THE Caerleon Arts Festival was a hailed a “huge success” by its chairman, as the ten-day event drew to close yesterday.

Now in its 11th year, the festival marked 150 years since the birth of Caerleon-born writer Arthur Machen.

It was spread across four different sites including Hanbury Field, Hanbury Arms and quarry, the Priory and the Bell Inn.

Activities and events on the last day included wood exhibitions and an All-Wales Comic Verse competition.

Yesterday, Brian Long was declared the winner after impressing a panel of judges, led by Goff Morgan.

Mr Long claimed the £500 first prize with second place and £300 going to Nina Beake.

Pam Cocchiara finished third and won £200.

Tim Davidson, chairman of Caerleon Arts, said: “It has been highly successful. The weather has been glorious, which always helps. The Shakespeare night in the amphitheatre was a huge success and the most popular night we’ve ever had. There must have been more than 300 people there. Generally, it has been well-attended across all four sites. It’s been a huge success.”

Mr Davidson said around 2,000 people soaked up the sights and sounds of the festival over the ten days.

The festival’s last day featured an arts and crafts display, with two benches being used on the public footpath in Caerleon, and another to be sold at auction towards the Caerleon Arts fund.

This year’s ‘Meet the Authors’ included Phil Carradice, Grant Sutherland, Jasper Fforde and Prof Bernard Knight.

Rosie Smith, 37, of Caerleon, said: “I’ve been coming to this event for years, but never seen it so lively”.

Dylan Travis, 29, added: “It’s mostly the weather, but I think they’re putting on more of a showfor a wider audience now as well. Long may it continue”.