MUCH-LOVED opera singer Karl Daymond was lovingly remembered at a day to celebrate and pay tribute to his life.

Members of the singing clubs which the 52-year-old led - Chepstow Castle, Duke’s Yard, Forest of Dean and Usk, and the all-female choir The Chepstow Chatelaines, led a colourful procession from Chepstow Town Gate from 11am yesterday.

Crowds lined the High Street to watch the procession as hundreds of friends, family and the wider community gathered to remember the Chepstow singer.

The procession wound down the High Street, across the Old Wye Bridge to fields near Mr Daymond’s house, where musical performances were given under a Glastonbury-style big top tent.

Fond memories of Mr Daymond’s life were shared and tributes paid to the singer, who died after collapsing at a town council meeting last month.

Introducing the musical performances, Mr Daymond’s husband Ian MacNeil said: “Karl is very clearly the gift that keeps on giving. His presence can be felt here and everywhere.

“Karl, if anything, was all about seizing the moment and that is what this day is all about.

“We are determined to put on a good show because he would not have it any other way.”

Long-standing singing partner of Mr Daymond, Pippa Dames-Longforth, who performed at the event, described Mr Daymond as an “extraordinary stage animal with a beautiful voice.”

She said: “He was an extraordinary individual who has profoundly changed our lives, liberated us and has given us so many memories.”

Recalling her work with Mr Daymond, the singer said she was ‘astonished’ by his stage presence and charisma when they started working together.

Tim Ryan, from Chepstow Wassail Mari Lwyd, said: “Whatever you asked Karl to do, he would do it and more. The turn-out today tells you all you need to known about Karl.”

Mike Lewis, also from Chepstow Wassail Mari Lwyd, added: “Karl was a larger than life character who was always willing to help.

“He was one in a million.”

A fundraising page in aid of Kaleidoscope Trust in honour of Mr Daymond has raised around £3,800. Visit the page here justgiving.com/fundraising/karldaymond.