NEWENT'S third annual Big Lunch, by the town lake, is being hailed a roaring success.

More than 400 people attending "during the course of a very fine afternoon", on Sunday, June 5.

Newent town councillor, Colin Thomas said: "The theme this year was "Hoedown" and there were many who attended who got into the fun of things by dressing up. "Country and Western music from David Blick's band set the scene for an afternoon of picnicing and fun."

Cllr Thomas added: "Further music from the English Sisters and Rosita and poetic interludes from Sam, the Master of Ceremonies, kept everyone entertained all afternoon. the dancing by the Strawberry Hill Dancers was as entrancing as ever.

"The stalls and activities, provided by local traders and groups, were very busy especially when Onion Ed made his usual appearance to support the event and to remind us that this year's Onion Fayre is on September 10."

Cllr Thomas praised the "tremendous support from the people of Newent and surrounding areas, both with the attendance and the local traders who kindly donated prizes for the raffle".

He added: "Also thanks must go to the organisers at the Voice of Newent for all their hard work in setting this event up and to Newent Initiative, the Town Council, GDR Solutions (First Aid) and Glebe Chapel for their support."