MONMOUTH carnival helped to get the 34th music festival in the town off to a flying start on Sunday.

Organiser Mark Williamson told the Review: “The weather helped swell the crowds and support was good while the children’s area ensured that there was something for everyone.

“Through bucket collections over the first weekend, we’ve already raised over £5,500 of the £25,000 needed by the end of the festival to ensure we make it to our 35th year. Over £500 of that came from the carnival and the rest was raised at musical performances from Friday to Sunday.”

Monmouth Carnival is a long established tradition in the town. Monmouth Band played in the square before the procession got underway. Floats and walking entries made their way from Priory Street, through Agincourt Square to Blestium car park, where there were stalls, a prize giving and music.

Resident Rob Campbell watched the procession. He said “Five fantastic floats followed the fire engines down Monnow Street. Our very own Spirit of Monmouth waved regally from her MG A sports car. The vintage vehicles included an American Humvee complete with its gun. Then came the Mayor and Consort, escorted by his Mace bearers.”

Mark added: “Carnival Sunday was an unrivalled success from the Sunday Service in the morning through to Ultimate Elton and his Rocket Band at night. In between were the procession, with drummers, Morris dancers and the town band. The best of the buskers took to the stage in the afternoon and the evening’s opening act was alternative rock duo The Rews.”

Monmouth Music Festival is a volunteer-run free festival and is on until Saturday, July 30.

•See this week’s Review for more photographs.