FOR the second consecutive year the sun smiled down on a Bailey Park where thousands of people of all ages gathered to pay their respect and remember Abergavenny soldier Richard Hunt and his comrades at the Welsh Warrior Festival.

Over an event which stretched to 12 hours and featured 27 acts, thousands of pounds were raised for the Richard Hunt Foundation, the charity set up in the name of the 21-year-old who lost his life in Afghanistan in August 2009 whilst serving with the Second Battalion of the Royal Welsh.

Once again Bailey Park was transformed by a uniquely festive and family atmosphere which was a testament to all the hours the organisers had put into holding such a large-scale event.

Yet amongst the festivities there were stark reminders of what the day was about in the form of large banners listing the names and ages of those Welsh Warriors who had died serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

As Richard's mother Hazel Hunt explained, "We wanted to carry on with Richard's wish 'to be there for his mates', so we set up the charity.

"The British Army certainly gave Richard the challenge he was looking for and made him a truly rounded person.

"We hope by raising awareness of the needs of soldiers when they need it most they can have the 'covenant' of care restored to them that has been so badly lacking over the last few years."

In amongst the 'little village' of stalls and tents, attractions were laid on thick and fast in the shape of the canine connoisseurs of the police dog display team, the fantastic flight and fancy of the Black Mountains' Falcons the 'belly boogie' of the Jawahir dancers, and the inspiring beat, colour and flash of the Royal Welsh Corps of Drums in full march.

With an eclectic menu of music on offer ranging from the operatic flight and fancy of Soprano Katie Jayne, to the unmistakable harmonies of the Beaufort Male Voice Choir, the crowd pleasing covers of the Last Resort, the acoustic nuances of Claire Wilkin, the guitar driven dynamics of Daytona Jam, the power and pomp of Tragic Generation and the 'Ska-tastic' sounds of 2 Rude, there was something for everyone.

Celebrities were on hand to lend their support in the shape of rugby legend Gareth Edwards and everyone's favourite 'boyo' Max Boyce, as well as X Factor finalist Katie Waissel, who told the Chronicle minutes prior to her four song set on the main stage, "I'm very proud to be here today supporting the troops. It's such an important event and worthwhile cause.

"Abergavenny is such a beautiful place and you're all very lucky to live surrounded by such lovely scenery. Everyone here has made me feel so welcome and I would like to give a big shout out to all of Abergavenny and remind everyone of what this day is really all about."

With the tragic news of 19-year-old Carmarthen Marine Dean Mead being killed by a bomb in Helmand Province hitting the headlines this week, events like the Welsh Warrior, which raise money, but more importantly awareness for the plight of British, in particular, Welsh soldiers, remains as valid as ever.

As Hazel explained, "I don't think we are going to raise much more money than last year but we will break even.

"For me, staging an event like the Welsh Warrior is more about raising awareness and the profile of the charity.

"As long as we are needed we will exist and on that note I would like to say a big thank-you to the hard-working Welsh Warrior committee, the volunteers, the acts, who were all really, really good, Abergavenny Town Council and Monmouthshire County Council for the use of Bailey Park, local residents for putting up with the noise, because we did make a noise, and everyone else who supported us or helped out in any way.

"Most importantly I would like to thank everyone who attended and we'll see you all again next year."