This year’s Winter Festival started on Thursday with a visit from Santa on his sleigh.

He stopped briefly on Newport square to help the Mayor switch on the town Christmas lights, before proceeding to his grotto in the marquee on Parrog where he was visited by lots of excited children.

The marquee was a hive of activity for the whole of the four day event. The main attraction was the artificial ice rink, complete with ‘snow’ machine creating a seasonal atmosphere. Lots of skaters left the rink with a fine covering of snow!

Surrounding the rink were more than twenty huts and stalls selling a variety of Christmas fayre including seasonal food and drink. The mulled wine was particularly delicious!

There was entertainment to suit all tastes, including several excellent choirs singing Christmas carols.

On Saturday evening we were treated to a spectacular firework display. Thank goodness the weather had improved by then.

The event was a tremendous success, enjoyed by all who attended, young and old alike.

The Winter Festival is arranged by Newport Town Council and Newport Chamber of Trade & Tourism under the auspices of the Newport Bay Spring Festival Committee.