A TOWN is set to turn back the clock for the return of a popular Victorian festival - although organisers have experienced a difficult year due to a dip in funding.

The Victorian Festival is back in Llandrindod Wells from August 19 to 25.

It starts on the Monday when ‘Queen Victoria’ will arrive at Llandrindod Wells Railway Station, direct from Osborne House, to be met by the town’s dignitaries before heading by cavalcade to Temple Gardens at around midday.

The week will feature a series of events every day, including a costumed tea dance at the Hotel Commodore on Tuesday, children’s fancy dress as characters from Victorian novels on Wednesday afternoon and a Victorian etiquette ball on the Saturday night.

Also among the highlights will be a Night of Gothic Horror in the company of Gerald Dickens on the Tuesday night, various stalls and attractions in Temple Gardens throughout the week, and the Andrew Holmes Funfair, also in the gardens on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

It culminates on Sunday night with a torchlight procession from Temple Gardens shortly after 8.30pm and a fireworks display at 9.15pm.

Although there is a full programme this year, festival organiser Christopher Hartley says it is becoming increasingly difficult for the committee to find funding, and as a result next year’s event might be shortened.

Mr Hartley said: “We’ve got lots of entertainment on for every day.

“It’s been a very difficult year as this is the first time in 38 years that we have not had a grant from Powys County Council but we have managed to pull it together.

“People complain about the festival but they also complain if we don’t have it.

“Next year we might just be down to four days if we include the Bank Holiday.

“But we did receive a £1,000 grant from Llandrindod Wells Town Council for the fireworks display.”

Mr Hartley said anyone looking to join the committee to help with organising the 2020 event can make contact by sending an e-mail admin@victorian-festival.co.uk or by telephoning 01597 825012.

For the full programme of this year’s Victorian Festival events and admission prices, visit www.victorian-festival.co.uk