MONMOUTH’s annual nine-day free music festival kicks off tomorrow with performances from an orchestra, a rock band and a 70’s band.

The festival, now in its 33rd year, is one of the biggest free festivals in the UK that will see over 40 acts perform on the main stage, St Mary’s Church and The Three Horseshoes as well as fringe locations.

This year it not only incorporates the Monmouth Carnival on July 26 but also see’s the return of the busking festival and includes the second Monmouth Commemorative Walk on August 2.

The main stage is in Blestium Street Car Park with a line up that includes funk, rock, soul, ska, disco and punk music.

Among the first to perform are Uncle Funk and the Boogie Wonderband and Monmouth Festival Ensemble, with Saturday night’s headline act the UK Foofighters and folk band The Wurzels on Sunday night, both on the main stage.

There are five nights of classical music at St Mary’s Church in Priory Street, five nights of indie/pop/folk in The Three Horse Shoes, with fringe events on various nights at The Nags Heads, The Punch House, The Robin Hood and the Riverside with a Sing-a-long Grease night at The Savoy on July 30.

Mel Ralph, the Festival’s co-chairwoman, said:“It’s been a stiff challenge ensuring we comply with all the requirements this year whilst expanding the breadth and depth of entertainment, but we’ve risen to it and hope you are all as excited as me to see how much the festival has grown.” It’s a free festival but without the support of our generous festival goers we cannot put on this community event.

“Last year you donated £20,000, this year we hope that the bigger acts will inspire you to raise the £25,000 that we will need for next year.”

Visit monmouthfestival.co.uk, facebook.com/monmouthfestival and on Twitter @monfestiv.