Trust is set up to save nightlife

A CAMPAIGN has been launched in Newport to save its nightlife.

Newport, which was renowned for its live music venues and vibrant night-time economy, has seen a number of venues close in recent years and it’s feared there are more potential threats on the horizon.

The Save Newport Nightlife campaign, which has been set up by club owner Iftekhar Harris, is looking to urge venue owners around the city centre to sign up to the Music Venue Trust as it’s “something that Wales needs”.

The trust, which is a registered charity that aims to protect, support and improve independent live music venues in the UK, is important to local venue owners in the city, according to Mr Harris, who owns venues including The Courtyard and Blind Tiger.

Mr Harris: “It’s to make everyone aware in Newport of the situation in Newport city centre. But it actually applies to everywhere.

“A lot of people assume these venues are just about drinking but it’s not. It’s about giving people a chance to perform.”

A video about the campaign, produced by Daniel Harris, sees Newport poet and musician Pete Akinwunmi explain why action is needed to save Newport nightlife.

In the video he says: “The people of Newport are rallying to create a Music Venue Association Wales, supported by the Music Venue Trust. That way we can protect our nightlife and the establishments that survive on or support the night-time economy.

“This affects us all. city. It’s our night life.”

Venue owners can register at musicvenuetrust.com to have their say, or for more information visit Save Newport’s Nightlife’s Facebook page. It’s our