THE third Proms at the Castle concert in Chepstow attracted 600 people and raised £800 for charity.

The concert, organised by Chepstow and District Rotary Club, was held to showcase musical talent and to raise funds for Cecily’s Fund, a charity set up to provide education for Zambian children orphaned by AIDS.

Among the choirs and orchestras that performed at the open air concert were Chepstow Community Big Band, The Dell Mini Superstars, Shirenewton School and Wyedean Gospel Choir.

Marian Lewis, organiser and senior vice-president of Chepstow and District Rotary Club, said: “A promenade concert is where the best music is played or sung by the best performers and we certainly had the best on Wednesday night.”

“All the schools and groups who took part were fabulous. There were 600 in the audience, and after expenses we have probably raised about £800 for Cecily’s Fund.”

The concert is part of the 15th Chepstow Festival.

Among the many highlights that have yet to take place are Rock @The Club at Severn Bridge Sports and Social Club from 1.30pm tomorrow, a poetry picnic at Chepstow Castle with readings by poets Sir Andrew Motion and Simon Armitage at 7pm on July 18 and a live screening of Monty Python from London’s O2 arena in The Drill Hall on July 20.

For details visit www.chepstowfestival.co.uk