The joint schools talent contest was another great showcase of musical entertainment as musicians competed for the chance to play at Monmouth Festival.

Pupils from the three main schools took to the stage and danced, played or sang for the sell-out audience at the 2015 Monmouth's Got Talent competition. The winners of the junior competition, the 'Circus Boys' from The Grange opened the evening and found a soft spot with the audience.

Judges Jane Gunter, Pam Lloyd, Katie Burton and Monmouth festival chair Melanie Ralph had the hard task of choosing the best act to go on to play at the festival this summer.

Third place went to guitarist Alice Gable whose strong voice and guitar combination impressed the judges. Second was Lucy Merrett, who the judges felt really stood out and loved the way she had created her own innovative music. Top spot went to Monmouth School pupil Max Weeden who played electric guitar and shot riff after riff at the rapturous audience. Katie Burton summed up his performance by saying, "he could play that guitar!"

The evening raised funds for the Home Start charity, and refreshments were provided courtesy of the Blake Theatre. The organisers would like to thank all those business who donated raffle prizes and helped raise a lot of money for the Monmouth charity that provides support and friendship for families.

For a full spread of pictures, see this week's Beacon (18th March)