THE capital is set to become a place where reality is turned on its head, and where the laws of physics, logic and the predictable will give way to magic, fun, invention and the surreal - as if Roald Dahl himself is at the helm.

Next weekend will see a cast of thousands of performers from across the city and jaw-dropping spectacles, to mark the centenary of the revered author and give thanks for the legacy he created.

Immerse yourself in everything from large-scale events to intimate performances - all staged across Cardiff’s streets and public spaces, in shops and arcades, at iconic buildings and parks.

Born in Cardiff, 100 years ago this September, Roald Dahl’s imagination has touched the most extraordinary number of people.

It has been part of our childhood and our children’s childhood, and the weekend is set to be a wonderful celebration of the man, his characters and his stories.

Produced by Wales Millennium Centre and National Theatre Wales, in association with The Roald Dahl Literary Estate, and led by a creative team from Wales and across the globe, Roald Dahl’s City of the Unexpected will be a world-class event worthy of a world-class writer.

On Saturday September 17, from 1pm to 9.30pm, Cardiff’s city centre will explode into the weird and wonderful world of Roald Dahl.

Look out for unexpected happenings on the streets and buildings throughout the city…but don’t be fooled, not everything is what it seems!

The day’s main event will start around 1pm and finish by 9.30pm, the locations of which will be revealed during the day.

Then, on Sunday September 18, from 10.30am to 2pm - by tickets only - pull up a chair, and listen to one of many special readings of extracts from Roald Dahl's stories in weird and wonderful spaces around the city centre.

Discover the underbelly of Cardiff's hidden secret spaces: bank vaults, castles, secret gardens, churches, worm farms and City halls filled with the spirit and stories of Cardiff's most famous storyteller Roald Dahl.

One £10 ticket gets you into two readings in strange and unusual locations around Cardiff city centre. Your readings will take place between 10.30am and 1.30pm and all locations are walking distance from Cardiff Castle.

While the locations are currently under-wraps you'll be sent all the information you need a week before the event.

From 2pm to 5pm on the same day, don your pyjamas and join us in a fabulous, free family event at Coopers Field in Bute Park

The Great Pyjama Picnic will bring together all the themes, stories, characters and cast of the weekend in a huge celebration of food, music and story.

Bring your own Roald Dahl-inspired picnic, and you’ll be in with a chance to win a competition judged by Beca Lyne-Pirkis, presenter of S4C’s Becws and former contestant on BBC One’s Great British Bake Off!

Beca will be keeping her eyes (and tastebuds) open for picnics in four categories:

Most Dahlian Picnic

Most Revolting Picnic

Most Beautiful Picnic

Most Unexpected Picnic

For more information visit cityoftheunexpected.wales