It’s back and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year’s Newport Bay Spring Festival is to be held over the early May bank holiday weekend, from Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May.
Whether you are a budding artist, a tri-athlete, a fisherman or novice golfer, enjoy making things or just want to learn more about the local area, there will be something there for you.
Under the heading “A Day at the Seaside”, there will be events, competitions, workshops and demonstrations - on the beach, in the hills, up the mountain, on the water, on the golf course and in the marquee. And they are for all ages and abilities.
The event drives off with a golf competition on the picturesque Newport links course, followed by food in the clubhouse. Greatly reduced ‘green fees’ give you a chance to try your hand in the loveliest of settings.
That evening there is a concert in the Memorial Hall by Phantom Limb and supporting group. Phantom Limb are “A seamless amalgam of classic, southern soul, country blues and gospel, this is intelligent music-making with impeccably high standards. Few bands can boast a vocalist of the quality of Yolanda Quartey”. Tickets are always at a premium, so buy your’s early.
Over the rest of the weekend, for the sports minded there is kayak racing on the Estuary, running around the Estuary and mountain biking on Carningli. There are two courses in each event, to cater for age, ability and inclination. The events can be done on their own or as a tri-challenge, by both individuals or as a team. The long course three event challenge is all on the Saturday, while the shorter course races are spread out over the three days.
The road cycling, again on two courses, takes place on Monday. Even if you have no interest in tackling the local hills, line the route to see upwards of 150 hardy competitors.
More leisurely kayaking can be done on the popular sea trek, along the coast for a picnic on a nearby beach. The trek, again with two lengths, is on the Sunday; it is guided, and accompanied by a Safety Boat.
Children can do the sports events and, for younger ones, there are games and entertainment in and around the marquee on the Parrog. They can watch stilt walking, maypole dancing, the puppet show and mask making, have their faces painted while eating an ice cream. They can decorate their own pottery and make balloons.
Over on the beach, there will be kite flying, a demonstration of kite surfing and you can learn how to sea fish. See the Life Guards showing off their skills in the surf.
There is a wide variety of guided walks of 2 to 15 miles. These include bluebells, Welsh language, tea and cakes, seafarers and, for the family - wizards.
You may also wish to walk along the Arts Trail, visiting the many local studios. Beforehand, you can enter the art competition and win one of the fabulous prizes that have been donated.
Back in the marquee, relax and enjoy Carmarthen Wind Band and other entertainers, see the various displays or learn how to wicker make and design beach art.
And if that is not enough, there is the ever popular quiz in the Boat Club.
Newport Town Web Site
We are looking for volunteers to help with the translation of the Newport Town Website into Welsh in order to provide a bi-lingual facility. Anyone able to offer their skills please contact the Town Clerk Mrs Janet Weston on 01239 820920
Gwefan Tref Trefdraeth
Rydyn ni'n edrych am wirfoddolwyr i gynorthwyo gyda chyfieithu gwefan Tref Trefdraeth i mewn i'r Gymraeg er mwyn creu adnodd dwy ieithog. Os oes rhywun a all gynnig ei sgiliau cyfieithu, cysylltwch a Chlerc y Dref, Mrs Janet Weston ar 01239 820920
