DETAILS of this year's nine-day Monmouth Festival and Carnival have just been announced, with veterans of the Agincourt stage Doctor and the Medics returning to headline the event.

The festival, which now includes Monmouth Carnival, runs from Friday July 29 to Saturday, August 6, with the newly integrated Carnival on Sunday 31.

Last week Monmouth's mayor, Cllr Sue Chivers and Festival Chairman Simon Brown officially launched this year's full festival and carnival programme in Agincourt Square, in honour of the Festival's partnership with the Town Council.

Other headline acts are Larry Miller, the classic rockin' blues guitarist; the swing rhythm and blues outfit 'King Pleasure' and the Biscuit boys'; Classic 60s pop supergroup 'Class of '64', featuring members of The Hollies, The Tremeloes and The Kinks who will be performing along with a host of varied support acts.

And as a special treat this year, Nelson Mandela's favourite band, the South African 'Amampondo' will be performing

This year's fringe event is one of the most varied, from popular stalwarts like Caldicot Male Voice Choir and the Wye Valley Chorus, through to the loveable Brass Alliance from St Petersburgh, the comedian and poet Les Barker, and the atmospheric combo Sill Kvintetten, and jazz giants The Big Clutch.

In addition, Tri-Unique, a classical trio from London, will be undertaking a workshop and world premier performance of a new piece, Mercury. This year Monmouth Carnival will be incorporated into the festival's traditional family Sunday on July 31.

The event will now be focused on Monnow Street, which will be closed to traffic all day.

Danter's fun-fair will line one side of Monnow Street, and the carnival procession will end by the old bridge.

The Kymin Dash, which re-started last year, will be held on the same day, at 11.30am.

Lots of other events are happening the same day throughout the town. Mr Brown said: "Thanks to all our sponsors, there's no doubt this is the most ambitious festival to date.

"Taking on the carnival is a big step, but we all believe that it will make a great day on the Sunday, among nine days of great excitement and fun for all sections of the community."

l The full programme is available this week in shops, the One-Stop Shop, tourist information offices, etc, or on the festival website www.monmouthfestival.co.uk.

The viability of the event has been made possible from its major sponsors, which include Monmouth Town Council, Monmouth-shire County Council, Brain's, Grolsch, Somer-field, Wetherspoon's, and Travis Perkins.