MONMOUTH FESTIVAL July 30 - August 7

Nine days of free musical concerts, street entertainment and community arts workshops begin today courtesy of the Monmouth Festival.

Agincourt Square will be the main venue for the festivities with live music every night from 8pm.

Highlights include Eddie and the Hotrods on Saturday, maniacal comic rocker John Otway on Sunday and ex-Drifter Roy G. Hemmings' new band Dictionary of Soul finishing things off on August 7. Look out for potential new stars at the local Battle of the Bands final heat on Monday night from 7.30pm.

More traditional music can be found at St Mary's Church, Priory Street as Caldicot Male Voice Choir and the Wye Valley Chorus sing from 7.30pm on Monday night, whilst Wednesday sees an evening of Welsh storytelling from author and harpist Claire Hamilton. The melodies of the harp can also be heard at St Thomas' Church, Cinderhill Street on Thursday night.

Trellech harpist Charlotte Poulter is a graduate from Goldsmith's College, London University and has performed with the College Orchestra at St David's Hall.

Sunday is Family Fun Day with entertainment and craft stalls in the Main Square and St Mary's Churchyard. The Patua Dance-Theatre company, magician Oz Moses and the balloon-twisting, knife-juggling Alf will be performing during the day. The Grand Parade down the main street starts at 3.30 so look out for the "big Green Man"! Jazz band Round the Horn and the Monmouth Town Band will be providing the day's music.

For those looking for a more hands-on experience the Bridges Community Centre will be running "Festival Taster" workshops. Activities include circus skills, singing for adults, rock music for 13-25 year olds, dance and drama and will be taking place every day until Friday. The festival has been funded by Monmouthshire county council and Monmouth town council with the help of various sponsors.

All music events are free to attend. To book a place on one of the workshops at Bridges Community Centre pop into the Centre at Drybridge Park or ring 01600 715638 for more information. Andrew Harrison