THIS year's Monmouth festival will be bigger and better than ever -- that's the promise from organisers.

Most of the attractions take place in Agincourt Square as the festival runs for nine days starting from the last weekend in July.

There will be music from numerous acts ranging from folk to jazz and blues to rock and soul, with classical music and street entertainment. All the concerts are free, mostly taking place in the evening as the town's Shire Hall makes an impressive backdrop.

Last year more than £8,000 was raised for charities as thousands took part in events.

Among the highlights this year will be 80s glam rockers Doctor and the Medics. A guide to this year's festival ...

Friday, July 29: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge. 11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 7.30pm: Brass Alliance at St Mary's Church. 8pm: The square hosts The Morris Brothers Band and at 9.30pm Larry Miller.

Saturday, July 30: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge.11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 8pm: The square hosts The Snorting Dogs and at 9.30pm King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys.

Sunday, July 31: Carnival day From 10am to 10pm there will be stalls and street entertainers at Agincourt Square, Church Street and St Mary's Churchyard.

Monday, August 1: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge. 11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 7.30pm: Caldicot male choir and Wye Valley Chorus at St Mary's Church. 8pm: The square hosts Wolfman Jack and at 9.30pm Howard's Alias.

Tuesday, August 2: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge. 11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 7.30pm: Sill Kvintetten at St Mary's Church. 8pm: The square hosts Estevez and at 9.30pm The Big.

Wednesday, August 3: 10.30am to 1.30pm: Exhibition and workshops celebrating creativity of older and disabled people. Tri-Unique workshop at 5pm and supper in Monmouth Priory. 7.30pm: Tri-Unique at St Mary's Church and at 8.30pm The Big Clutch at the Queen's Head. 8pm: The square hosts The Corsaries and at 9.30pm Restless.

Thursday, August 4: l 10.30am to 1.30pm: Exhibition and workshops celebrating creativity of older and disabled people in Monmouth Priory. 7.30pm: Les Barker at the Rugby Club and Stacey Blythe at St Thomas' Church. 8pm: The square hosts Reckless affair and at 9.30pm 10,000 Things. Friday, August 5: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge. 11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 10.30am to 1.30pm: Exhibition and workshops celebrating creativity of older and disabled people in Monmouth Priory. (2pm to 5pm: Wye Valley Chorus Workshop.) 8pm: The square hosts Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band and at 9.30pm Class of '64.

Saturday, August 6: 11am to 3pm: Food and craft stalls and family entertainment based around the old Monnow Bridge. 11am to 5pm: Summer exhibition at Monmouth Priory. 8pm: the square hosts Big Strides and at 9.30pm Doctor and the Medics.