NEWPORT rocked on Saturday as over 4,000 people turned out for TJ’s in the Square. JESSICA GIBB reports.

THE late John Sicolo would have loved it.

TJ's in the Square in John Frost Square was so loud you could hear it across the city, drawing in passers by and local music supporters of all ages.

Local groups of the 1990s re-formed for the open-air concert in memory of TJ’s owner Mr Sicolo, who died in March.

The line-up for the day, which ran from 11am to 10pm, included Goldie Lookin' Chain, the Darling Buds, Disco and Novocaine - showcasing the brightest talent to cut their teeth on the TJ’s stage.

In an emotional speech at the event, Mr Sicolo's daughter Leanne said: “I can already see by all you here today how much you loved TJ’s.

“I’m sure my dad has been rocking today. So lets remember and celebrate the life of John Sicolo the legend - this is for you dad.”

Then in Mr Sicolo’s honour, 100 balloons were released in the TJ’s colours of orange and black.

Indie-pop band the Darling Buds re-formed for the first time in 17 years in a one-off tribute.

Singer Andrea Lewis said: “I really enjoyed it. The crowd were amazing, I saw some old faces from years back and a lot of people that went to TJ’s - John would have been in his element today.”

Speaking of her band’s reunion, she added: “It’s a long time since we were together, but we just did what we could for an amazing man.”

A strong supporter of Newport’s alternative music scene, MP Paul Flynn made an appearance to introduce GLC. He said: “We’ve had huge success in the local music scene - it was the new Seattle - and it’s put Newport on the map.

“It’s a lovely day and I couldn’t think of anything better, it’s TJ’s again for one evening.”

Rhys from headliners GLC said: “It’s amazing to have been a part of this and play with so many bands we’ve grown up with. If only they could do it every year.”

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EDITORIAL COMMENT: Tribute hits the right note

WHAT an incredible turnout for the TJ’s in the Square event in Newport on Saturday.

People of all ages paid their respects to the late John Sicolo simply by turning up to this wonderful event in John Frost Square to mark the life of a man who loved music and loved Newport.

Some local groups re-formed for the open-air, all-day concert in memory of TJ’s owner Mr Sicolo, who died in March.

Goldie Lookin' Chain, the Darling Buds, Disco and Novocaine were among those whose careers started on TJ’s stage.

Newport’s success in the music world in the 1990s was all down to Mr Sicolo.

His passion for music and the city made for an explosive impact with the area being dubbed the new Seattle.

Tragically TJ’s is no more but this concert was the perfect way to mark an end of an era - a celebration of Mr Sicolo and a celebration of some great music.

We’re pretty sure he would have loved this day.

Well done to all those who organised this remarkable event.

We should also congratulate organisers of all the other events that took place throughout Gwent at the weekend.

Some incredible turnouts at shows ensured many of us had a lot of fun.

For once, the weather was with us.