A NEW music festival aiming to raise money for local charities will be taking place at Abergavenny Castle next month.

Abergavenny Music Festival, or 'AM Fest', will feature two stages that will host family-friendly entertainment throughout the day on Saturday July 2.

Music from nine local bands will be complimented by a number of fairground rides, stalls, food and refreshments.

The event is being organised by the Abergavenny Round Table, a community group who are also responsible for providing the annual Abergavenny fireworks display.

According to Matt Lane, one of the festival's organisers, the idea for a new social event came at the expense of the traditional town carnival.

"The town council asked us if we could do the carnival but that idea died out so we suggested to go down the music festival route," said Mr Lane.

"We felt that this combined carnival aspects with a picnic in the park, an event which also used to be quite popular in the town. I think that it ticks both boxes."

The group started more than half a century ago and have had responsibility over the fireworks display for 45 years.

The festival looks to be a reflection of the group's motto, "a social club with a social conscience", as all funds raised will go directly to charities and the local economy.

Mr Lane said: "It's really important to be giving back to the community with events like these.

"If we didn't want to do these sorts of things then I don't know who would."

Mr Lane will be performing as well as organising at the event in a Blues Brother tribute band with fellow organiser Richard Griffiths of I-Deal Designs, one of the event's sponsors and the designer of the event's logo.

Other music on the day range from country blues to rock and everything in-between, something which Mr Lane hopes will draw in the crowds.

He said: "As it's our first one it's early days yet but we're hoping for a good crowd. There's something for everyone."

Admission will cost £5 for adults and £3 for children and concessions, with a £12 group ticket for two adults and two children.

Tickets can be purchased from the I-Deal Designs office in Cross Street or by calling 07590 672909.

For more information on the festival, visit facebook.com/amfest1