THE extremely popular Newport Day of Christmas will return next month, and organisers promise the event will be even bigger than last year.

Organised by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council (NCCC) alongside Market Days CIC and SKATES, Newport Day of Christmas will take place on Saturday, November 19.

The Quay will host a synthetic ice rink as well as an inflatable assault course, a snow globe (weather permitting), a circus workshop and food stalls.

A bustling Christmas market will bring the festival sights and smells to St Thomas’ Square once again.

Isle of Wight County Press: Newport Quay synthetic ice rinkNewport Quay synthetic ice rink (Image: Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council)

For the Christmas lights switch on, a large stage will be in St James’ Square providing entertainment throughout the day (November 19) until 5.45pm when a circus-themed show ‘The Greatest Showman’ will switch on the town’s lights.

Cllr Shirley Smart, chair of NCCC, said: “We are proud of how our event has grown, and we are delighted to once again be providing a free family event that kicks off the festive season and culminates in the switching-on of the town’s lights.”

Popular roller-rink SKATES, based in the Quay, will provide free roller-skating sessions for the event and owner Mark Rooney said: “I built SKATES for the Island community to enjoy.

“What better way to say that than by offering our venue for all to enjoy at this Day of Christmas event? What fun!”

Isle of Wight County Press: Newport Day of ChristmasNewport Day of Christmas (Image: Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council)

Islanders will be able to book free sessions from 10am on Wednesday, November 2, on the NCCC website.

Claire Kennard, Market Days CIC director, said: “Market Days CIC will be back in St Thomas Square with a large Christmas market, and we are really delighted to be part of this fabulous event.

“Newport has seen some fantastic events over this year, including the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, and it is wonderful to be a small part of this movement to regenerate Newport and bring the community together.”

There will be an opportunity to join heritage service manager Richard Smout on a short walk to learn secrets about the history of Newport.

Characters, including the Grinch, will be walking around throughout the day, and local school and community choirs will be performing.

To enquire about a stallholder pitch in the market, contact info@marketdaysiow.com

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