***Final Sports RESULTS PUBLISHED**

It’s back and it’s bigger and better than ever. This year’s Newport Bay Spring Festival is to be held over the early May bank holiday weekend, from Friday 30 April to Monday 3 May.

Whether you are a budding artist, a tri-athlete, a fisherman or novice golfer, enjoy making things or just want to learn more about the local area, there will be something there for you.  

Under the heading “A Day at the Seaside”, there will be events, competitions, workshops and demonstrations - on the beach, in the hills, up the mountain, on the water, on the golf course and in the marquee. And they are for all ages and abilities.

The event drives off with a golf competition on the picturesque Newport links course, followed by food in the clubhouse. Greatly reduced ‘green fees’ give you a chance to try your hand in the loveliest of settings.

That evening there is a concert in the Memorial Hall by Phantom Limb and supporting group. Phantom Limb are “A seamless amalgam of classic, southern soul, country blues and gospel, this is intelligent music-making with impeccably high standards. Few bands can boast a vocalist of the quality of Yolanda Quartey”. Tickets are always at a premium, so buy your’s early.

Over the rest of the weekend, for the sports minded there is kayak racing on the Estuary, running around the Estuary and mountain biking on Carningli. There are two courses in each event, to cater for age, ability and inclination. The events can be done on their own or as a tri-challenge, by both individuals or as a team. The long course three event challenge is all on the Saturday, while the shorter course races are spread out over the three days. 

The Preseli Angel and Cherub road cycling, again on two courses, takes place on Sunday. Even if you have no interest in tackling the local hills, line the route to see upwards of 150 hardy competitors.

More leisurely kayaking can be done on the popular sea trek, along the coast for a picnic on a nearby beach. The trek, again with two lengths, is on the Sunday; it is guided, and accompanied by a Safety Boat.

Children can do the sports events and, for younger ones, there are games and entertainment in and around the marquee on the Parrog. They can watch stilt walking, maypole dancing, the puppet show and mask making, have their faces painted while eating an ice cream. They can decorate their own pottery and make balloons.

Over on the beach, there will be kite flying, a demonstration of kite surfing and you can learn how to sea fish. See the Life Guards showing off their skills in the surf. 

There is a wide variety of guided walks of 2 to 15 miles. These include bluebells, Welsh language, tea and cakes, seafarers and, for the family - wizards. 

You may also wish to walk along the Arts Trail, visiting the many local studios. Beforehand, you can enter the art competition and win one of the fabulous prizes that have been donated.

Back in the marquee, relax and enjoy Carmarthen Wind Band and other entertainers, see the various displays or learn how to wicker make and design beach art.

And if that is not enough, there is the ever popular quiz in the Boat Club.

A fun packed Day at the Seaside.   

For further details, please see event leaflets,
email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or visit or phone the Long Street Tourist Information Centre, 01239 820912

Download details and application forms from Document Manager 

Programme to be finalised but currently includes:

• Art Competition 

  • Entries are invited for the Newport Bay Spring Festival Art Competition. The theme is 'Wildlife of Newport' and will be judged by Dee Doody, TV wildlife presenter and artist. Entries will be displayed at The Studio at Penrallt for the festival weekend 1-3 May 2010. Great prizes include a weekend break at Llys Meddyg for adults and £50 art vouchers for children. There are also prizes for the best painting of a badger or badger habitat. Closing date for entries 30 April. Full details and entry forms available at www.thestudioatpenrallt.co.uk 

  • You can click here for more information.

• Fun runs

• Mountain bike races - see documents and application forms

• Kayak Races - see documents and application forms

• FESTIVAL KAYAK TREK 2010 - Sunday 2nd May

  • This year we are planning a “split” trek with two different groups heading out and meeting for a picnic.

  • The longer trek will head north across the bay, passed ”Carreg y Drewi” and up the coast some distance, before turning and heading back across the bay to Aberrhigian to meet up with the other group for a break.

  • The group following the shorter course will go out passed “Cat Rock” and explore the south coast of the bay on the way to Aberrhigian.  The groups will then return to Parrog together.

  • High tide is at 10.30 am so both parties need to be on the water and away by 9.30 at the latest.  Registration will be from 8.30 am at the Parrog.  We need to be back at Parrog by 12.30 pm. 

  • Please bring a snack and drink for the picnic at Aberrhigian.

  • Arrangements may need to be adjusted dependent on the competency of participants and weather and sea conditions on the morning.

  • A maximum of 15 kayakers will be in each group which will be decided on a “first come, first served” basis, so please complete and return the booking form!  There will be a fee of £5 per adult and £3 per child which should be included with your booking.

  • Booking form and conditions

• Extensive Walks Programme - see documents and application forms

• Preseli Angel and Cherub Cyclosportives - see documents and application forms and www.velo-teifi.org.uk 

• Music - Phantom Limb. Newport Memorial Hall Friday April 30th. Doors open 7.30 p.m. Tickets £8/£7 Concessions.
  Book online at www.whatevertheweatherwales.co.uk
  or purchase from Wholefoods of Newport or the National Park Tourist Information Centre.

Please watch this space for more information as we get it.