Newent's tenth anniversary Onion Fayre will be celebrated with a mass public party by the lake, complete with a marquee and music into the night.

The Onion Fayre Committee will splash out £5,000 on the party, in addition to the £13,000 it will spend on the fayre itself.

Town councillor Peter Pain, chairman of the committee, said although the party's costs would be met this year, he hoped that future sponsorship from local businesses and individuals would make it a new annual attraction.

There will be a bar and food will also be available. The whole evening will close with an impressive firework display over the lake.

The committee is currently talking to a number of bands with a view to signing two up to provide live music on the night.

In the ten years since the fayre was revived, it has grown and grown. Last year, an estimated 15,000 people came and a similar crowd is anticipated on September 10.

Coun Pain said: "We never thought it would last so long, perhaps five or ten years, but it has been a phenomenal success, mainly down to a few of us putting in a lot of hard work.

"We get no grants and rely on fundraising and sponsorship."

The costs have risen considerably. The first revived Onion Fayre back in 1995 only cost the committee £1,800 to stage.

Another major attraction this year will be a beer and wine festival at the George Hotel, including live music into the evening.

The fayre will be launched by television presenter Hannah Stewart Jones, of Central News, at 10am by the Market Hall.

Stall bookings for this year's festival are being taken now, on 01531 821610.