MORE than 300 musicians and entertainers will be performing at Pontypool's Jazz in the Park - already one of Wales' biggest musical festivals in just its second year.

Organisers are hoping that this year's event, running from Friday to Sunday, will prove even more popular than last year.

Then, 6,000 people crowded into the marquee, leisure centre and museum venues.

This year, three extra stages have been added to bring the crowds into the town centre. Pontypool RFC's club house on Park Road, the indoor market and Crane Street car park will also be grooving to a wide-ranging programme of music.

The plan to erect a stage outside Woolworths was derailed by the current roadworks so it was switched to Crane Street.

Organiser Tom Williams promised there would be something for all music fans to enjoy.

He called on them to turn out to support the free event, funded by Arts Council Wales and Torfaen council (£20,000 each), to help ensure it was repeated next year.

"We hope the authority would see the benefit of making this an annual event - I'm sure they do.

"My hope is that if it's not possible for the Arts Council to continue the kind of backing they have given, then the National Assembly will step in and find alternative funding. Just make sure you come along and enjoy the music this year."