A WIDE range of events is in store for Caerleon's third Arts Festival and International Sculpture Symposium.

This year's event has a jam-packed programme including craft demonstrations, workshops, music, a film show in the Roman amphitheatre, the chance to talk to writers and the daily spectacle of sculptors transforming trees into works of art.

A record number of 120 sculptors has applied to take part in this year's event.

Ten from the UK, Poland, France, Greece, Czech Republic, Romania, Italy and India will be producing works based on their interpretations of the Roman and Celtic aspects of Caerleon's history.

There will also be an exhibition of the prize-winning entries in the third annual art competition for Caerleon schoolchildren.

There are two new dimensions to the art festival this year, cinema and books.

A film show is taking place for Saturday, July 9, with a Roman flavour and writers will show their work over the weekend.

For more information call Caerleon tourist information centre on 01633 422656 or visit www.caerleon-tourism.org.

Here is a taste of the events taking place at the festival on July 6 - 17: SUNDAY, JULY 3:

* Festival songs of praise to welcome Caerleon Arts Festival, starting 4pm at Bell Vue Inn, Bulmore Road, call 01633 420613.

EVERY DAY:

* Sculptors 10am to 6pm, except Monday, July 11.

* Blacksmith at work on the field.

* Children's art exhibition at the pavilion.

* Images of Wales by Newport Photographic Society on Maggie May, Ffwrwm

THURSDAY, JULY 7:

* Concert by Priory Singers and Isca Linea Senior Strings, St Cadoc's Church at 7pm. Tickets £5, concessions £3.

* Poets and pints evening with Bard of Newport Goff Morgan, Bell Inn.

FRIDAY, JULY 8:

* Official opening on the sculpture field at 12.30pm, with music by Caerleon Comprehensive big band.

SATURDAY, JULY 9:

* Craft demonstrations on the field, stalls and children's workshop.

* Military spectacular in Roman Amphitheatre, 11am to 5pm. Adults £4, £2 concessions, and £10 family. Call 01633 423134.

* Labyrinth Project, St Cadoc's Church, 10am to 4pm.

* Film show in the amphitheatre in the evening.

SUNDAY, JULY 10:

* On the field, demonstrations and stalls, children's craft workshop and authors' tent.

TUESDAY, JULY 12:

* Cajun Celtic Music with Boran Boran at Maggie May, Ffwrwm, 8pm. Tickets £10 including food.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13:

* Celtic music night and a chance to meet the sculptors.

THURSDAY, JULY 14:

* Jazz concert by saxophone and clarinet player Gilad Atzmon and quartet, 8pm at Celtic Manor roof garden. Tickets £12.50.

* Gwerinwyr Gwent, traditional Welsh dance at 8pm in the Bell Inn.

SATURDAY, JULY 16:

* On the field, demonstrations and stalls, children's craft workshop and authors tent.

SUNDAY, JULY 17:

* On the field, demonstrations and stalls, children's craft workshop and authors' tent.