Something has been hidden in Newport. Clues tucked into familiar streets. Characters lurking by the river. Missions waiting in plain sight – for anyone bold enough to look.
A free street game is set to transform Newport town centre into a nine-day adventure, as part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival.
The Grey Escape, co-designed by young people at The Port youth club, invites families, friends, and solo explorers to discover their town in an entirely new way.
The game is a collaboration between community organisation We the 33 and The Port, a youth space based in Newport – run by Romy and Bella – and game consultant Splash and Ripple. Together they have turned the town’s streets, river paths, parks, and alleyways into a living game world – with clues running from the willow by Sainsbury’s bridge to the wide open spaces of the park and beyond.
How the game works
Players sign up at The Port, collect their instructions, and head out to follow the trail at their own pace.
The game runs daily from 27 thJune to 5th July, with no set start time – making it easy to drop in, pick up the story, and come back for more. Complete the game and win a mystery prize!
Reconnecting with Newport’s natural side
Sitting within the wider Biosphere Festival programme, The Grey Escape is designed to help people of all ages reconnect with Newport’s natural environment – its river, green spaces, and the wildlife woven through the town centre.
The game was built by young people for everyone, and that spirit is baked into every clue.
Key details
The Grey Escape takes place between 27th June – 5th July 2026 and is free to take part in.
The start point is The Port, Newport, Isle of Wight. Go the website for more information.
The event is part of the Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival 2026. See the website for the full programme.
The game has been created by young people (aged 12 to 18) at The Port Youth Club in partnership with We the 33.
News shared by Martha on behalf of Isle of Wight Biosphere Festival. Ed
