Newport Events and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Newport, Gwent, South Wales, UK)

There are always plenty of things to do around Gwent and Newport is by no means an exception, with a busy programme of events, festivals and concerts. Many of Newport's events take place each year, while others are one-offs and often held during the summer months, including farmers' markets, concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances at both the Riverfront Theatre and Dolman Theatre.

The main yearly events in Newport include the Wales Open, an important snooker championship at the end of February, with big prize money up for grabs, while the Maindee Festival and the Caerleon Arts Festival both take place in July and always draw large crowds.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Good Friday / Easter Monday - late March or early April
• First and last Monday in May
• Last Monday in August
• 25th December - Christmas Day
• 26th December - Boxing Day

Some of the most popular events in the Newport area of South Wales are as follows.

Wales Open

A major professional snooker tournament held at the end of February every year, the Wales Open features prize money of around £250,000 and attracts many leading snooker players.

St. David's Day Concert at Newport Centre

Tel: +44 (0)1633 232 035
St. David's Day is also a major event throughout Wales and falls on March 1st. The official feast day of the patron saint of Wales, this dates has been a celebration in Wales since the 18th century. Apart from the usual traditional costumes, daffodil-wearing and other celebrations, choir concerts as usually held at the Newport Centre in aid of local charities and are always well attended.

Weekend of International Folk Dance, Music and Song

Held each year at the magnificent Tredegar House and Country Park, the Weekend of International Folk Dance, Music and Song takes place in May. Featuring a range of dancing, craft stalls and many local performers, this festival was first held in 1988 and has grown is size and popularity ever since and lasts three days, being held over a weekend.

Maindee Festival

A popular event in the middle of July, the city's lively Maindee Festival regularly attracts in excess of 10,000 visitors. Highlights include a huge procession through the streets, an extensive programme of activities, live entertainment, plenty of colourful costumes and many themed events.

Caerleon Arts Festival

Taking place annually in the middle of July, the Caerleon Arts Festival lasts around ten days and attracts a number of prominent international sculptures from all over Europe. Attracting crowds of many thousands, the Caerleon Arts Festival provides an opportunity to observe the sculptors actually at work and in the process of creating their pieces.

Tour of Britain

The Tour of Britain cycle race is split into a number of different stages and features teams racing from both Scotland and Wales. Taking place in the middle of September and lasting seven days, the race often passes through the city.

Theatrical Events

Throughout the year, a range of performances are on offer at both the Dolman Theatre and also the Riverfront Theatre, where the facilities are excellent. With a fairly diverse programme of concerts, musicals, operas, comedy gigs, dance and art exhibitions, the theatres both feature separate studio areas, bars and a number of popular workshops.