The Caerphilly Big Cheese is back this weekend (26th-28th July) promising to be bigger and cheesier than ever.
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Set in the shadows of Caerphilly Castle, the second largest Castle in Britain, this annual FREE festival brings together local and regional Welsh food & drink producers in one of the largest travelling food halls in the country. With a dedicated cheese market featuring quality cheese producers from all over the country.
A popular event with families, there are designated picnic areas on the event site for you to relax with your blankets and hampers, and take in the event’s atmosphere.
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Entertainment is the life and soul of the festival with live music acts, choirs and dancers. Caerphilly Castle is transformed into a medieval encampment with re-enactment displays and battles. See what medieval life was like within the Castle walls and watch the villagers as they go about their daily tasks.
A huge traditional funfair is open throughout the festival along with many craft stalls lining the Castle’s moat. Children’s activities are plentiful with animal encounters, crafts, educational experiences and much more.
Download the Big Cheese festival guide here.
Frequently Asked Questions
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[accordion title=”1. What are the event opening hours?” load=”hide”]Friday 26th July 3pm – 10pm
Saturday 27th July 10am – 9pm
Sunday 28th July 10am – 8pm[/accordion]
[accordion title=”2. Are dogs allowed? ” load=”hide”]Yes dogs are allowed to The Big Cheese, however they are not permitted inside marquees, the beach or the funfair areas. Guide dogs have no restricted access.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”3. What days will the stalls be there? ” load=”hide”]The stalls will be open on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July only.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”4. Is there a Park & Ride? ” load=”hide”]Yes. A Park & Ride service will operate from St Cenydd School and Bedwas High School on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July, 10am – 8pm and will cost £5 per car.
In addition to the Park & Ride services listed above, there will also be a Park & Walk facility at Y Gwyndy School on Pontygwindy Road on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July, 10am – 8pm and will cost £5 per car.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”5. Are there free buses within the county borough to the Big Cheese this year? ” load=”hide”]Unfortunately, due to ongoing budget constraints, the council has taken the difficult decision to withdraw the free bus service to the Big Cheese Festival in Caerphilly. We would encourage visitors to take advantage of the good public transport links that are available into the town centre and the event site. The council would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
View the Stagecoach Live Bus Route Finder – https://www.stagecoachbus.com/maps
Visit Transport For Wales for train times & tickets – https://tfwrail.wales/[/accordion]
[accordion title=”6. Is there a charge to enter the event?” load=”hide”]The event is FREE to enter to all weekend.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”7. Do I need to pay to enter Caerphilly Castle?” load=”hide”]No, Caerphilly Castle is free to enter on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”8. What time are the fireworks? ” load=”hide”]The fireworks start at 10pm on Friday 26th July and last for approx. 10 minutes.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”9. What time is the Great Cheese Race? ” load=”hide”]The race starts at 6.30pm on Friday 26th July.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”10. What time does the funfair open to the general public on Friday? ” load=”hide”]The funfair opens at 3pm and closes at 10pm on Friday 26th July.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”11. When are the funfair rides half price?” load=”hide”]Between 3pm and 6pm on Friday 26th July only.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”12. What time is the entertainment? ” load=”hide”]All entertainment and re-enactment programmes are available to view on the website under ‘Castle & Music Entertainment’ here www.bigcheesecaerphilly.co.uk.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”13. Is alcohol allowed? ” load=”hide”]No alcohol can be brought onto The Big Cheese event site. Security will monitor all entrances and ensure alcohol is removed from any visitors bringing in alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased for onsite consumption from the onsite bar and drunk in the designated bar drinking area only.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”14. What facilities do you have?” load=”hide”]Toilets are located at both ends of the site, including disabled access toilets. A lost children tent is located on site with baby changing and feeding facilities.[/accordion]
[accordion title=”15. Is there a cash point?” load=”hide”]Cash points are located on Cardiff Road in Caerphilly town centre, just a short 5 minute walk away.[/accordion]
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