MONMOUTH shops will be making history during the town's festival when they open their doors for the first time on a Sunday.

The Arcadia group, incorporating brands like Burton and Dorothy Perkins, had already decide to trial Sunday trading in the town during August and September, but after suggestions that it would be more appropriate to open during Monmouth Festival, they agreed.

Arcadia then teamed up with the Monmouth and District Chamber of Commerce to promote Sunday opening on July 27 and create a special atmosphere in the town, which will attract visitors and bolster the local economy.

The Festival Family Sunday has become an increasingly popular event and is attracting more visitors every year. Up until now the event has predominantly taken place in Agincourt Square and St Mary's churchyard but the festival organisers are hoping they can extend this throughout the town.

Neill Bell, chairman of Monmouth Festival, said: "We have a large number of market stalls in the square and besides all the street entertainers we also have a number of bands entertaining people throughout the day.

"The circus skills workshop and other activities take place in the churchyard, but we believe there is no reason why we cannot extend this entertainment throughout the town."

It is hoped that in shops that do open staff will dress up in costume in order to create a fun atmosphere and prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

"With support we believe this could be a highly successful venture which will not only be fun but also generate additional sales for local businesses," added Mr Bell.

Project co-ordinators for Arcadia, Siobhan Mackay and Darren Jenkins, said: "We hope that all retailers in the town, whether large or small, will make the most of this business opportunity and join in the fun on the day. Who says work can't be fun?

"Burton will lead by example with our theme being 'James Bond 007'.

"We will have a limousine parked outside all day, and every customer making a purchase in the store on the day will be entered into a prize draw to win a free ride in the vehicle to Newport with free bowling at Megabowl."