1940s WEEKEND – After a break in 2012, Skenfrith Festival returns this year on Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend kicks off with a 1940s dance in the village hall with live music provided by Kitty’s Little Big Band, with lead vocalist Kitty and her eight-piece big band sound from 7.30pm.

Doors open at 6.30pm when there will be a free dance session to get you warmed up and in the mood for the evening.

There will be a fully licensed bar and food will be on sale to keep everyone going. The hall will be decked in 40s style and everyone is invited to come along dressed in the mood for what will be a great start to the festival.

Entry is by ticket at £8 for adults, £5 for children, £20 a family ticket (two adults and two children).

Contact Jo or John Lee on 01600 750255 to reserve them.

On Saturday there will be a traditional 40s village fun day from 1.30pm.

Competitive gardeners and bakers should note that there will be a traditional produce show for vegetables, flowers and homecooked cakes, and children’s classes. Contact Anne Peacock on 01600 750434 for entry forms and details including information on the trophies on offer. Also in the hall will be teas and refreshments amid 1940s memorabilia and a running audiovisual show.

By the castle, you’ll find 1940s vehicles, re-enactors and the beer tent, with beer, cider, wine, soft drinks and Pimm’s, as well as the barbecue, along with lots of family fun and games. Look out for the inter-village tug of war contest on the Castle Meadow – come and cheer your team along.

Live music will be provided by Lilli Moore, 1940s songbird, and Skenfrith’s good friends the Widders will be dancing Morris with Attitude by the village shop.

There will also be a variety of stalls selling local produce and ice cream, and then, of course, the now famous Skenfrith duck race in the Monnow. Buy duck draw tickets now at £1 each, or on the day. Make a date for this great day of free entertainment and come along. Period dress is very welcome. All profits go to help pay the running costs of the village hall so it can remain as a focal point for community activity.