By Cameron Weston
NEWPORT locals and traders are coming together on weekends to pump up the area and create a festive scene at the Mason Street shopping village.
Sammy Sayegh, better known to locals as Sammy the Baker, has teamed up with Pastor Peter Clark from the Newport Baptist Church and members of local band Newport Swing to bring more life to the village on the weekend.
The idea behind the Saturday morning events is to generate a buzz in the community, celebrating all that Newport has to offer.
“It’s all about attracting people to Newport and showing what a fantastic local hub this place is,” Mr Sayegh said.
“We’re strengthening the community. People love living in Newport and there is a real sense of community here.”
But as well as a welcome boost for locals and traders alike, the increasingly frequent Saturday morning events also help those in the community who might be struggling.
Pastor Clark, who is also involved in organising the events, hopes to raise money at the events through selling donated second-hand goods and through a small measure of community spirit and generosity.
Newport Swing also got on board to become part of the day and provide some entertainment, and bring music to the streets.
The next Mason Street event will be on this Saturday, 24 March.
