NEWPORT really came alive when the city celebrated Independents’ Day.

The special day, organised by Newport Now, saw the city centre transformed for a day to celebrate and promote Newport’s independent traders.

Newport Independents' Day ran from 11am until 4pm in Westgate Square, Commercial Street and John Frost Square.

The city centre welcomed street buskers with live music also performed from a stage erected for the day in the city centre. A Punch and Judy stall entertained young and old while independent traders filled a dozen market stalls.

Greenmeadow Farm, from Cwmbran, had a range of petting animals and there were also funfair rides for children dotted around the centre.

Costume characters mingled with circus skills performers, while a potters’ workshop offered the chance for people to try their hand at throwing a pot for free.

Newport Now chairman Alan Edwards said: “This really was a day to celebrate and enjoy what Newport’s wonderful array of independent traders have to offer.

“The whole day was a great success and went very well. There was a real buzz about the place all day from the stall traders in Westgate Square and the petting zoo to the street performers in Commercial Street and the musicians on that performed throughout the day. Newport City Radio compered and kept people entertained.

“I was very happy with the way things go and how all the independent traders came together to make what is now an annual event such a success.

“The day demonstrated what the city centre has to offer. It was a wonderful opportunity for the independent traders and the city centre as a whole to showcase itself on this special day. Special thanks to the Newporters who helped set up the event and clear away afterwards.”

Mr Edwards said Newport Now aimed to build on the success of this their first Newport Independents’ Day event for the future.

Newport Now, the new name for the city's business improvement district, is looking to partner and collaborate with other organisations in Newport who stage events to help further promote the city centre to a wider audience.