TICKETS for the inaugural Newport County festival go on sale today, organisers have announced.

Newport County AFC and the Supporters Trust, in association with businessman Iftekhar Haris, announced they are launching the Newport County festival last week.

Organisers hope the fun for all the family event, set for July 21, will bring in a new generation of supporters while providing Newport residents with a day out and some community pride.

The festival will feature three stages of talent as some of Gwent’s finest bands, dancers, entertainers and DJs come together to perform at the club’s home of Rodney Parade.

Kicking off at 2pm, there will be plenty to keep little ones occupied, including food stalls, five-a-side and bouncy castles, as well as a chance to meet the club and county players.

James Watts, commercial manager at Newport County AFC, announced on Twitter the event has already been granted a full licence.

Mr Haris, one of the organisers said: ”The players met last week and they think its a great idea. They are really excited about getting a chance to meet the fans. It’s quite short notice, but we are all hoping the weather will be good.

“We’ve had the health and safety OK, but we are still waiting for a few other formalities to go through.

“The reaction we’ve had off people has been brilliant.

So many bands want to play, and more than that, it gets people out to see the new pitch and meet people.

“There’s a real excitement for it, and I think with Newport now being in league two, it will really put the city on the map.

“The more people that come and the more interest they show means we will be able to make this an annual thing and keep holding these sort of events “The venue is right in the centre of Newport, its easy to get to and hopefully we will have a bit of buzz going in Newport.”

Bands performing include 2 Rude, a Ska tribute band, who will play the very best of the 2 Tone era, recreating the live sound of bands like The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Bad Manners and more.

Tickets are £3 available from the club, from Warehouse 54 and by calling 01633 670690, or visit newport-county.co.uk