Beers, bikes, Romans and rambles in Wales

When: 11th January 2014

Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, Wales

£: Contact Green Events for entry fees, times and venues

What is it?

On 11th January Llanwrtyd Wells will be turning Roman as they celebrate Saturnalia, the major annual festival of the Romans held in December or January each year.  The festival was known for its unrestrained merry-making when slaves were temporarily released and reversed roles with their masters and enjoyed Bacchanalian frolics and fun.

The first of this year’s special events in Llanwrtyd Wells is the Saturnalia Beer Festival which will have an array of winter warmer ales, as well as special foods from Roman recipes such as Lumbuli Assi Ita Fiunt, which is roast stuffed testicles to you and me!  For those feeling guilty about drinking so much beer just after Christmas, fear not.  There will be a Saturnalia Real Ale Ramble taking in the routes of old Roman roads with the added bonus of free ale at certain check points.

The second event taking place to celebrate Saturnalia is the World MTB Chariot Racing Championships.  Green Events will be offering you the chance to become a world champion, and all you have to do is pedal your mountain bike the fastest.

For the championships, competitors race against each other and the clock to determine the 2014 winner.  Special chariots built using traditional Roman mild steel, vulcanised rubber and welding techniques have been commissioned for the event.  These special chariots are designed to be pulled by two mountain bikes and to win teams will have to demonstrate exceptional skill and coordination to beat their challengers.  The event is open to teams of three people made up of two riders and one charioteer. Competitors must be over the age of 16 years.

More info: www.green-events.co.uk/events and www.green-events.co.uk