WHAT is Monstock? It’s Monmouth’s youngest music festival with the emphasis on raising money for charity.

Last week saw ‘Monstock at the Savoy’ on Friday with a full house being entertained by an eclectic range of music, while Monstock Saturday was a free, pop-up music festival running the length of the town.

Monstock at the Savoy, kicked off by Celtic Collectors with their foot-tapping celtic folk songs getting everyone singing along to all the old favourites, got off to a roaring start.

Celtic Collectors started out only 2 years ago when Mike (mandoline) suggested to Tony (multi instrument) that they get together to jam, and have grown to 10 people and raised over £20,000 for local charities. Celtics , Dave Andrews, spokesperson, said “We are proud to support Monstock and really enjoyed ourselves this evening”.

Then Monmouth u3a’s very own classic rock band, ü3, led us through a Blues journey ‘from the Mississippi to the Monnow – via Canvey Island’. We were all fascinated to learn that the classics from Fleetwood Mac and Roxy Music in the ‘70’s had roots several decades before in the Blues.

Ü3 band founding member, Al Vaughan, said “We only got together 18 months ago and here we are playing in this great venue to a great crowd – and to such an enthusiastic reception. We’re delighted to support Monstock”.

Finally guest artists, High and Dry on visit from Bristol, treated us to glorious vocal renditions of amazing shanties. Chris Walters from High and Dry said “It’s our first time in Monmouth and we all had a great time.”

All the bands played for free and all proceeds went to the Savoy Theatre Trust.

Then less than 24 hours later these three heroic bands were joined by 2 more – Monmouth u3a’s Ukulele Band and Shantyjacs from Abergavenny - offering the people of Monmouth over 5 hours of music by 5 bands in 3 venues along the length of Monnow Street for Monstock Saturday.

The vision for Monstock Saturday is a free, pop-up music festival raising money for good causes, and the bands didn’t disappoint.

As the sun set over Monmouth, crowds outside the Punch House were heard singing and clapping along to the Celtic Collectors while sea shanties from High and Dry rang out from Estero Lounge. And after enjoying the happy sounds of Monmouth u3a Ukulele Band, crowds were seen dancing in Robin Hood car park and singing along to ü3 as they played out with Hi Ho Silver Lining. A great time was had by all – and over £600 more raised for a range of charities.

Monstock founder Averil Macdonald said “The idea for Monstock came out of nowhere and here we are. I am so grateful to all of the various bands who put in immense effort and energy to make the idea into a reality. And I’m delighted that the people of Monmouth bought into the idea and joined in with such enthusiasm. I’ve seen so many smiling faces the length of Monnow Street – so what could be better than that?”