THIS year's Monmouth Festival was the biggest ever staged in the town and was also the costliest.

But despite poor weather conditions on a number of important nights, the festival attracted record crowds, reported the group's chairman at last week's annual meeting.

As always, every event was totally free, ensuring that it remained available for the whole community.

Chairman Neill Bell said that the festival had cost in excess of £30,000 to stage compared with just £7,000 in 1999.

The increase was a result of the added events on offer and an improvement in the standard of artists performing.

Mr Bell said: "As the outgoing chairman I must, however, point out that long term financial support is crucial if the festival is to continue to offer the diversity and standard of events that the Monmouth community has come to expect.

"Next year, the committee is faced with a situation where grant support is under severe pressure.

"In 2003, our total grant support was reduced by £6,750, but Monmouthshire County Council maintained its support with £5,000 but Monmouth Town Council's input has reduced every year since to the current level of £250.

"Support from the business community, the festival patrons and friends' scheme, and the generous support of the public have helped to make up the shortfall and provide us with the two thirds of the required financing.

"Monmouth Festival has a high profile in Wales and with the right support it can become the major music and arts festival in the country.

"The last night of the festival, featuring The Drifters, was quite astounding. Agincourt Square has never seen crowds of this size before but the atmosphere was magnificent.

"Young and old all came together for a marvellous, trouble-free evening's entertainment and even after the wonderful fireworks display, seemed reluctant to leave the square preferring to remain and soak up the atmosphere.

"I am very proud to have worked with such a great group of people and I am sure that the Monmouth festival will continue to flourish."