IT is Monmouthshire's natural beauty that has brought thousands of people to the county this year for dozens of events, said a county councillor.

Monmouthshire County Council’s cabinet member for innovation, enterprise and leisure Bob Greenland said he believes the sights and countryside in the county has helped increase footfall and brought in more people than ever this year.

Mr Greenland said: “Well I think the thing that brings people to Monmouthshire is its natural beauty and people come to make the most of its natural beauty.”

But Mr Greenland doesn’t just believe the successful events across the county were due to the natural beauty, but also said the National Eisteddfod, which came to Abergavenny earlier this month, has helped put Monmouthshire on the map.

“Monmouthshire County Council worked hard in the Eisteddfod and with other events such as the Status Quo concert in Caldicot Castle.

“We saw a reasonable increase in footfall across the county this year and I think the Eisteddfod helped put Monmouthshire on the map.”

The Eisteddfod, which came to Monmouthshire for the first time in 100 years saw more than 140,000 people from across the world descend on Abergavenny for musical performances, workshops, stalls and more.

But was it just the Eisteddfod which has helped put Monmouthshire on the map?

Paul Matthews, chief executive of Monmouthshire County Council, said the reason the county has had so many visitors this year is because of the people, the variety of events and the country’s past.

He said: “Monmouthshire as a county has a real history of putting on events. Almost every town and village has a ‘show’ each year.

“There are annual river festivals, cycling festivals and a history of using ancient buildings (castles and Abbey’s in particular) to stage events. I don’t think it is stretching a point to much to say that you can find an event in Monmouthshire on just about any weekend of the year.

“Similarly we have many active theatres and museums in our towns, most now run by local people that are forever staging events.

“For the most part, the county council is a reasonably small player – we may help with transport, road closures, safety fencing, some flowers, safety advice or a bit of stewarding –but the citizens of Monmouthshire make it all happen,” he added.

Monmouthshire is known for its yearly shows, the largest two being the Monmouthshire and Usk shows, which have both been running since the 17th and 18th centuries.

It is also known for its annual nine day Monmouth Festival, featuring live music, and smaller music festivals in places like Raglan and Devauden, along with Chepstow festival and Abergavenny Food Festival.

“We have worked hard at claiming the titles of Monmouthshire being the food and cycling capital of Wales – this isn’t authentic unless we show it off,” said Mr Matthews.

“In summary, events matter. They bring people together and reinforce a sense of being part of a community. They can make money and they can showcase our beautiful county.”

With the summer coming to an end, Monmouthshire still has lots to offer, with Monmouth Raft Race taking place on Sunday and the Usk Show taking place on Saturday, September 10.