Newport: First-ever music festival to take place this weekend

The Newport Music Trail will take over the city on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, with a diverse line-up of Newport and Welsh music.

Newport City Council has teamed up with FOCUS Wales to bring the festival to Newport for the first time.

Newport Music Trail (Image: Supplied) The Newport Music Trail will have a festival-like feel, with a number of venues across the city centre hosting performances, allowing visitors to hop from one gig to another.

Councillor Emma Corten, cabinet member for culture and communication, said: “We are so excited to be working with FOCUS Wales to take the first steps toward establishing what we hope will become Newport’s own annual music festival – the first in the Welsh calendar each year.

“The combination of the city’s incredible grassroots music scene, our collection of awesome independent venues and the expertise of the FOCUS Wales team will make Newport an even more exciting place to be this spring for lovers of live music and those aspiring for a career in the industry.”

Newport Music Trail will form part of a series of events during the month of March, including St David’s Day celebrations, International Women’s Day events, performances, literacy, and the city’s inaugural Festival of Words.

Councillor Corten added: “Following on from the super successful ‘Festive Newport,’ which brought partners across the city together to offer the best ever combination of Christmas events, activities, offers and experiences, we are determined to keep the buzz going throughout the year.

“Look out for more information on this and remember to visit www.whatsoncityofnewport.co.uk for details of local events every week of the year.”

Andy Jones, director and music programmer, FOCUS Wales, added: “We’re excited to be working on this important new music event for the city, and looking forward to working with the Newport music community to make this happen.”

Also on Saturday, March 29, Newport will welcome Let’s Rock Club Tropicana to the Corn Exchange on High Street from 2pm to 8pm.

Let’s Rock Club Tropicana will be at the Corn Exchange on Saturday (Image: Supplied) Let’s Rock Festival is launching the UK’s biggest daytime retro clubbing event series, which will take place in towns and cities across the UK.

The Newport event will be hosted by Pat Sharp and Andy Crane, and will feature energetic dance hits of the 80s.

Pat Sharp said: “Great Britain, grab your 80s passport because I’m bringing the first ever Let’s Rock Club Tropicana to the UK, and it’s gonna be one hell of an 80s party.

“I’ll transport you to a retro wonderland where membership’s a smiling face, and the 80s hits will be generously served, whilst I hope to see you all fizzy and popping with the energy of those hit factory heydays.

“Come dressed to impress, rah rah skirts, leg warmers and mullets a must.”

A third event happening in Newport this weekend is the spring celebration hosted by Tango Magic at Nash Village Hall.

Tango Magic is hosting their spring celebration this weekend (Image: Supplied) On Saturday night, there will be a workshop from 7pm to 8pm with Marek and Katherine, costing £15.

Afterwards, there is a milonga dance with DJ Marek, from 8pm to 11pm, costing £15.

Then, on Sunday, March 30, there is a milonga with Alice Spencer DJ from 2.30pm to 6pm, priced at £15.

Both events will have a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival and food will be served.