A popular 'Day of Christmas' which prompted Newport's busiest day in history is set to return this November.
Following the success of last year's event — when Islanders came in their hundreds to use a pop-up ice rink and enjoy festivities across the town — organisers have promised to bring the event back, bigger and better.
Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Market Days CIC and SKATES have come together to bring even more fun and festivities this year, with free roller-skating sessions, giant inflatables, snow globe and circus training.
Cllr Shirley Smart, Chair of NCCC said:
“We are proud of how our event has grown and we are delighted to once again be providing a free family event that kicks off the festive season and culminates in the switching-on of the town’s lights.”
The Quay will host an ice rink as well as inflatable assault course and snow globe (weather permitting), a circus workshop and food stalls.
Popular roller-rink SKATES is providing free roller-skating sessions for the event. Owner Mark Rooney said:
“I built SKATES for our Island community to enjoy. What better way to say that than by offering our venue for all to enjoy at this Day of Christmas event? What fun!”
A bustling Christmas market will also bring festive sights and smells to St Thomas’s Square. Market Days CIC director Claire Kennard said:
“Market Days CIC will be back in St Thomas Square with a large Christmas market and we are really delighted to be part of this fabulous event.
"Newport has seen some fantastic events over this year including the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and it is wonderful to be a small part of this movement to regenerate Newport and bring the community together.”
There will be an opportunity to join Heritage Service Manager, Richard Smout, on a short walk to learn secrets about the history of Newport.
Characters including the Grinch, will be walking around throughout the day and local school and community choirs will be performing.
A large stage will be in St James’s Square will provide a variety of entertainment throughout the day until 5.45pm when a magical circus-themed show ‘The Greatest Snowman’ will switch on the town’s Christmas lights!
Due to their huge popularity, booking systems will be in place for the ice rink, SKATES roller-skating sessions and history tours and these will
open shortly.
Further details will be released soon while the list of activities grows, but for now, NCCC invites you to save the date!
To enquire about a stallholder pitch in the market please contact [email protected]