FINAL preparations are being put in place ahead of this year's Castell Roc festival.

The festival will be held at Chepstow Castle on seven nights later this month.

Over the past three years, it has grown into one of the biggest entertainment events in the town and hosts famous acts to major tribute acts.

The South will kick off the festival on Thursday, August 21 and will be supported by Gwent band The Belgians, who have reformed especially for the event. And two other Gwent performers, Rob & John, will be performing on guitar and saxophone when gates open at 6.30pm.

Heavy rock fans are accommodated the next night, on Friday, August 22, when Iron Maiden tribute band Hi On Maiden play at the castle as part of their Playing With Madness tour. Other local bands Echo Bandits and Oscan will also be playing.

Other performers include The Wurzels on Friday, August 29.

Rhydian, who rose to fame as the runner-up on the fourth series of the X Factor in 2007, will perform the last concert on Saturday, August 30.

The festival will also hold arts and crafts stalls by Winds of Time which will be available from 4pm before every concert. All proceeds for the stalls will be donated to Children in Need, this year’s chosen charity.

For more information and for more acts visit castellroc.co.uk.