Sir,

A quick reminder to everyone to brush up on 'O Come All Ye Faithful' in preparation for this Thursday's Christmas Candlelit Procession. This will be your main chance to sing your heart out.

Please come and collect your free candle at the old Monnow Bridge at 5.45pm. We'll all set off up Monnow Street at 6pm, led by the Mayor and Rev Nick Munday, followed by the Monmouth Comprehensive Wind Players, Kymin View School and the cast of Aladdin.

At the top of Monnow Street we'll turn right down Agincourt Street and then up, past the stalls and cafes in Beaufort Arms Court, to finish in front of the stage and sparkling Christmas tree on the Shire Hall cobbles. The town band will already be playing there.

Try and concentrate, despite the scents of hot food and drink from the stalls around you, because Monmouth's own Male Voice Choir, Kymin View School Choir, and the local girl duo RS Harmonies will be sounding fantastic. Nick Munday has kindly agreed to remind us briefly, what all the celebrations are really about.

Then, if we are lucky, Father Christmas will appear on his sleigh and while the youngest of us will have a sweet or two, everyone else can join the town band in Good King Wenceslas and O Little Town of Bethlehem.

Afterwards, most people will want to explore all the craft and food stalls and the shops in Church Street and Swan Court, but Aladdin and the Savoy Youth Theatre cast have promised to escort families with youngsters through the great black doors of Beaufort Arms Court to the secret passage which leads to Santa's grotto.

There'll be more music round every corner. We are so grateful for all the skilled and energetic volunteers from organisations across the town, who have come forward to help us put Monmouth's Christmas Event together.

Come and enjoy the evening with us.

Monmouth Town Council's

Community Affairs Committee