Sponsorship for show-stopping Christmas events in Newport

Newport City Council has teamed up with the city’s Urban Regeneration Company Newport Unlimited, St Anne’s Hospice, Red Dragon Radio, The South Wales Argus, Voice Magazine, Soundbase UK, Ezeeeplay and ASDA to put on the city’s most impressive Christmas celebrations yet for 2009.

This year’s merriment boasts three major events:

Sunday 22 November
The Christmas lights switch-on celebrations will start on High Street at 12noon. The day promises to be a feast of festive activity, with the lights sponsored by Newport Unlimited and the Christmas trees sponsored by St Anne’s Hospice. The lights will be switched on at 5pm by the Mayor of Newport Councillor Glyn Jarvis and the winner of choir competition ‘Searching for Christmas Stars.’

Thursday 26 November
Malarky Arts is making a welcome return to the city centre with its Lantern Parade. Sponsored by Newport Unlimited, the parade is taking place on Thursday 26 November and will involve a number of local Junior/Primary schools including Pill, Maindee, Eveswell, St. Woolos, St. Josephs RC, Bettws, Fairoak Nursery and Surestart. The Parade will make its way around the city centre between 5.30pm and 6.30pm before gathering in John Frost Square for a festive music event.

Saturday 28 November
The third large scale event titled ‘Independents Day’ is a celebration of Newport’s Independent Retailers and will include a festive fashion show in John Frost Square.

Newport Unlimited Urban Regeneration Company is backing this years Christmas events to mark the beginning of the festive period. The Interim Chief Executive 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 2010 Festival and the Ryder Cup year we are helping make the Christmas celebrations even more special for residents and visitors.”

For the full calendar of Christmas events visit www.newportcitycentre.co.uk