TRAVEL to Caldicot Castle this Easter and turn back the hands of time. From noon until 4pm on Sunday, March 31, and Easter Monday, April 1, medieval characters will take over the castle and take it back to the Middle Ages.

Apart from medieval music and dancing, coin or candle making, leather experts and stonemasons and children's games - at 2pm each day more than a hundred members of the battle re-enactors will recreate famous medieval skirmishes, and all to the accompaniment of traditional instruments of the period like the hurdy-gurdy, recorder and harp.

The Medieval Extravaganza is organised by Monmouthshire county council's Museum Service, and admission to the castle is £3 for adults, £1.50 for children, senior citizens and disabled visitors; a family ticket costs £8.50.

A coin minter will be offering visitors the chance to mint a replica coin, and other characters from the past will be on hand to explain their traditional skills.

The country park is the setting for a medieval market selling leather goods, costumes, specialist books and decorative gifts, plus that all-important beer tent, selling medieval-style ales and flavoured meads.

Entry to the park itself is free of charge. To win a family season ticket to Caldicot Castle or a prize from the gift shop, name two of the crafts being demonstrated inside the castle. Answers on a postcard to Ian Price, c/o The South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, NP20 3QN. Usual Argus competition rules apply.