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Get ready for Newport Festival of Words: A Celebration of Literature and Creativity

An exciting new festival for our city. Newport is about to turn the page on a brand-new chapter in its cultural story with the launch of the Newport Festival of Words! Taking place from March 20-23, 2025, this exciting new festival will celebrate the city's rich literary history and showcase the incredible talent of contemporary writers, poets, and storytellers.A Festival for All Word LoversFrom novels and poetry to songwriting, history, […]

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Blog

Beyond Newport: Magor Marsh

What's So Great About Magor? Magor is a village in Monmouthshire. It has a fascinating history and unique characteristics. One of its most interesting features is the Magor Marsh,  a rare and protected wetland that is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters and water voles. It is one of the last remaining areas of natural fenland in Wales. Magor also has deep historical roots, with its name derived […]

today11 February 2025 9

Kym, Greg and Nia in NCR

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Pure Local Extra: Nia John and Greg Ryan

Today on the Pure Local Extra show, we were joined by local musicians Nia John and Greg Ryan Both artists have been interviewed on the show before when we were located at the Corn Exchange. This morning was the first time they had been to our current location at the Kingsway Centre. To start the show, we listened to their new songs as both have recently released something new. We started […]

today8 February 2025 12

Music Review

Colin’s Pick of The Latest Country and Americana Releases Part Two

MASSY FERGUSON: You Can’t Tell Me I’m Not What I Used To Be Massy Ferguson have been together for twenty years and this is their seventh album, with a back catalogue that takes in everything from psychedelia to lo-fi recordings this latest offering is something of a departure. It’s still American heartland guitar driven rock n roll but their sound has evolved, and at times mellowed throughout the eleven songs […]

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Gimme Five

Gimme 5: Nia John

A cheeky Q&A with Pure Local Extra guest, Nia John What do you remember about the first song you ever wrote. Do you still play it? The first official original song I released was Don’t Let Go with Al Steele in 2021. It’s a beautiful song, a ballad, go listen to it. Some people say they still get comfort from listening to it now. It’s like a friend reaching out […]

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In Conversation With Colin: Michelle Malone

"Southern Comfort & Sonic Grit: Michelle Malone’s Georgia Groove" Michelle Malone has been a mainstay of American roots music for more than three decades, mixing roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll with blues, folk, and country. Inspired by her home in Atlanta and after more than a dozen studio albums, she continues flying a flag for Georgia on her new studio album appropriately called Southern Comfort. Newport City Radio’s Rock Show has […]

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Newport’s Got Good News

Pride is Coming to the Port Newport is set to host UK Pride in 2026, and it’s going to be amazing! Pride in the Port will bring the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration to the city, with a vibrant parade, live performances, and all the inclusivity that Pride is known for. The UK Pride Organisers Website pick an organisation every year that they feel has shown true dedication and commitment to […]

today5 February 2025 9

Headliners for Newport Music Trail

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Newport Music Trail: Headline Acts Announced for City’s First Free Music Festival

Newport is about to make musical history with the first-ever Newport Music Trail, and the headline acts have just been revealed! A Welsh-language indie rock sensation, a six-piece band with links to Welsh music royalty, and a homegrown rapper fresh off a major award win are all set to take centre stage.Adwaith, CVC, and Lemfreck have been confirmed as the headline acts for this groundbreaking event, happening on Friday 28th […]

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Music Review

Colin’s Pick of The Latest Country and Americana Releases. Part 1

AGS CONNOLLY. Your Pal Slim: Songs Of James Hand Country music fans in south Wales may have seen Ags Connolly kicking off the South Wales Country Music Festival weekend last November in Newport. The country artist from Oxfordshire is hailed as one of the best singer-songwriters in the genre ever to emerge from the UK. A constant presence on the UK, Ireland and European touring and festival circuit – appearing […]

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Blog

In Conversation With Colin – David Gray

"David Gray: From White Ladder to Dear Life – A Timeless Journey in Song" During the late 1990s and early into the millennium, there was one man who personified the British singer-songwriter: David Gray. The multi-million selling arena artist is an ambitious and self-propelled musician originally from Sale, he had released three overlooked albums by the time White Ladder arrived in 1997 to widespread commercial and critical acclaim. What appeared to be an […]

today2 February 2025 223 115

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