Sir,

We hope you will agree that the record -breaking attendance at last Thursday's candle lit procession up Monnow Street and Beaufort Arms Court and then the concert in Agincourt Square, was a fantastic occasion. Apologies for running out of candles, but we were thrilled by the size of the crowds.

May we heartily thank every single person who processed, sang, played an instrument, who acted or marshalled, as well as all the people who helped to prepare and plan the event and the Christmas trees.

Those who generously drove, carried, climbed and constructed, largely in their own time, were from Robert Price, Travis Perkins- especially Brian Wadley and Tom Hirst, Bridges, Highway Farm, Harts Farm at Mitchel Troy, HMSG, Millbrook and as ever, Platform One, John Blake and Rudolph Griffiths. The skills of Dennis, Tristan and Clare, of the Shire Hall staff, were essential.

The amazing crowds were kept safe with the help of the local police and volunteers from St John Ambulance, Monmouth Cricket Club and Monmouth Rotary.

How can we sufficiently thank the town band, Monmouth Comprehensive's Wind Band, RS Harmonies, and the brilliant choir from Kymin View School? What moving, memorable sounds in the night air.

Rev Nick Munday connected the children especially with the meaning of Christmas. The Male Voice Choir gave the crowds confidence to join in the carols.

Extra magic was supplied by the warm welcome given by the residents and businesses of Beaufort Arms Court. The procession looked wonderful as it wound its way across the glistening cobbles and through the great black doorway into the bright square.

Afterwards the massive queue of children waiting to see Father Christmas was kept amazed and patient by Aladdin and the Savoy Youth Theatre.

The atmosphere was exciting and a friendly lovely family event, thank you everyone and happy Christmas.

Monmouth Town Council's

Community Affairs Committee