NEWPORT Centre is back at the top in attracting major music stars.
Council chiefs say the centre’s staff, facilities and location are attracting high profile bands to the venue.
It also comes as work regenerate City Centre roads and the riverside walk has been completed.
In 2004 the National Orchestra of Wales boycotted the venue because
of poor audiences, while in recent years the venue has not held as many
major music names as in the past.
But last year, the Arctic Monkeys came to the venue at the height
of their fame, and last week leisure centre hosted the Manic Street
Preachers last week.
The centre is also gearing up to host Feeder, Pendulum and Duffy in the next couple of months.
On August 21 the Manic Street Preachers played to a packed crowd at the centre – their first show in Newport for 11 years.
Fellow Gwent rockers Feeder will perform a similar homecoming at the centre on November 2.
Nefyn pop star Duffy will warm up leisure centre on December 7 –
her last gig before she plays two nights in the Brixton Academy.
The winter season tops a successful two years, where the venue has
attracted McFly, the Pigeon Detectives, Editors, Paul Weller, Bowling
for Soup, Bullet for My Valentine and the Kooks.
Newport City Council cabinet member for leisure and continuing
learning Mike Hamilton said: “We are constantly working to promote
Newport Centre as a first-class live music venue with excellent
facilities.
“Newport Centre is a fabulous venue for artists to perform in – the
excellent staff and facilities at the venue are testament to the
breadth and depth of high-quality bands that continue to want to play
at the centre.
“It is also a great venue for the public, as it is centrally
located within the city centre and it is easily accessible by public
transport.”