INDIE folk rockers Rusty Shackle stormed the castle in their biggest ever home town gig.

And the six-piece band have labelled their sell-out Caldicot Castle show “a milestone” moment in their seven-year career.

Band member Scott McKeon said: “We have been lucky enough to travel and play at some of the most iconic venues and festivals around the UK.

“But this huge sell out gig in our hometown feels like a major milestone and is particularly poignant for us.

“It just shows how much our hometown of Caldicot has supported us on our journey.”

The festival vibes continued after the Friday, July 14, show as many fans camped in the country park afterwards.

The group are made up of Liam Collins, Baz Barwick, Owen Emmanuel, Ryan Williams and brothers Scott and James McKeon, and combine guitars, fiddle, banjo, bass, mandola, trumpet, tenor guitar and tight vocal harmonies.

Rusty Shackle were joined by special guests The Apple Tree Theory and Siôn Russell Jones on the night.

And fans hailed their performance on social media, Claire Thomas posting: “Awesome gig for a first night out since having a baby and u played Thinking (our wedding song).”

Carol White added: “What an amazing awesome night, never felt so much love in a crowd of strangers, still buzzing, all our luv guys,” while Rachael Collins wrote: “Wow indeed! The best performance ever from the Shackle.” 

Nick Harris said: “Absolutely amazing performance lads! I’ve been to loads of gigs this year and this has got to be up there as one of the best!”

And Liz Lawrie-Meddins added: “Awesome! My son Xander loved seeing his penny whistle teacher!”

The venue is run by Monmouthshire County Council, and cabinet member with responsibility for innovation, enterprise and leisure, Cllr Bob Greenland, said: “It has a been a night of Monmouthshire at its best – amazing local bands, born and bred in the county, supported by a local crowd in the amazing Caldicot Castle Country Park.

“This reinforces our belief that Monmouthshire – it’s more than the place, it’s the people.”

But the band don’t have much time to rest, with a busy summer of festival gigs lined up in Sidmouth, Winchester, Shrewsbury, Wallingford, Bromyard and Hull.