ROUNDING off the nine day Monmouth Festival, people took part in a commemorative walk to remember those we served on the Western Front.

The commemorative walk marked the sacrifices made by the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) in The First World War.

The walk, organised by Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome, was held yesterday and went from Castle Hill to Troy Gardens, leaving at 11am.

Among the walkers was cllr John Prosser who said over 40 took part in the event.

During the First World War the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers provided 76 officers and 2113 enlisted men for service on the Western Front, and in Gallipoli, the Middle East and Italy.

The chairman of Monmouth Walkers Are Welcome, Brian Ramsey, said: “This year we have moved the walk to the first weekend in August because that is closer to the actual anniversary of the Royal Mons marching off to war.

“It therefore made perfect sense to approach the organisers of the Monmouth Festival and ask if we could join forces, especially as they broaden the scope of the festival to include more diverse community groups.”

This year Monmouth Music Festival broke all records in its opening weekend- attracting more than 10,000 music fans.

The folk band the Wurzels, the annual Carnival and the UK Foo Fighters were among the highlights.

Now in its 33rd year, it is one of the biggest free festivals in the UK with over 40 acts performing on the main stage in the Blestium Street Car Park, St Mary’s Church and The Three Horseshoes as well as fringe locations.

The popular Monmouth Carnival saw nine floats, five vintage cars and seven walking groups take part in the parade through the town centre.

Organisers estimate the first weekend saw between 9,000 and 10,000 visitors to the festival.