Organisers could not have wished for more perfect weather on Sunday when hundreds of people came together at the Riverside Park to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen's Coronation.

Musical hits of the 50s and 60s filled the air as one performer after another took the bandstand stage, tempting children and adults alike from their deckchairs and picnic rugs and onto their feet to dance.

"Everyone seems to think it went superbly," said Ned Heywood, Deputy Mayor of Chepstow and councillor for St Mary's Ward, the area of Chepstow which encompasses the Riverside Park.

Performers ranged from 9 to 75-years-old and performed hits such as "Wake up little Susie" and "It's in his kiss".

The event was also part of 'The Big Lunch', a nationwide scheme to encourage communities to come together for a street party or picnic lunch. The council provided tables and chairs and local hostelries and caterers were on hand to feed and water the hungry revellers.

Often one of the quieter parts of Chepstow, the Riverside Park and surrounding area is also one of the most picturesque. In Victorian times the bandstand was used regularly for musical performances. While the public appetite for such entertainment has fluctuated over the years, recently there has been a resurgence of enthusiasm for this sort of community music event.

Organised and funded by Chepstow Town Council, 'Bands at the Bandstand' will continue to run over the summer on Sundays from 2.30pm to 5pm. Catering to a wide range of musical tastes, these free concerts will feature a huge variety of performers from a Beatles tribute band and acoustic folk music, to swing, blues, latin and jazz.

For more information visit the Chepstow Town Council website at http://www.chepstow.co.uk">www.chepstow.co.uk.

Jo Crockett