One of the biggest free festivals in the country kicked off on Friday night (24th July) with Uncle Funk headlining the stage. Despite a few technical difficulties - always expected on opening night - the band held the audience spellbound for over an hour with their 70s style look and classic hits from the heyday of the good times!

Saturday night saw two bands bring the crowd back firmly into present day with headliners UK Foo Fighters bringing a taste of Dave Grohl to the stage.

Opening act “A Fool and his Money” knew how to get the crowd going with their mix of heavy rock and racy covers. Their first album was recorded within a stone’s throw of the stage and they have received airplay on the BBC and commercial radio.

The crowd were already on a musical high when tribute bank UK Foo Fighters took to the stage and cranked out hit after hit with an obvious love and passion for all things Foo.

Lead singer Jay Apperley did a good job of a take on the magnificent Dave Grohl both vocally and slinging his guitar as the band played all the singles the crowd were waiting for.

Sunday night took a totally different direction with legendary West Country band The Wurzels who managed to whip the crowd into a cider sing-along frenzy with hits such as “Combine Harvester” and “I Am A Cider Drinker”.

Everyone knew the words and the Wurzels certainly knew ‘ow to play um’.

The festival continues into the week with a variety of acts from local 18 year old axe heroes on the main stage, to Indie/Pop musicians at alternative venue The Three Horseshoes.

Tonight St Mary’s Church hosts Welsh harpist Gwenllian Llyr, whilst the main stage goes soul with Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band.

For more information, go to www.monmouthfestival.co.uk