MORE than 500 musicians in 42 marching bands descended on the streets of Abergavenny for the 31st World Jazz Band Championships.

A spectacular procession toured the town centre's Frogmore Street and Lion Street before converging at Bailey Park, the venue for the two-day competition over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Bands from across the UK competed in 37 different categories, which included best pom poms, mini mascot, marchers, music and the coveted status of best overall band.

Robert Cole, vice-president of the UK Federation of Jazz Bands which oversees the annual tournament, said he was delighted with the reception from Abergavenny.

"The level of support we have seen has been tremendous," he said. "Both the initial parade and the competition itself has had a really warm reception with hundreds turning out to watch the performers."

The annual competition, which rotates to venues in the North of England, Yorkshire, The Midlands and Wales, began in 1974 when it involved marching bands from all over the world.

At the height of its popularity in the 1970s there were 700 marching bands in the UK.

"These days we have more like 100 bands in Britain and the competition is more limited because of the expense involved in travelling overseas," said Mr Cole. "But it is still very much a strong tradition and events like this go to show how much talent and support is out there."

Mr Cole, from Neath, wished to thank Abergavenny's councillors and the Welsh Federation of Jazz Bands' regional organisers for working hard to make the event such a success.