MEN, Women and children gathered in their thousands at Bailey Park on Saturday to honour Abergavenny war hero Richard Hunt at the first Welsh Warrior Festival.

The event which was organised by Richard's family and friends had something for everyone and in the words of Richard's mother, Hazel Hunt, "Exceeded all our expectations and was everything we hoped for."

On the day, Bailey Park was transformed by a uniquely festive and family atmosphere that was a testament to all the hours the organisers had put into holding such a large-scale event.

There was live music that covered all bases from funk to punk, to soul to ska, with a sprinkling of male voice choirs and acoustic minstrels for good effect.

There was medieval knights jousting, falcons flying, Morris Dancers making merry, Welsh Axeman chopping, Belly Dancers bopping, Police dogs performing, and specially prepared 'Welsh Warrior' beer brewing - A brand of ale which proved so popular with punters in the beer tent that Peter Young from Waterside Bar is looking into marketing it locally as a means to raise money for the Richard Hunt Foundation.

The youngsters were also kept well entertained with the inflatable army assault course, climbing wall, plate spinning, face painting and the many other activities on offer.

At one point there was even a very special and very low fly over from a military helicopter, which was guaranteed to set a fair few pulses racing.

For 12 hours, from 10am to 10pm the event was attended by over four thousand people who enjoyed a trouble-free and memorable festival, including charity patron Max Boyce who told the Chronicle, "It's nice that we're all here gathered in the sun and surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Abergavenny, but we should never forget that at this very moment there are hundreds of soldiers risking life and limb out in Afghanistan. This is who the day is really about."

At the time of going to press the Welsh Warrior Festival has raised over £15.000 and counting for the Richard Hunt Foundation, which was set up by his family in memory of Richard who became the 200th British soldier to die for his country in the Afghanistan conflict.

Less than a week after the event Hazel Hunt explained how money raised at the festival has already been put to use in its aim to help injured Welsh servicemen, women and their families, "Firstly, we have sent £500 to the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Worthing, which was set up after the First World War and provides nursing and rehabilitation care for physically disabled ex-Servicemen and women. They have no government funding so rely solely on charitable funds.

"Secondly, we have sent another £500 to the 20-year-old pregnant fiancee (Kelly Forrest) of Jonathan Burgess. Jonathan was killed recently in Afghanistan, whilst serving in the First Battalion of The Royal Welsh. We hope that the money will help Kelly with the expense that having a new baby entails.

"Thirdly, we are also in the process of financially assisting a soldier who lost a lower part of his leg and is suffering quite severe phantom pains."

Hazel added, "We would not be able to do any of this without the amazing support of everyone who worked so tirelessly towards making the Welsh Warrior Festival a reality and all those who attended it."

"I would like to personally thank Captain Mark Adams, Jeremy and Nancy Mead, my daughters Jayne and Fiona, and all of Richard's friends, both civilians and soldiers.

"One of our objectives on the day was to raise people's awareness that the military is one big family and they really do look after one another. I think the 24 lads from 'A' Company, 2nd Battalion of the Royal Welsh, who volunteered their time on Saturday, proved a real hit with the public.

"Most of all I would like to thank the community at large who made the day so special. Their kindness means so much to us and it really does help us cope with our loss."

The £15.000 raised to date by the Welsh Warrior Festival does not include contributions given prior to the event, and on behalf of the foundation, Hazel would like to thank Keith Davies for his £500, Simply Spiritual for their £200, Abergavenny's H.J. Edwards Master Butchers for their £1000, Local band The Dolts for donating the proceeds of their first EP, and the people from the Abergavenny Fair, for their donation of £100.

Hazel added, "I would also like to thank Mrs Claire Saunders from Wrexham, who along with her daughter has donated nearly £2000 to the Foundation."

Following the success of the first festival, the organisers would like to see it become an annual event, and Hazel explained, "We've been inundated with praise from people who attended on Saturday, saying it was the best event they've ever been to in Bailey Park. The council were also forthcoming in saying how impressive our management of the whole thing was.

"Tim Bradfield From Monmouthshire County Council, told me that the park was so immaculate on Sunday that he wondered if we'd actually staged a festival at all. But that's the benefit of having the army on board to help you out."

The committee behind the Welsh Warrior Festival are currently holding meetings to plan next year's event, an event that is sure to become only bigger and better as time goes on.

Hazel explained, "Sadly, considering the state of affairs in Afghanistan, events like these are needed more than ever to help raise the necessary funds."

The cost of war may be decided by the politicians, but the price is always paid by soldiers such as Richard Hunt. Events like the Welsh Warrior ensure that the people remember and honour the ultimate sacrifice these brave souls have made.

As Richard's mother pointed out, "It's quite ironic really, because the whole festival would have never happened, if Richard, bless him, hadn't died. Yet I know he would have loved it, especially the bands, and if he had been there he would have been very proud of the way his hometown turned out in their thousands to support all the brave troops and the sacrifice they have made, and continue to make, every single day."