Monstock festival draws big crowds in Monmouth

MONSTOCK returned with lively entertainment and an unforgettable experience for Monmouth residents.

The free annual pop-up music festival event was back for another year on Saturday July 25, and brought together lots of people from Monmouth and the surrounding areas.

Averil Macdonald, Founder and Organiser of Monstock said: “It was great to see so many people enjoying the music up and down the length of Monnow Street for Monstock. The pubs were rammed!

“The musicians all said how much they enjoyed playing and how great the audience were. From my point of view is wonderful to see that we also raised almost £900 for a range of charities.

“People were so generous, I saw lots of £5 and even £10 notes being stuffed into buckets. If the venues and the bands are keen, I could perhaps, do it all again next year.”

Lots of bands performed in the pubs and bars across the town including Bar 125, The Punch House and The Robin Hood. All the venues were full with people enjoying the entertainment and having a positive time with family and friends.

The bands included: 2RiversJazz, u3a Folk and Shanty Band, u3, Celtic Collectors, u3a Ukulele Band, Shades of Blue, u3a Folk and Shanty Band, Skirrid, u3 and Crossroads.

The event brought people together from across the town and the surrounding areas, and was so busy people were left without much room to move. One person said “the town is buzzin” and while one pub ran out of white wine and some beers, another person said they were “run off their feet.”

Alun Vaughan, Lead Guitarist in u3 and in Crossroads said: “It was great to play to such large, enthusiastic crowds. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. They were definitely enjoying the music and the good weather. I can’t wait for the next one!”