama take to the stage at the Royal British Legion with their show "Oooh La La", and Usks own The Zone play Live at the Cross Keys in Bridge Street. We are back to the Legion on Sunday to round off the Festival with a promised "Mega Quiz".
Throughout the week you can enjoy the gardens of Usk Castle, and take a stroll through thier Sculpture Garden, whilst Usk Gliding Club are offering bookable towed flights over Usk every evening till Dusk. Oh, and look out for the Tanks!, when the Tank Driving Scool comes to Town.
Whilst this already sounds like something for everyone,it really is only what has been confirmed at the time of writing. Events are being added daily and you would be well advised to follow the updates on twitter @usksummerfest, or on the website www.uskfestival.co.uk
David Sansom
The Old Chapel, Twyn Square, Usk NP15 1BH 01291 672207
