A true nine-day wonder (From Free Press Series)

A true nine-day wonder

FINE weather and a bumper line-up of entertainment ensured big crowds for the start of this years Monmouth Festival.

Hundreds of revellers flocked to Agincourt Square on Friday night and the event kicked off with a well received performance by festival regulars The Mighty Pledge.

They were followed by two-tone legends The Selector who were met by an enthusiastic crowd. Monmouth rock band Bitchpups were a big hit with the crowds again on Saturday night, followed by 70s rockers Eddie And The Hotrods.

And on Monday the rock starts of the future took to the stage for the final heat of the Battle of the Bands competition.

The fun continued on Tuesday when Forest of Dean based band Bluze supported Gets/z Loose.

The Monmouth festival got off to an excellent start this year with no trouble thanks the police and stewards who marshalled the event.

A traditional Monmouth race was revived at the weekend after a gap of more than ten years.

More than 90 runners took part in the Kymin Dash, which was held in the town on Sunday as part of the Monmouth Festival.

Participants gathered at The Nag's Head for the start and they followed a seven-mile route from Monmouth town centre, out into the surrounding countryside, up to the Kymin round house and back again.

The race finished at Chippenham Mead village green. Winner John Foster, of Liswerry Running Club, finished the race in 42 min 24 sec, missing the record time of 38min 54 sec set in 1985.

An engraved winners trophy will remain on display at Monmouth Leisure Centre.

Local Assembly Member David Davies took part in the event, completing the race in 58min.