The Big Cheese Festival returns for the 18th year with over 80,000 visitors expected to attend the free event on this weekend.
The event celebrates the county borough’s history, with medieval battle re-enactments, and its current cultural vibrance with performances from local choirs to comedians and extravagant performers.
There will be over 60 food traders selling everything from pies and pasties to cheese and wine, as well as craft stalls, traders and charities raising awareness of their community work.
There will be plenty of activities for children and all the family as well as fun fair attractions and a licensed bar.
It all begins on Friday afternoon with the Great Cheese Race, musical entertainment and a fireworks display over Caerphilly Castle.
On Friday July 25 visitors will be able to make use of the park and ride from St Cenydd School between 1.30pm and 10.45pm, costing £1.50 per car.
On Saturday and Sunday there will be park and ride facilities at St Cenydd and Bedwas High School between 10am and 7.45pm.
See below for details of some of what’s going on.
Great Cheese Run opens the festival in fancy dress style
The Great Cheese Run sees teams of four people running, walking or jogging while carrying big slabs of cheese.
Children and adults can take part in the fun run that takes participants around the grounds of the castle.
Fancy dress and sponsorship is encouraged, and the run, beginning at 6.30pm, is accompanied by live music and the fun fair and followed by a magnificent fireworks display at 10pm.
There are prizes for the winners and best fancy dress and entrants receive a medal and certificate.
For information and to book your place email events@caerphilly.gov.uk.
Razor blades and comedy
The Entertainment Arena features the risqué side show performer Daniella D’Ville, who brings weird and wonderful things to her show, including razor blade swallowing and a ladder of swords.
She will perform on Saturday at 12.20pm and Sunday from 3pm while magician Mario Morris will make miraculous escapes, stunts and magic tricks.
Also performing are Suitcase Circus, who will require plenty of audience participation for his show, and comedian Mike Hancock with his show All Shook Up, which features music and magic.
Live bands all weekend long
The Music Marquee will see bands playing all weekend, beginning with Devil’s Answer, Johnny Trashed and Nu-Chant on Friday.
Saturday features Guy Maile, who plays classics from Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and blues favourites Bell and the Blue.
Lodestar rock it up a bit at 4.30pm with The Kre8ers finishing with a swing at 7pm.
On Sunday Cherry Hive play old classics to dance floor fillers and there will be performances from soloists John Lewis and Lowri Evans.
J Alexander and the Blues Devils, one of the UK’s most successful blues bands, are also on the line up.
Booze Cruise play at hall
Just one of Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall’s events is the debut performance of ‘The Booze Cruise’ by local playwright Phil Carley.
Performed by local enthusiasts, this lively one-act play (about 25 minutes in length) starts at 12pm on Saturday and Sunday with free admission.
Longshanks is history
Battle re-enactments will take place in Caerphilly Castle, ranging from 11th Century Welsh versus Saxons, to Romans and Gladiators.
There will also be a chance to have a go at longbow archery and see traditional domestic skills, such as woodcrafting and weaving.
Throw in a medieval cookery demonstration, falconry and Roman military practice for a complete medieval experience.
Welsh knights will be battling their English overlords to re-write history and overcome the brutal Longshanks at 12pm and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.