Wye Valley River Festival Returns to Monmouth to Boost Community After Flooding
The transformative free arts event, the Wye Valley River Festival, is making a triumphant return to Monmouth this May. It aims to bring magic, merriment, and "a little mayhem" to the town as the community continues to recover from devastating severe flooding.
A Biennial Celebration of Community and Environment
Held every two years, the Wye Valley River Festival is a collaborative effort created by local communities, environmentalists, and artists. It celebrates the internationally important landscape of the Wye Valley. The festival day, dubbed Monmouth Mischief, will kick off on Saturday, May 2, with a lively parade designed to draw visitors to the town.
Organizers are keen to encourage families to visit Monmouth, which was heavily impacted in November when Storm Claudia caused significant flooding to approximately 200 homes and around 120 businesses. This event serves as a heartfelt thank you to the local community, which has steadfastly supported the festival since its inception in 2014.
Festival Highlights and Activities
Following the Merry Monmouth community procession, which features giant puppets, musicians, performers, and school children marching down Monmouth High Street, a full day of entertainment awaits at Drybridge Park. The lineup includes:
- Various shows and theatrical performances
- Interactive workshops for all ages
- Live song and music sessions
- Delicious food offerings from local vendors
Organizers are hopeful for sunny weather to enhance the festivities. The Merry Monmouth procession is a regular highlight of the biennial arts and environmental festival, last appearing in the 2024 10th anniversary programme.
Supporting Monmouth's Recovery
Artistic director Phillippa Haynes of Wye Valley River Festival CIC expressed enthusiasm for the event's return. "We are looking forward to bringing the Festival back to Monmouth to lift the spirits and bring energy and visitors back after the dreadful winter floods, and to thank the community for all the support they have given us since 2014," she said.
"Everyone is welcome at the free festival, which aims to bring a little mayhem and lots of fun. We have managed to keep the events free again this year to offer a family-friendly, inspiring, celebratory day on a site which is accessible to all."
The festival's mission is to unite local people, community environmentalists, and exceptional artists for a creative exploration and celebration of the region's significant landscape. The clear message for 2026 is: "Come along to Monmouth to play, be inspired, entertained and be part of Wye Valley River Festival 2026."
Community Engagement and Workshops
In preparation for the May Bank Holiday weekend event, organizers are actively collaborating with local schools and offering a series of free workshops. These sessions allow residents to create artwork that will be featured prominently in the festival.
Local schools are developing artwork inspired by themes such as land, myths and legends, folk lore, identity, and the Earth, aligning with the 2026 festival theme of 'Rare Earth'. Participating schools include:
- Weston Under Penyard C E Primary School
- Ashfield Park Primary School
- Llandogo Primary School
- Clearwell C of E Primary School
- Lydbrook Primary School
- Kymin View Primary School
- Trellech Primary School
The public is invited to join workshops to contribute to two giant puppets and a 24-metre silk art installation. These creations will be showcased in the parade and displayed at Drybridge Park.
Experienced printmaker Nichola Goff will lead sessions at St Saviour's Church in Redbrook on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, from 10am to 4pm each day. The project, named Flock, celebrates diverse bird species in the local area and involves groups from Monmouth Comprehensive School, Llangattock School in Monmouth, Rockfield, and the Community Gardening Group.
Additionally, free creative sessions at the Old Market Hall in Monmouth on Saturday, April 25, and Thursday, April 30, will help the public craft two large puppets for the 2026 procession. Artists from Araceli Puppet Theatre and Anna Vigurs will guide attendees in using found objects to make standout art pieces.
A Festival with Heart and Purpose
Phillippa Haynes emphasized the festival's deep connection to Monmouth. "The Monmouth community have been close to our hearts throughout the history of the Wye Valley River Festival, so we want to help the town to rebuild by working with local groups to create the work which will attract visitors for the day," she stated.
"Our outreach programme is engaging with as many people as possible to ensure the Festival plays its part in helping Monmouth recover and look to the future, celebrating the local area and encouraging people to think about the importance of preserving their environment."
She concluded with an invitation: "Bring a picnic, bring yourselves and bring some joy to this beautiful town."
