A day of celebration marks the 65th anniversary of the handover of Cardiff Castle to the people of Cardiff

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 5, 2012

In September 1947 Cardiff Castle and the surrounding parklands were given to the people of Cardiff by the 5th Marquess of Bute (pictured above). To mark the 65th anniversary of this remarkable gift, the Castle will be taking a trip ‘Back to the 1940s’ in a special event full of nostalgia for this post-war period to be held on Sunday 9 September 10am – 5pm.

The sounds of the 1940s will drift through the Castle, with performances by the Keith Little band, a sing-a-long session of favourite songs from the era and performances by the City of Cardiff (Melingriffith) Brass Band (pic right) who actually played at the original ceremony in 1947.

Taking the leading role in a Tea Dance is Wales’ much-loved, premiere entertainer, Stan Stennett, who will be the master of ceremonies on this occasion and sure to get everyone on the dance floor with charm and humour.

Special guided tours of the Castle’s Wartime Shelters will be held, led by an ARP warden, and within the house there will be opportunity to see some rooms not usually open to the public due to conservation reasons.

A display of pre-1947 cars will set the scene and expect to see members of the Home Guard and American GI soldiers strolling through the site as staff and re-enactors get into the spirit of the time in full costume. Visitors too are encouraged to dust off their de-mob suits or ‘New Look’ dresses and come in period costume with a prize awarded for the best outfit.  There will be the chance to play a part in a 1940s radio play, advice on how to make do and mend, and activities for children include making gas mask boxes and identity cards.

Cllr Huw Thomas, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said, ‘The Castle and Bute Park are much–loved civic treasures, at the emotional heart of the city. This event is a great opportunity to acknowledge the gift by the Bute family.  Cardiff Castle Key holders and Season Ticket holders will be able to use their cards to get free admission to the Castle on this day.’

Rumour has it …The Romans are Returning to Cardiff Castle

Posted by Now Cardiff on May 14, 2012

The might of the Roman army returns to the Castle on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 May – a vivid flashback to when the site was once a Roman Fort teeming with soldiers and civilians over 2,000 years ago.

A great family weekend is promised with a series of dramatic military displays by soldiers in full authentic costume, a Roman version of ‘Ready Steady Cook’, mini – gladiator games for children and the chance to march with a Roman soldier.  Plus, everyday Roman life will be on display too with a close look at the ‘Day in the Life of a Roman Woman’ and the latest news on all the fashion trends.

With dramatic demonstrations of sophisticated fighting techniques and battle tactics, artillery and a working bolt thrower, it will be easy to appreciate how the Romans were such a formidable force and how they were able to establish control of Cardiff.

For centuries, Cardiff Castle’s Roman past remained hidden and forgotten beneath banks of earth until 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute’s workmen made an amazing discovery and uncovered the original stone wall of the Roman fort.  Such was the excitement, Lord Bute, a rich and scholarly patron, ordered that the Roman walls be reconstructed. The walls you see today surrounding Cardiff Castle mark the footprint of the Roman fort and the original stonework is clearly identified by being outlined in red sandstone.

This weekend’s event, with all its action, sights and sounds will be a great way to celebrate the legacy of the Romans at Cardiff Castle.

The Romans Return

Sat 19 May – Sun 20 May, 10am – 5pm
Cardiff Castle Grounds
Special event ticket: Adults £4.50; Seniors £3.75; Children £3 (under 5s free)
Cardiff Castle Key holders and Season Ticket holders: £2 (Adults), £1 (Children)
For full details of all Cardiff Castle events and the 2012 programme visit www.cardiffcastle.com