AS I recall over the summer period of activities from June to September held here in Chepstow 2013.

With an array of flowers within the town and the lovely warm weather what a super way of spending a holiday here in this splendid town called Chepstow.

How lucky we are to live here and that our tourists can spend a brief period of time visiting here.

With the array of music, theatrical events combined with the historic attractions available who could wish for anything more?

With the warm summer this year it has certainly given us a good start to appreciate what we have in this town.

Diamond Discs and the Big Lunch at the Riverbank set the ball rolling, Wye Oh Wye in the Drill Hall where our tourists, some from as far away as Australia, were given a little history in what tourism was like in days long ago.?Brilliantly re-enacted and brought to life by our local talent.

An opportunity to some Fairtrade food and wine, reasonably priced and pleasing both to eyes and tastebuds. Chepstow is a Fairtrade town.

Bookstart Week in the library, open air theatre held in Chepstow Castle and the exhibition in Chepstow Museum of Year Three Welsh School of Architecture student projects. The Widders welcomed the Italians – great costumes and dancing and music bringing the town to life.

The playschemes held at the leisure centre and Bulwark Community Centre.

Coming joint first with Holywell in Wales in Bloom and Chepstow Agricultural Show, a great opportunity to play our part in supporting our rural community. Chepstow Racecourse and all the activities it provides and music alive on the bandstand.

For people living in Chepstow there is something for everyone but we need to support these events and nurture our businesses and shops to ensure Chepstow remains a vibrant town and that tourists can enjoy what we living here take for granted.

– Cllr Stephanie Dovey, Mayor of Chepstow.