Shaping Newport

06/05/2026

We’re so thrilled to have led on this project. Make sure you pay it a visit!

27/02/2026

Great to attend the launch of the new electric bus fleet from Southern Vectis - the island's buses today! 🚍⚡

It was fantastic to see the investment being made not just in Newport, but right across the whole Island. These new electric buses are a real step forward — quieter, cleaner and better for our environment — and a positive move for public transport in our town and beyond.

Excited to see Simon Calder there too - a wonderful speaker!

A very interesting launch event and great to be part of such an important moment for sustainable travel on the Island.

Exciting times ahead! 🌱
Isle of Wight Council
Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council

13/02/2026

🏛️ HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES – Small Museums, Big on History!

Looking for something fun (and affordable!) this half term?

Join us at Newport Roman Villa and the Museum of Island History for hands-on activities – and there’s no need to book!

🧱 Clay Days
Create your own Roman-inspired self-portrait in clay and decorate it with your name in Latin!
📍 Newport Roman Villa
🗓 Monday 16 & Wednesday 18 February
⏰ 10am–2pm
💷 £1 per person

🪙 Creative Coins
Craft an embossed foil metallic masterpiece and discover coins from across history.
📍 Museum of Island History (Guildhall, Newport)
🗓 Tuesday 17 & Thursday 19 February
⏰ 10am–1pm
💷 £1 per person

✨ All-weather attractions on your doorstep!

A brilliant, low-cost way to keep the children busy and learning this half term!

Isle of Wight Council Isle of Wight Council Library Service Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council Newport Business Association Isle of Wight Heritage Action Zone

11/02/2026

🎨 BIG NEWS FOR NEWPORT! 🎨

We’re excited to share that the National Gallery is bringing its major touring project Art On Your Doorstep to the Isle of Wight!

From May to October this year, 18 life‑size outdoor reproductions of world‑famous masterpieces will be popping up across Newport — completely free for everyone to enjoy. 🖼️✨

Shaping Newport is proud to be partnering with the National Gallery once again, an opportunity that is based on the success of the 'Constable Visits' tour in 2023. Isle of Wight Council are leading the project with Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council hosting the launch event and installing the artworks. Newport Business Association are getting involved with promotion and Independent Arts will be delivering creative workshops and community projects to bring the artworks to life right here in our town. 🌟

This is a huge cultural moment for the Island — bringing national‑level art to our streets, celebrating creativity, and giving our community something truly special to look forward to.

👉 Read the full National Gallery press release here:
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/about-us/press-and-media/press-releases/art-on-your-doorstep-the-national-gallery-is-coming-to-you
Stay tuned — lots more exciting updates coming in the next few months!

23/01/2026

FREE business start‑up training – right here on the Isle of Wight

Thinking about starting a business, or recently launched one and need support to grow with confidence?

Start‑Up Launchpad (Cohort 2) is a completely free, government‑funded programme taking place on the Isle of Wight at Wildheart Animal Sanctuary — and there are still spaces available.

✅ Practical, expert‑led training
✅ Ideal for start‑ups and early‑stage businesses
✅ 100% free to attend
✅ Delivered locally – no travel off‑island

This is a fantastic opportunity for Island entrepreneurs to get hands‑on support, and we’d love to see a strong local take‑up.
📅 Starting soon – limited places available
🔗 Find out more & register here:
👉 Start-Up Launchpad | Solent Growth Partnership
https://solentgrowthpartnership.co.uk/start-up-launchpad/

If interested you can complete the following form

https://solentlepapi.evolutive.co.uk/form/anonymousform/68cbcbd13936ae8f7b9a5a96?&redirecturl=

Please share with anyone who might benefit 👇

19/01/2026

📣 Happening TONIGHT! 🗣️✨
Newport Town Conversations

Join us this evening for an open, friendly conversation about Newport — your ideas, experiences and hopes for our town.

Whether you’re passionate about community life, local culture, business, or simply want to listen and connect, you’re very welcome.

🕕 Tonight – 6:00pm
📍 Lord Louis Library, Orchard Street, Newport
🎟️ Free to attend

Come along, have a cuppa, meet others, and be part of shaping Newport’s future 💬🤝

👉 Book or just find out more here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/newport-town-conversations-tickets-1977268287675

All voices welcome — see you later! 🌟

Town Conversations is about creating space for connection, collaboration and fresh thinking. Open to everyone, please join the discussion.

17/12/2025

Don't miss your chance to win some fantastic prizes this week!

05/12/2025

There’s so much going on in Newport tomorrow!!

05/12/2025

🎉 FREE PARKING THIS SATURDAY! 🎉
To celebrate Small Business Saturday, the Isle of Wight Council is offering free parking in all council-run long-stay car parks this Saturday between 12pm and 6pm.

It’s a perfect chance to come into Newport, support our amazing independent businesses, pick up some Christmas gifts and enjoy everything our town has to offer. 💙🎄

02/12/2025

It’s tomorrow! If you’re a business owner in Newport, please come along🎄

🎄 Reminder: NBA Christmas Social – IT’S TOMORROW! 🎄

Join us TOMORROW (Wed 3rd Dec) at Newport Minster, anytime between 5–7pm, for a relaxed festive drop-in.

✨ Drop in anytime
✨ Open to all business owners (you don’t have to be an NBA member)

Enjoy free canapés, hot drinks noughts from The Minster Café, or BYOB for a festive tipple.

📍 Newport Minster, St Thomas Square
📧 RSVP to Hannah: [email protected]
📱 07563 247758

🎅✨ See you tomorrow for some festive networking!