MONMOUTH Festival is looking ahead to its Music Festival (July 24-August 1) and Carnival (July 26) and asking for sponsorship through the Festival brochure.

Now in it's 27th year, the Monmouth Festival is one of the largest free music festivals in Europe and is licensed for 5,000 people each night.

As well as being an important community event, the festival is now a major fixture in the area's tourism calendar with many local shops, bars and restaurants benefiting hugely from increased tourism in the town, says a spokesman.

"While the Monmouth Festival Committee are extremely grateful to receive some funding through the town council and facilities supplied by the county council, the majority of money needed to ensure the festival goes ahead comes from sponsorship, advertising, fundraising events and generous donations from the public," the spokesman adds.

"Distributed county-wide throughout June and July, the new A5 Festival brochure has had a comprehensive re-design this year and offers advertising and sponsorship opportunities to all businesses who wish to support the nine-day festival.

"This year the main stage presents an exciting and varied programme. The fringe events will be held in St Mary's Church and The Three Horseshoes. Keeping with the ethos of the festival, all these shows are completely free of charge.

"A full running order will be announced in the coming weeks through the press and on the website http://www.monmouthfestival.co.uk&quot">www.monmouthfestival.co.uk"

Now part of the festival, the Monmouth Carnival will take place on Sunday July 26, 2009. The traditional parade, led by the carnival king and queen, runs through the town with both floats and walking groups taking part in the procession. Music workshops will provide a hands on experience for those inspired by the entertainment and the annual dog show will be held on Chippenham fields.

For further information or a sponsorship and advertising pack please contact Jo Hunt on 01600 715039 or email [email protected]">[email protected]