NEWPORT businesses will take centre stage this weekend as the city hosts its third annual Independents’ Day.

In a bid to tempt shoppers away from chains and supermarkets, independent traders in the city will be offering a host of discounts and offers tomorrow (Saturday, July 2).

Dozens of independent businesses will be taking part in the event, which will be based at Westgate Square, Commercial Street and John Frost Square between 11am and 4pm.

Costumed characters, workshops and live music will sweep across the city in a day of celebration held in partnership between Newport Now and Friars Walk.

One of the event organisers, Newport Now manager Adrian Evans, hopes other retailers will show their support by launching special offers for the day.

“We hope we have nice weather on the day. It’s brilliant that we’re all working together to make a big impact on the city centre as much as we can,” he said.

Rogerstone councillor Chris Evans, who helped launch the event three years ago, added that the day is about “empowering traders to take control of their own destiny”.

“The event is an opportunity for everyone to come together and I think Saturday is going to be a day of celebration and support for independent traders,” he said.

“Friars Walk and Newport Now have got involved and the event will see the city centre come alive.”

The councillor added that in a post-Brexit landscape, where multinational corporations are “getting nervous”, independent traders are “needed more than ever”.

Kelly Miles, 30, of newly-opened Raw Juice Bar on Upper Dock Street, will be taking part in Independents' Day for the first time.

She added: “These events are really important. They give independent businesses the opportunity to get their name out there and gain a bit of promotion.

“It’s hard to compete with the big names but I think independents can give a bit more of a personal service and offer more to the customers.

“It’s not a ‘one size fits all’ service and we have a more time to do things like amend recipes for individual customers.”

Newport City Council cabinet member for regeneration and investment, John Richards, also pledged to support the event.

He said: “We support local businesses and wish this event every success”.

Other attractions on the day include a live music stage, a Punch and Judy stall, a petting farm from Greenmeadow Farm and a range of funfair rides.

For more information visit www.newportbid.com.