The Festival of British Archaeology has come of age this year and an event at Nevern Castle, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, celebrates it with all the fun of the fair.

Twelfth century games, an archaeological treasure chest for children and a tour of the castle remains are on offer at the free event on Saturday July 16th.

It is one of many events across Wales organised by Cadw as part of the Festival of British Archaeology, which was launched by the Council for British Archaeology 21 years ago.

Nevern Castle, owned by Nevern Community Council, displays some of largest earthworks of a timber castle in west Wales, and was founded and rebuilt by the Normans and in part by the great Welsh lord, Rhys ap Gruffydd.

An archaeological dig has just taken place on site in the third summer of a partnership project between Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Dyfed Archaeological Trust, Dr Chris Caple of the University of Durham, student volunteers and Nevern Community Council.

At Saturday’s festival event, Park Authority Archaeologist Pete Crane and Phil Bennett will be giving tours to explain the short and colourful history of the castle and the finds that have been unearthed during the dig.

In 2009 during the summer dig, a medieval slate board was discovered – thought to be a form of the ancient game of Nine Men’s Morris.

There will be a chance to play a version of the game at Saturday’s event.

Polly Groom, Cadw regional inspector of ancient monuments, said: “The Festival of British Archaeology is all about bringing people into contact with their local archaeology. We want people to have fun, to get inspired and to get their hands dirty.”

Cadw has organised the festival events in partnership with the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts — Clwyd-Powys (CPAT), Dyfed (DAT), Glamorgan-Gwent (GGAT) and Gwynedd (GAT) — and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW).

For more information about Nevern Castle, including a new MP3 audio trail of the site, log onto www.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk or www.neverncastle.com.

The Festival of Archaeology runs from July 16th to July 31st. For details of historic sites, visits to archaeological excavations and guided walks visit http://festival.britarch.ac.uk/whatson.