Although it was organised by the city council, the focus was very much on Newport’s younger residents.
Children and young people of all ages took part in what was a joyous and, at times, moving occasion.
Representing schools, youth clubs and other settings, they read poetry, including winning entries from a competition that was open to schools, sang and played instruments.
It included the very youngest children from two Flying Start settings, who were helped by the audience to sing Wind the Bobbin Up and Mr Hapus, and the Let’s Shine singalong choir, jointly supported by the council’s disabled children’s team and a local specialist school.
The programme and invitation featured a winning design by nine-year-old Lois James which was chosen from a very strong field of competition entries.
Councillor Jane Mudd, leader of Newport City Council, said: “Today was a wonderful way to celebrate our children and young people, of all abilities and all ages and the contribution they make to our lives and our city.
“National Children’s Day is about the importance of a healthy childhood, and the need to protect the rights and freedoms of young people. That is something we should all be striving for to ensure every child has the best possible start in life.”
Councillor Stephen Marshall, cabinet member for social services, said: “This was a wonderful, life-affirming celebration of the city’s children and young people. We are very proud of our young residents who were so well represented in today’s event.
“I would like to thank all those who helped make this such an amazing occasion including council officers, schools, Gwent Music and our Flying Start but most of all I would like to thank all the performers, as well as all those who entered the competitions. It is clear we have a wealth of talent in our city’s younger generation.”
