CROWDS flocked to the big top when the circus came to town as part of the Usk Festival.

Clowns, acrobats and trapeze artists entertained the audience during four performances.

This weekend is the finale of the Usk Festival, which spans ten days.

John Lawson's Circus teamed up with Usk Church in Wales Primary School to sell tickets.

The school could claim commission on each ticket, raising cash to spend on pupils.

David Sansom, organiser of the festival, said: "So far it has been a phenomenal success. The weather has been kind and will be fantastic on the weekend. It will be the place to be this weekend in South Wales.

"We have a lot of culture and heritage in the town. Over the ten days, we have hopefully brought that to life."

More than 40 events ranging from the spectacular circus to the more low-key Bingo afternoon have been put on for local people and guests from further afield.

Mr Sansom said the population of Usk was only 2000, but two or three times that number would come to the festival.

He added: "I think that proves that when a community gets together with an entrepreneurial spirit it can build something far bigger than the sum of all its parts."

Local singer Ellie Burchell-Haslett launched her CD at the festival, choosing the event for this landmark after giving her debut performance at the town's Winter festival.

Ellie said: "I'm very excited to be releasing my CD at my local festival, which makes it all the more special."

West End star Sophie Evans also gave a performance and answered questions, borrowing the circus tent for the venue.

Weekend events will include music, a market, inflatable paintballing (run by First Battalion the Rifles from Beachley Barracks, Chepstow), a Medieval Day at Usk Castle and cookery demonstrations from celebrity chef Matt Tebbutt as well as chefs from local hotels and restaurants.

For full event listings, see www.uskfestival.co.uk.