Jazz, punk, soul and rock music promised (From Free Press Series)

Jazz, punk, soul and rock music promised

It is 21 years since Monmouth's nine-day Free Festival first started and as final preparations for this year's event get underway, the organisers have teamed up with Bridges Community Centre to provide a circus skills workshop on Thursday, July 29 in preparation for family fun Sunday on August 1.

This will be the forerunner to other fringe and workshop events throughout the week.

The live music on Agincourt Square begins on Friday, July 30 at 8pm with Monmouth's The Mighty Pledge, followed by 2-tone legends The Selecter.

On Saturday there's more musical mayhem with up and coming band the Bitchpups and Eddie and the Hotrods from the 70s.

The family Sunday starts at midday with the Kymin Dash at 11.30am and attractions at the top of the town are held throughout the day including jazz in the square, market stalls and circus displays, which culminates in a grand parade at 3.30pm.

Internationally renowned comic rock legend John Otway concludes Sunday night. Monday continues with music tuition at the Bridges Community Centre from 10.30am.

A choral concert begins at 7.30pm with Caldicot Male Voice Choir and Wye Valley Chorus. Later is the final of the Battle Of The Bands, followed by punky sounding Adequate 7.

On Tuesday global jazz legends the Keith Little Hot Six are appearing. They specialise in swing of the 30s and 40s with a repertoire that takes in Fats Waller and Roy Eldridge. Bluze and the Band and Gets/z Loose follow on.

Wednesday begins with Sing with Sarah at Bridges and Theatr Ffynnon. The cultural theme continues at 8pm with a Welsh evening featuring Claire Hamilton with harps, songs and poetry at the Monmouth Priory.

On the main festival stage psychobilly meets rockabilly with Pretty Grim and The Jets' 50s rock and 80s punk.

The musical extravaganza continues on Thursday from 8pm with a harp evening and the Brass Alliance Quintet at St Thomas' church.

And as always, as the sun sets the tempo increases in the square with more rock from local band Shobop and providing a Latin feel to a British summer evening come Los Squideros.

And on Friday night the rock act Jebo and The Dr Teeth big band's swinging sound perform in Agincourt Square.

The winner of the Battle Of The Bands contest, the Lovely Jubblees' and Dictionary of Soul headed by ex-Drifters singer Roy G Hemmings bring the festival to a close on Saturday.

Entertainment is free, although workshops at the community centre will need to be booked in advance and contributions are greatly appreciated.