Newports Light Switch On

Around 8,000 people turned up to see Newport’s Christmas Lights being switched-on, on Sunday 22nd November, the weather may have been bad, but it didn’t damper the crowd’s spirit!

The skies over the city centre were lit up by fireworks as the Mayor of Newport Cllr Glyn Jarvis, joined by the winners of our Search for a Star competition, Malpas Church in Wales Junior School choir, pressed the button to illuminate Newport’s festive display.

The smell of roasting nuts filled the air as parents and children danced and sang along to festive tunes.

The event started at 12pm with a live stage at the top of High Street, hosted by 'Newport's Only Comedian' Jools Constant and Red Dragon Radio.

The crowd were kept entertained with performances from local acts including Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd Choir, Rogerstone Brass Band, Vanessa Clarke School of Dance, WAWWA, Batatan, Newport City Gems and Dirty Goods - as well as the choir competition winners Malpas Church in Wales Junior School.

Children enjoyed a special visit from Santa in his musical sleigh, as well as Frosty the Snowman, whilst parents browsed Christmas stalls selling everything from festive crafts to home made cakes and pastries.

The Ezeeeplay FunBus was on site; Childsplay cafe offered festive activities for youngsters, there was even a Donkey & Pony, before the evening was wrapped up by Big Macs Wholly Soul Band.

Cllr Jarvis thanked Newport Unlimited; Newport's Urban Regeneration Company for Sponsoring the Christmas Lights and Malpas-based charity St Anne’s Hospice for sponsoring the Christmas trees before wishing Newport residents a happy festive season.

The Search for a Star competition was run in conjunction with Newport Council and Red Dragon Radio.