Newport receives backing for Christmas 2009

Newport Unlimited, Newport’s Urban Regeneration Company is backing this years Christmas events to mark the beginning of the festive period; they are again sponsoring the Christmas lights; and 2009 also sees them being sole sponsor of a Festive Lantern Parade which is making a welcome return to the city centre on Thursday 26 November.

St Anne’s Hospice; Gwent’s only ‘in patient’ specialist palliative care Hospice, will once again have a major presence in the city centre in support of the City’s Christmas events, sponsoring the Christmas trees within the city whilst also arranging for Santa to be out and about walking through the city during the switch-on event; this year being held on Sunday 22 November on High Street; events start from 12noon and the day promises a feast of festive activity, with the Lights being switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of Newport; Councillor Glyn Jarvis and the winner of the Choir Competition ‘Searching for Christmas Stars’.

The Interim Chief Executive of Newport Unlimited Gareth Beer said “Newport Unlimited is proud to sponsor the Christmas lights and be sole sponsor of the Lantern Parade. On the eve of the Newport Festival 2010 and the Ryder Cup year we are helping make the Christmas celebrations even more special for residents and visitors”. Newport Unlimited is pushing forward the £2bn regeneration programme and is changing the city for the people and businesses of Newport, with many projects currently underway such as the University campus, the station concourse and the start of the first sustainable homes development for the city.

Fundraising Business Manager for St. Anne’s – Terry Woodsford said “Our association with Newport City’s Christmas celebrations has grown over the years and we are pleased to extend the partnership both in time and content. Sponsorship of the Christmas Trees and running Santa’s Grotto in Newport Market are important elements in our event calendar and very much a partnership. We hope the Grotto, which received a ‘Special Commendation’ from the City’s Chamber of Trade last year brings new customers to the traders within the Market. The Grotto enables us to raise funds to allow our nurses to continue providing the exceptional care to those less fortunate than us at this time of year whilst raising awareness of the work done by the Hospice in the city and county”

This year’s calendar of Christmas events has extended to include more large scale events; which include the community based Lantern Parade and the retail based ‘Independents Day’ plus smaller atmospheric events.

For the full calendar of Christmas events visit www.newportcitycentre.co.ukor call 01633 656656.