THE Busking Festival launched last year will return on Saturday 25th July.

Launched last year, the festival saw the streets of Monmouth filled with the sound of music.

The event, originally inspired by Coleford Busking Festival which has been running now for four years, is organised by the Monmouth Festival team working in partnership with Nick Penny the founder of the Coleford Busking Festival.

Musicians of all ages and genres are invited to turn up from 9am at the beer garden of The Robin Hood pub where they can register for an open mic stage slot, and then they can perform in one of the designated 'Busking Zones' which will be positioned around the town.  The event will start at 9am and run until approximately 6pm.

Co-organiser Nick said: "I am really pleased to be working with the volunteers from the Monmouth Festival team again following the success of last years event. It was always my plan to grow the concept of a busking festival beyond the Forest of Dean and last year proved that the time was right to do that.

"I hope to introduce at least one more location for 2016 making it a Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Busking Festival tour.  The Monmouth event is a great opportunity for musicians to feel part of the hugely successful annual Monmouth Festival".

Judges will be watching all performances on the Open Mic stage, and at least five acts will be selected to perform on the Blestium Street festival main stage following the Carnival on Sunday afternoon (26th July).

If you require more information please contact Nick Penny on 07801 650977 or by emailing [email protected]">[email protected]