COMEDIAN and singer Max Boyce is to headline a Chepstow music festival this summer.

The ever popular Castell Roc is definitely going ahead in Chepstow Castle grounds in August.

In the wake of recent disappointing cancellations of summer events in Chepstow, the week-long celebration of music will go ahead and that it will be bigger and better than ever.

Max Boyce will be joined by the world famous Treorchy Male Choir and is billed to be a fabulous offering of ‘Hymns & Arias’ on Saturday August 31.

The comedian, singer and entertainer has sold more than two million albums in a career spanning four decades, playing to full houses all around the world. He is one of the most successful and enduring entertainers in Welsh history.

But he is just one part of a festival which will celebrate local bands and which will be on the look out for up and coming singer/ songwriting talent as well as launching a battle of the bands for under 18s.

A Castell Roc spokesperson said the event would be growing for 2013.

“This year has seen a huge amount of work going on behind the scenes. We are finalising a few little things but are so pleased with the results. The festival which has always been well received will run between Saturday 24th& Saturday August 31, this year.

In addition to the annual “Castell Roc Night”, we have added extra nights to provide something special to suit everyone.”

“Max Boyce & the Treorchy Male Choir is the first Event to be announced, which we all know will be a highly entertaining show packed full of tales, songs & giggles. Max is one of those truly infectious characters that will have you in stitches.”

“Details of other Events will be released shortly, but will include some superb national & international touring shows plus the return of a long lost Chepstow favourite.

"We hope that Chepstow and the surrounding areas both enjoy and embrace these events and that Chepstow as a whole is put firmly on the map as great place to visit, enjoy & return”.

The Free Press has been named as media partners for this fantastic event and over the next few weeks we will bring you all the news of performers, ticket sales and events.

Free Press editor Nicole Garnon said: "We are delighted to give this event our support to help kick start a campaign we are also launching today to put the heart back in to Chepstow..

"The recent cancellation of the foofestival, which was promising to be such a great event. was hugely disappointing as was the news that the Steampunk Festival would also not take place this year.

Castell Roc will at least give Chepstow something to celebrate this summer."

Tickets go on sale from today from www.castellroc.co.uk or from Hannah's Music 6 Moor Street, Chepstow tel 01291 627122 (main ticket outlet ) Chepstow tourist information will also be selling tickets.