Comedy tribute toTommy at castle

Fez-tival of Magic and Comedy, Caerphilly Castle

CAERPHILLY’S most famous son is going to be remembered at a new Fez-tival of Magic and Comedy.

The celebratory tribute to comedian Tommy Cooper will take place today at Caerphilly Castle.

The Fez-tival is exactly 33 years after the comedian suffered a fatal heart attack on stage, on April 15, 1984.

Known for his accident-prone magic tricks, Tommy Cooper is the inspiration for the castle’s one-day event, which will celebrate the Caerphilly-born comic with an array of hilarious sketches, magic shows and even fez-making workshops.

The Fez-tival line-up features numerous comedy sets, including a special performance from local comedian Mike Reid, whose sketches are inspired by Tommy Cooper himself.

Plus, fans of Tommy Cooper, whose fez-topped statue “guards” the walls of Caerphilly Castle, will be able to peruse memorabilia on show at the castle’s Great Hall.

While Cooper is remembered by his on-stage talents, it is hoped that his legacy will also help to save lives. Visitors will be offered CPR training from Welsh Hearts. The Fez-tival runs from 11am to 4pm. Visitors will also have the chance to explore the castle grounds and meet the Cadw dragons, who will be scaring visitors at the site until May 28.

Other high points in Caerphilly Castle’s jam-packed Easter weekend include sword fighting displays, archery lessons and medieval weapon demonstrations at the castle’s Medieval Fayre tomorrow and Monday, which will transport visitors back in time to experience medieval moments.

The Fez-tival is one of a hundred events and experiences being brought to visitors through Cadw’s Live the Legends campaign, which aims to bring the country’s legends and dramatic stories to life during Visit Wales’s Year of Legends.

Visitors to Cadw sites are being encouraged to share their legendary experiences on social media by using the hashtag #LivetheLegends

For full Easter event listings, visit www.gov.wales/cadw