FOR the sixth year, the dedicated team at Devauden Festival treated visitors to a fun-packed and well organised weekend last Saturday and Sunday (15th to 16th May).

Tucked away behind the village hall in this quiet corner of the Wye Valley, community spirit dominated the mood, with smiling crowds basking in the overdue sunshine and around 100 volunteers from the village working to make the event a success.

More than 1000 people attended the weekend, and on offer was a range of music to suit all tastes, served up by talented musicians from the local area.

There was plenty of children's entertainment on site, as well as food stalls and local beer from Kingstone Brewery in Tintern.

Headliners from the two nights drew in the crowds, with Rusty Shackle playing on Friday, and 80s crowd favourite Doctor and the Medics getting the crowds dancing on Saturday.

Festival Committee member John Rowalds said: "The is the best festival yet, we're all delighted with how it went.

"This event is organised by the community, for the community".

Community spirits were dampened somewhat, by complaints raised about noise by one resident of the village. Monmouthshire County Council's environmental health department attended both nights of the festival, and found noise levels to be acceptable. Despite earlier concerns, the festival will be going ahead next year.

Proceeds from this year's festival have yet to be totalled, but when a figure is reached, it will be shared between the Severn Area Rescue Association, who were on hand to provide first aid assistance over the weekend, and Devauden Village Hall.

The aim is to build a toddler's play area in the grounds of the hall, to be constructed by a local carpenter.