SEVERAL months of hard work paid off for organisers of the first Monmouthshire Walking Festival after 93 per cent of tickets sold out for the event.
The ten-day festival offered more than thirty walks between October 21and 31 covering the breadth of the county.
Chairperson Clare Scutts, said: "The response from walkers was exceptional. With half-term, Rugby World Cup and not the kindest weather conditions we were not sure how visitors would respond.
"In the end 93 per cent of all tickets were sold - with ironically the most challenging walks being the best sellers."
The festival collaborated with many local groups - Usk and Abergavenny astronomical society, Shirenewton, Chepstow, Monmouth and Abergavenny historical societies and Usk conservation group to put together the programme.
While lottery funding helped them on their way, private sponsors Trekitt and St Pierre gave the festival a huge boost, as well as a number of local pubs and restaurants who ensured that each event had its own sponsor.
Ms Scutts added: "The festival is in a strong position to go forward next year and we are confident that there is the demand to make a second event possible.
"We are much indebted to our walk leaders who often helped on several walks and without whom clearly the festival could not take place."
The walking festival AGM will be held at the Babington centre, Trellech on December 8 at 7.30pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article