Newport city centre will start the countdown to Christmas with an event packed with fun for all the family on Saturday, November 16.
Running from 2pm to 5.30pm, Countdown to Christmas will feature live music, fairground rides and celebrity guests, culminating in the official switching on of Newport’s city centre Christmas lights and a fireworks display.
Organised by the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with Newport City Council, Friars Walk and Newport City Radio, Countdown to Christmas will mirror the BID’s hugely-successful previous annual events with the main stage based at the junction of Charles Street and Commercial Street. This year’s event is funded by UK Government via the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Last year’s Countdown to Christmas attracted almost 9,000 additional people into the city centre compared with an average Saturday.
Musical acts will be on stage during the day, with a chart-topper who has notched four number one singles with sales of more than three million in the UK topping the bill, and a special guest will be helping the city’s mayor Councillor Ray Mogford push the button to light up the city centre for the festive season.
There will be fairground rides along High Street and the riverfront, and the event will culminate with the Christmas lights switch-on at 5.15pm followed by the fireworks display at 5.30pm.
The day also marks the start of free parking on Saturdays in council-owned car parks in the city centre, which runs until December 31.
Newport Now BID chairman Zep Bellavia said:
“We are proud and excited to be delivering our ninth annual Countdown to Christmas event to launch the festive trading period in the city centre.
“We are sure this year will prove just as popular as previous events and, as usual, there will be a fantastic family feel to the day.
“The BID represents more than 600 businesses in the city centre. The majority of them are small independents and we hope the people of Newport and the surrounding area will support them during the Christmas shopping season.”
Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of Newport City Council, said:
“Newport’s Countdown to Christmas is a showstopping event in the city’s calendar. It’s always amazing to see so many people in the city centre, coming together to mark the start of the festive season.
“This year we’re going bigger and better with our Festive Newport campaign. Working with our partners, including Newport Now, we are making sure Christmas 2024 will be a cracker with free parking, ice skating, markets, entertainment, food and more.”
Friars Walk asset manager Simon Pullen said:
“Countdown to Christmas in Newport marks the beginning of the festive season and brings a fantastic atmosphere to the city centre. We’re delighted to be involved in supporting the event.
“Our sponsorship of the fireworks display reflects our commitment to creating memorable experiences for both locals and visitors. Additionally, we’re looking forward to hosting Santa’s Workshop in December, bringing the magic of Christmas to Friars Walk once again.”
Newport City Radio managing director Ian Lamsdale said:
“This year, on our 16th birthday, Newport City Radio proudly became Newport’s dedicated DAB local broadcaster, delivering live shows, supporting over 350 local musicians, and attending major city events. We’re volunteer-powered, making radio fun, engaging, and community-driven.
“We promised to give you more in 24, and we’re pleased to be back on the big stage with some amazing local musicians and making some noise as we host the whole event for the second year.”
More details about the event – including the special celebrity guest and other musical performers – will be revealed over the next few weeks.
