Open Air in the Square – Market Days announces a programme of exciting outdoor events in Newport to bring vibrancy and community back to the historic town centre.
Market Days CIC is bringing a twelve-week programme of events to Newport’s St Thomas’ Square to bring vibrancy and community back to the town centre.
Every Saturday
The events will be held every Saturday and will feature the new Newport Saturday Market with local traders, entertainment and activities for shoppers, passers-by, visitors and families.
Open Air in the Square will reactivate St Thomas’ Square and reconnect todays residents and visitors with its heritage as a bustling place to meet, trade and be entertained.
A range of activities
Activities will be varied and interesting – from sea shanty singing to traditional butter making, circus performance and vintage motorbike displays – something to engage people who are already in town but also to encourage tourist visits.
These exciting events are part of the Newport High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, funded and delivered by a partnership of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, Historic England and Isle of Wight Council.
Successful events
The first of these events have been very successful over the past two Saturdays (10th July and 17th July) with lots of fun and spectacle at both the Minster and the Market Event and the Marching Bands in the Square organised in partnership with the Newport Carnival Company.
The calendar of events
24th July – Wellness Event in partnership with Metier Ingenuity
- Metier Ingenuity will be showcasing their organic, handmade health and beauty products and offering shoulder and back massage tasters from their wellness marquee.
- Rachel Richards from ‘Running the WightWays’ will be leading a taster three mile run of approx. one hour on Saturday 24th July at 2:30pm – sign up on the day. Running the WightWays does guided off-road and trail running on the Island. Social, scenic running for runners of all abilities.
- Love Running Shop and Love Running Tuesday Night Group will be represented by fully licensed run leaders, Natalie Lazenby and Brian Grimes. They will be in St Thomas’ Square to chat about running and offer advice and tips. At 11.30 they will be doing a little warm up then taking any participants for a two mile gentle run along Connie’s Walk down Medina Avenue and back to St Thomas Square.
- Mindful Chanting with Fany and Deni of Sun Drum 11.30am
- Newport Rowing Club rowing machine will be demonstrating the benefits of rowing.
31st July – Nautical Newport
Including Shanty Singers, at 11 am and 1.30pm.
7th August – Art in the Square
Art Market with interactive family activities from Quay Arts.
14th August – Made in the Biosphere
Biosphere themed event with activities such as cargo bike demonstration.
21st August – Make of the Wight
A makers market showcasing the talents of our wonderful Island Artisans and makers.
28th August – Back to School event
Magic show, pavement art and circus performance with some pampering thrown in for parents!
4th September – Plant Market
Plant sales and stalls and activities Including public engagement activity surrounding farms and farming on the Isle of Wight.
11th September – The Streets of Newport
Mediaeval market with butter making, a workshop for children and leatherworking.
18th of September – Festivals
An exploration of the history of the Isle of Wight Festival and its links with Island life. With market stalls and street entertainment.
25th September – Vintage Motorcycle Club
Beautiful vintage motorcycles in the square alongside market stalls and music entertainment.
News shared by Claire on behalf of Market Days CIC. Ed
