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South Wales Argus
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Urban Beach returns to Newport for 2025 for family fun
The month-long event, organised by Newport Now BID, sees John Frost Square transformed into a seaside extravaganza with a beach area, deck chairs, and buckets and spades all set up to entertain families throughout the holidays. Come rain or shine, the beach will be open daily throughout August from 9am to 5pm, with families being encouraged to come along and 'have fun in the sand'. (Image: Tom Ryan) 'Quiet hours' have also been designated in the first and last hours of every day so that the event is as inclusive as possible for children and families. The urban beach first took over the popular square last year, attracting nearly 9,500 children throughout August. Organisers will be hoping for similar success this summer as the beach returns. (Image: Tom Ryan) The event is all part of efforts led by the team behind Newport Now BID to drive people into the city over the summer in the hope to boost footfall for local businesses and services. Two of the 'Beach Buddies', who will be on hand throughout the month to ensure families have an enjoyable time, said that the beach's return had been met with positive feedback and 'lots of thank yous' from parents and children. Darcey and Oliver James were two of the children making the most of the beach on its opening day on Friday (August 1). With bucket and spade in hand, the siblings spent hours building what was almost a town of sandcastles – there were certainly plenty of smiles on faces. Darcey and Oliver James having fun (Image: Tom Ryan) Carys James, Darcey and Oliver's mother, said: 'It's really lovely to have this in Newport. My daughter Darcey has especially enjoyed it – and it's free.' Laura Rees was also at the beach with her family on Friday. She said: 'The beach is great, and it's nice to have something that's free and outdoors in Newport – especially for families who find getting to the seaside a faff. Laura Rees and her family (Image: Tom Ryan) 'We've been here for two hours, and it's really convenient – it's nice for the kids, and it's clean.' The beach joins a series of other family-friendly events in the city this summer. A giant chair trail along the riverfront and into the city centre will also run until September 10, and a monster trail – which will allow children to 'collect' monsters via the Newport Now app – will take place from August 11 to September 10. (Image: Tom Ryan) Kevin Ward, manager of Newport Now BID, said: 'We are really pleased to have secured funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund via the council to bring even more summer fun to the city centre. 'Our Urban Beach was used by almost 9,500 children last year and we are sure that, combined with the other events, many families will be attracted into the city centre over the school holidays – increasing footfall and trading opportunities for the business we represent.' Cllr James Clarke, Newport City Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Business Growth, also welcomed the family events, including the beach's return. He said: 'We work closely with Newport Now on initiatives for the city centre and the summer programme is going to be a lot of fun for all the ages.'
South Wales Argus
22-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport Now gift card now available in digital format
The Newport Now gift card, designed to encourage spending in Newport city centre, is now available in a digital format, allowing shoppers to pay using their phones at participating businesses. Kevin Ward, manager of Newport Now BID, said: "This new digital offer is a great addition to our popular gift card scheme. "We know some businesses, particularly smaller ones, prefer contactless payments and today's launch means this will suit their needs and we think more local shops, bars, cafes and restaurants will sign up to accept the card as a result. "Buying and sending a digital Newport Now gift card couldn't be simpler and we hope to see more people backing city centre traders, the majority of whom are small independents." Launched in 2017 by the Newport Now Business Improvement District, the scheme has seen more than 1,500 cards sold, generating at least £40,000 of spending in the city centre. The digital card can be sent instantly via email or text and added to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay using the free Love Local app. Recipients can then use their phone to 'tap to pay' at participating businesses. The cards can be spent at more than 40 city centre outlets, including both national chains and independent shops. Businesses and organisations can also send digital cards to staff, customers, or clients. The physical card remains available for those who prefer a traditional option. The scheme is run in partnership with technology firm Miconex. Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, said: "Digital gift cards overtook physical gift cards in popularity for the first time in 2024. "People want the ability to instantly send a gift card to friends, family and staff members that they can add to digital wallets – and that's what they can do with the new digital Newport Now gift card. "The digital version of the card means supporting local in Newport is easier than ever, particularly as a way for organisations to easily reward their staff, and provide a tangible boost to the Newport economy at the same time." Both the digital and physical versions of the Newport Now gift card can be bought at:
