ORGANISERS of Monmouthshire’s Devauden Festival said this year’s event was the biggest in its history.

The festival, which was held on Friday and Saturday, had more than 30 live acts performing across three stages, including Caldicot’s own Rusty Shackle, who was headlining on the second day.

Thousands of visitors made the trip to the annual festival in Devauden with the sounds of celebration, music and laughter filling the air.

Organiser, Kevin Mcelroy, said: “Over the weekend, we normally have around 2,000 people.Ticket sales have gone very well this year so I think it will be the biggest one yet.

“We have three stages and more than 30 acts from live bands.”

The festival featured a creative kids zone, a licensed bar, food stalls and arts and craft stands to appeal to people of all ages.

“The festival is a great event for local people,” said Mr Mcelroy. “It is delivered by a team of a hundred volunteers from the local area.

“This is our eighth year.”

Elliot Kempton, from Chepstow, was playing at the festival with his alternative rock band The Clearing.

The 17-year-old said: “It is the first time we have played at this festival, I am a bit nervous right now but once I am on the stage I will be fine.

“We set the band up in September but we have been playing quite a lot.”

Elliot said it was his first time in the festival and that he thought it was “brilliant”.

“It is quite a small festival but I am impressed with what they have achieved so far,” he said.

Juliete Crawford, from Sedbury, also attended the festival for the first time.

She said: “There are a lot of good bands here today, but we have come to see Rusty Shackle play mainly.

“We follow them because they are local boys and we want to support them.

“We have just come for the day, we are not camping.

“It is very relaxing here and you also meet a lot of interesting people.

“It is a lovely day out for families, it is such a friendly atmosphere.”