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Monmouth Festival facts for kids

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Monmouth Festival
Crowd at Monmouth.jpg
Pink Floyd tribute band gathers a crowd
Location(s) Monmouth
Years active 1982–present
Website Monmouth Festival website

The Monmouth Festival is a super fun, free music festival that happens every year in Monmouth, a town in south east Wales, UK. It lasts for nine days! A small team of local volunteers, who don't make any money from it, started this amazing festival way back in 1982.

This festival is special because it's one of the very few free music festivals left in Europe. People come from all over the world to enjoy it! You can hear all kinds of music, like rock, classical, pop, folk, jazz, and even world music. Famous groups like Goldie Lookin Chain, Dr and the Medics, The Animals, and The Drifters have played here.

What is the Monmouth Festival?

The Monmouth Festival is a big celebration of music and community. It brings together people of all ages to enjoy live performances. Since it started in 1982, it has grown into a popular event. It's a great way to experience different types of music for free.

Why is the festival free?

The festival is free because it's run by volunteers. They want everyone to be able to enjoy the music. This makes it unique compared to many other festivals. It's a gift from the community to everyone who visits.

Carnival Sunday Fun

Monnow street in 1976 during the Monmouth Carnival
Monnow street in 1976 during the Monmouth Carnival

Monmouth's yearly carnival day is also a big part of the festival. It's a day full of excitement and activities for everyone.

What happens at the carnival?

In recent years, the carnival has had lots of cool things to do. There are stalls where you can find interesting items. You can also join workshops to learn new skills. Street entertainers perform amazing tricks, and there's a funfair with rides. You might even see zorbs or chariot races!

The Carnival Procession

The best part of the carnival is the Carnival Procession. This is when people fill the streets of Monmouth to watch. Floats, dancers, and walkers parade through the town. Local groups and businesses create these amazing displays. It's a colorful and lively event!

Festival Stages and Places

The main music shows happen on a big outdoor stage. For the past few years, this stage has been set up in a large car park. This spot is near the old gatehouse and new bridges in town. Before that, the stage was in the town center, in front of the Shire Hall.

Other Performance Spots

Besides the main stage, other performances take place in different locations. You can hear music at St Mary's Church, which is in the middle of town. Local pubs like The Three Horseshoes and The Green Dragon also host shows. This means you can enjoy music in many different settings.

How the Festival is Funded

The Monmouth Festival does not get regular money from the government or big organizations. It relies on different ways to get the money it needs.

How does the festival get money?

The festival gets money from a few sources. Volunteers collect donations from the audience during the week. These are called 'bucket collections'. Local businesses also help by sponsoring the event. Sometimes, the festival gets small grants. This money is very important for putting on the festival.

What the money pays for

The money collected pays for many things. It covers the cost of the artists who perform. It also pays for the stage, sound systems, and lighting. Other costs include printing leaflets and T-shirts. The money also helps with important things like insurance, security, toilets, and managing traffic.

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