NEWPORT Now traders are giving their backing and support to help celebrate Independent’s Day in the city next month.

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

Newport Independents' Day, on Saturday, July 2, will run from 11am until 4pm in Westgate Square, Commercial Street and John Frost Square.

Paul Hawkins, from Diverse Music, on Charles Street, has put up posters and fliers to help promote the event.

He said: “We’re fully supportive of Newport Independents’ Day. Anything that’ll help boost footfall and trade in the city centre especially for independents’ like us has to be a good thing.”

Tom Evans, of Crafted, in Friars Walk, said: “Newport Independents' Day is a great idea. It helps to create a real focus on the city centre and in particular the independent traders and retailers that we have here in Newport and, who knows, may well encourage more to set up in the city which would be very welcome.”

The city centre will be alive with buskers and live music will be performed from a stage erected for the day in the city centre. A Punch and Judy stall will entertain young and old while independent traders will fill a range of a dozen market stalls.

Greenmeadow Farm, from Cwmbran, will be bringing petting animals and there will be a range of funfair rides for children dotted around the centre.

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

Newport Now manager Adrian Evans said: “This is a day to celebrate and enjoy what Newport’s wonderful array of independent traders have to offer.

“We are encouraging as many as possible to get actively involved on the day by taking stalls, which we are providing free of charge. We also want other retailers to show their support for this initiative by, for example, offering Newport Independents' Day special offers.

“The majority of the attractions we have are free but there will be a small charge for some of the children’s’ funfair rides.

“We want everybody to come to the city centre on the day and really enjoy what Newport has to offer. It’ll be a wonderful opportunity for the independent traders and the city centre as a whole to showcase itself on this special day.”

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

Newport Now 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.