WHAT A WEEKEND it has been in Gwent.

For anyone looking for something to do on either Saturday or Sunday then what a choice they had and what a shot in the arm for the local economy.

The culmination of the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling saw thousands turn out to enjoy what was a fantastic sporting spectacle.

And what an event it was, attracting the crème de la crème of cycling to race in Monmouthshire.

Throughout the whole week people have enjoyed all sorts of cycling events, bringing hordes of visitors to Abergavenny and beyond.

And with the council going all out to promote the county as a cycling destination, hosting the National Road Championships and doing it so well, is likely to augur well for the future.

And that will have a real benefit for the area’s economy with the potential to really boost tourism in this part of Wales.

In Blackwood the decision to create a beach in town and fill the High Street with stalls and attractions brought out crowds of cheering people.

Meanwhile over in Blaenavon, the annual celebration of the town’s status as a World Heritage site likewise attracted people.

Chepstow and Usk are both currently hosting their summer festivals.

A fun-packed weekend celebrating our towns large and small, potentially leading to longer-lasting benefits.