LOCAL people are being asked to dig deeper than ever to ensure the survival of Monmouth's annual free music festival.

Brochures listing all the events in this year's nine day event – from August 17 until August 25 – are now available from shops and businesses in the town and from the festival blog at http://www.monmouthfestival.wordpress.com">www.monmouthfestival.wordpress.com.

Members of the committee have been raising awareness of the need for fans to dig deep when asked to make donations in the festival 'buckets'.

Chairman Les Modget says: "Donations are an important part of the festival's income, without them and without the support of local businesses through advertising and food trade stalls, the festival simply wouldn't survive."

Mr Modget said the event received no statutory funding although there was support from the town council.

He added: "So this year, as always, we really want to encourage people to think about the value for money they are getting and give generously so we can put on an even bigger and better festival next year."

The festival, said Mr Modget, also survived as a result of a massive voluntary commitment.

This year's main stage acts include psycho-ceilidh-rockers Neck, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash, the Jon Amor Blues Group, New Amen Corner, indie hot-shots The Words, top tribute acts The Secret Police and Hell's Bells and local favourites including Between the Lines, The Good Times, The Ronaldos, The Bandits and The Mighty Pledge.

Festival Fringe acts include hotly-touted rising stars such as Sam Eden plus some of the most respected roots and blues artists in the UK including Sons of the Delta and some very special classical concerts one of which will feature a new piece of music commissioned for the festival.