THOUSANDS of people enjoyed the successful opening weekend of the Monmouth Festival as it returned for its 34th year.

The event, which started Friday and runs until Saturday (July 30), is one of the longest-running free, volunteer-led festivals of its kind in the UK.

More than £5,500 has been raised to ensure that it returns next year. The aim is to raise £25,000.

Food and drink offerings around the site catered for most tastes, whilst the children’s area ensured there was something for everyone.

The festival's opening night saw The Caspiens take the stage, before main act Britpop Reunion gave renditions of classics from Oasis, Blur and Pulp.

The third successive Monmouth Busking Festival took place on Saturday, which also fell on International Busking Day.

Buskers playing a variety of songs could be found throughout the town, as well as on a main stage at Agincourt Square.

Musical offerings continued into the night where South Wales band 4th Street performed along with tribute act Kast off Kinks.

The final day of the opening weekend saw the return of Monmouth Carnival and huge crowds of people lining the streets.

Other events during the day included a Sunday Service in the morning, as well as performances from the town band, the best of Saturday's buskers and Morris dancers.

The weekend's festivities were rounded off in the evening by Ultimate Elton and his Rocket Band, and alternative rock duo The Rews.

More musical action is promised over the next week across the festival's three stages at the Blestium, Three Horse Shoes pub and St Mary’s Church.

Festival co-chair Mel Ralph has urged for revellers to continue attending throughout the festival with the hope of making it 'even better' next year.

Ms Ralph said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend of family fun. Huge audiences, great music, a successful busking day and remarkable Carnival Sunday have delivered our best possible start.

"We want to keep this free festival going and it’s a joy to see how much it brings everyone together at this time of year."

For a full lineup of the festival, visit monmouthfestival.co.uk