Spreading information about the forthcoming National Eisteddfod has taken a rather eggscentric turn…

Monmouthshire County Council is planning a series of Eisteddfod Easter egg hunts across the county, including a chance to find a range of eggs featuring information about the festival.

Usk’s so-called Egg-steddfod is taking place at the town’s castle between 3pm and 7pm on March 26 (Easter Saturday). The event features an egg hunt, Easter bonnet parade, egg and spoon race, Easter crafts, face painting, story time, an opportunity to get close to rabbits and Easter chicks as well as tours of the garrison tower and a disco. Tickets are available from the Green Flute Café adjacent to the town’s museum and cost £5 – under 2s go free.

Raglan Castle stages its annual Medieval Easter celebrations from Saturday March 26 to Easter Monday, with an Easter egg hunt and a range of family friendly activities - archery, falconry, medieval characters, face painting and lots more!

Children’s TV favourite Mike the Knight will be making knightly appearances at intervals on Saturday from 11am–4pm.

There’s also an Easter egg hunt planned at White Castle near Abergavenny on Easter Sunday, with an event running from 11am to 4pm.

For information about other Egg-steddfod events in the county see visitmonmouthshire.com

Various activities are also planned in Monmouthshire’s four leisure centres over the holidays. These include MonLeisure Easter Sport Camps – a full day full of fun and sport for 8-14yrs - as well as Girl’s CAN Camps, where girls can enjoy a range of activities including netball, dance, swimming, multi sports and nail painting. Contact your local centre for information and to book a place (Abergavenny Leisure Centre 01873 735360).

Councillor Phil Hobson, cabinet member with responsibility for the Welsh Language said, “The National Eisteddfod appeals to all ages so this Easter we hope to engage Monmouthshire’s young people in fun activities across the county. The Egg-steddfod events are just a few of many taking place in Monmouthshire in the approach to the National Eisteddfod to be held in Abergavenny’s Castle Meadows from July 29 to August 6. I hope people will enjoy and make the most of these opportunities.”

For further details on the 2016 Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod visit monmouthshire.gov.uk/eisteddfod