THOUSANDS of people in Gwent are expected to enjoy the Bank Holiday events, starting with the renowned Welsh Perry and Cider Festival.

The event, now in its ninth year, takes place at The Clytha Arms public house, near Raglan over four days and offers visitors the chance to sample craft perries and ciders from across Wales. It started on Friday and will run between midday and midnight from Saturday to Monday.

The Abergavenny Steam Rally in Bailey Park returns to the town on Sunday and Monday when organisers say there are more steam engines attending than ever before, together with vintage vehicles, demonstrations and craft stalls.

Highlights include the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs and the Dingle Fingle clown act. Entry is £6 adults, OAPs £3 and children under 11 go free.

In Blaenavon, a teddy bear’s picnic and train rides wil run at Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway between Saturday and Monday. Trains leave Furnace Sidings, Garn-yr-Erw every half an hour between 11am and 4pm. Tickets for the picnic are £6 adults, £3 children or £15 for a family ticket.

Youngsters in Newport can visit Tredegar House for a pirate adventure on Monday between 11am and 4pm.

Pirate games, a trail around the staterooms and a fancy dress competition will be held throughout the day. Entry is £5 for adults and children go free.

In Caldicot, a living history weekend takes place at the Castle on Saturday and Sunday. Attractions include demonstrations featuring the Freemen of Gwent and Meiblion Y Ddraig-Sons of the Dragons, talks on Medieval Welsh Archers, armour and weapons between 11am and 5pm.