A CEREMONY has been held to herald the “rising” of the Hanbury knight, and the Caerleon Festival 2014.

The flag of Owain Glyndwr was raised at the Hanbury Arms, Caerleon, yesterday, to mark the elevation of the ‘shining knight’ – popularly known as Sir Colin – to the castle tower.

Created in 2006 for the festival by Belgian Sculptor Thierry Lauwers, the knight has become symbolic said festival chairman Tim Davidson.

He said: “For far too long Colin has kept a low profile in the tower playing peek-a-boo with people crossing the Usk bridge into Caerleon. Now he is at the top of his game standing proud, defiant, belligerent.”

Rosemary Butler AM, the patron of the Caerleon Festival, was among those who attended the ceremony, along with Hanbury Arms landlord Simon Campbell, and Jill Matthews and Keiran Mott of festival sponsors Brain's Brewery. Fellow festival supporter Dylan Matthews of the Celtic Manor Resort also joined them.

The Caerleon Festival now in its 12th year will offer a diverse programme of art events throughout June and July.

This includes a production of ‘Treasure Island’ by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company at the Wheatsheaf, Llanhennock and a farmers market offering food and fun.

Festival fortnight will feature literature on the lawn with ‘meet the authors’ at the Priory Hotel, and the School Art and Music Awards at the Celtic Manor.

The Morriston Orpheus Choir ,with guest soprano Iona Jones, will perform at St Cadoc’s Church as will poet Roger McGough CBE.

Over the weekend of July 12 and 13 a free weekend of music, dance and performance will be held on Hanbury Quayside.

For more information see http://www.caerleon-arts.org/