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Festival Of Air

@ In and around the town of Monmouth Various, see detailed information

Monmouth celebrates her famous son and fresh country air.

For a quick overview have a look at "Whats on 2010" for a month by month account of what the festivals of Monmouth are planning to commemorate the centenary of the death of Charles Rolls.

Any festival or event held each year in and around Monmouth Town was invited to add an extra dimension to its activities to celebrate the fresh air of Monmouth and commemorate the anniversary of the death of Charles Rolls. From Febrary to October you will find many different chances to join in the fun, from hot air balloon glows, to aerial displays, pageants, processions and pyrotechnics.

Monmouth Museum will launch a whole year of celebration with the opening of a new exhibition entitled ... "So Why Not?" The exhibition title is taken from a comment made to a journalist by Charles Rolls on the eve of the flying competition at which he was killed. "All good engineering calls for casualties, so - why not? It was once my ambition to arrive at the Golden Gates on wheels,now wings...." Based upon the Monmouth Museum collections of Rolls family material, the exhibition will illustrate Charles Rolls's background as youngest son of the wealthy Victorian land-owners at the Hendre near Monmouth, and his close involvement in the early days of motoring and flying.

His premature death in July 1910 at the controls of his Wright bi-plane, the first British casulalty of aeroplane flight, followed soon after he made the first non-stop, two way crossing of the English Channel bt aeroplane, and six years after he teamed up with Henry Royce to develop and sell the most famous car in the World.

'Rolls 2010' Family Activity Programme at the museum is supported by Rolls-Royce plc. A series of 'hands-on', drop-in activities, ideal for family participation, is planned for the following dates: * Saturday 13th February - Open Day 11am-4pm * Thursday 8th April - (Easter Holidays) - 11am - 1pm. 2pm -4pm * Thursday 3rd June (Half Term) - 11am-1pm. 2pm-4pm * Saturday and Sunday 10th & 11th July Charles Rolls Commemoration Weekend 11am-4pm each day * Summer Holidays 11am-4pm every Thirsday from 22nd July to 26th August * Thursday 28th October (Half Term) 11am-4pm Further details from the museum, booking may be nexcessary for some activities, all children to be accompanied by an adult. 01600 710630

Monmouth Womens Festival in March Border Counties Steam & Vintage Show in May The Rolls Revue in June July and August are the busiest months with pageants, art exhibitions, Rolls Royce owners rally (120 cars), balloon glow and fireworks, all part of Monmouth Festival, Carnival and Agricultural Show as well as a commemorative drive and fly by at the statue in Agincourt Square on 12th July with church services in Llangottock and Monmouth town. The end of the summer will be marked with a Rolls Walk as part of Monmouths first walking festival. For more information on each of these events visit Whats on Page on the Festival Of Air Website