Horatio Clare speaks to students at Monmouth School for Boys.

This year’s ‘incredible’ celebration of literature, organised by pupils from Monmouth’s three senior schools, has been hailed as the best yet.

Monmouth Literary Festival, which took place last week, highlighted the talent and diversity of young people in the community, encouraged reading and promoted a love of literature.

The festival was planned by volunteers from Monmouth School for Boys, Monmouth School for Girls and Monmouth Comprehensive School and it also involved local primary schools.

The celebration was packed with exciting workshops and talks from authors and storytellers, including Horatio Clare, Dean Burnett, CJ Daugherty, Cat Weatherill, Rob Lloyd and Bryony Pearce.

The festival included a cast of 45 pupils for A Play in a Day and an informal tea concert was staged at Bridges Centre featuring music, drama and literature recitals.

One of the volunteers, Eithne, a Sixth Form student at Monmouth School for Girls, said the festival had been the best since it was launched in 2014.

“Students have loved the festival and staff have been so proud of the students,” said Eithne.

“The festival involved members of the community, such as Bridges Centre and Monnow Vale and allowed students to showcase their musical and drama talents. That event was incredible.”

Eithne added: “We had traditional talks from authors such as Horatio Clare, Dean Burnett, CJ Daugherty, an old favourite with pupils at Monmouth School for Girls, and Rob Lloyd, a science and historical writer.

“There was a huge range of events this year and everyone was so pleased with how well the festival has gone. It was the best festival yet.”

The Monmouth Literary Festival first took place in 2014 after student representatives put forward the idea of a joint festival which they thought could be run along the lines of a mini Hay Festival.

CJ Daugherty gave a captivating talk to students at the Savoy.