With schools about to break up for the long summer holidays, Newport Now BID is again helping to attract families with children into the city centre.
The city's Urban Beach – which has been enjoyed by more than 15,000 children over the last two years – returns for an extended period this summer.
The beach, in John Frost Square, will be open 9am-5pm every day from July 30 to September 1 inclusive – three days more than last year’s event.
The first 60 minutes of each day will be a ‘quiet’ hour to ensure the beach is as inclusive as possible, while accepting it is a public and commercial area.
The event is being delivered by the BID in partnership with Newport City Council, Newport Live, Friars Walk and Yellow Bus Events.
The Urban Beach includes:
- A 23m x 4m beach that will run along the Sainsbury’s side of John Frost Square.
- 15 tonnes of sand will be delivered to the site on the night of July 29 and taken away on the night of September 1.
- High-quality washed golden play sand.
- 50 deck chairs and bucket & spade sets will be available for visitors to the free event.
- There will be a giant deck chair and a peek-through seaside board for photo opportunities and selfies.
- Background sounds of the sea & seagulls.
During the opening hours of 9am to 5pm, the Urban Beach will be staffed by ‘Beach Buddies’ provided by Newport Live. There will be security in place every night.
Newport Now BID manager Kevin Ward said:
“Bringing the seaside into the city centre for more than a month is a fantastic way to mark the school summer holiday season.
“Children love the beach. Importantly for us as a BID, it brings additional footfall into the city centre at a crucial time for our businesses.”
Councillor James Clarke, Newport City Council's cabinet member for regeneration and economic growth, said:
“It’s great to see this summer attraction returning to John Frost Square. It is always a big hit with families and adds another fun element to the city centre as well as our holiday programme which includes activities in the nearby Central Library, Museum and Art Gallery.”
The Urban Beach is part of a growing calendar of city centre events either organised or sponsored by Newport Now BID.
The BID will also be sponsoring Pride in the Port on September 5, as Newport hosts UK Pride for the first time, and the Newport Food Festival on October 3.
The BID’s Countdown to Christmas city centre lights switch-on event will this year take place on November 14.
