ARE YOU looking for something fun and interactive to do this weekend, either with your family or friends?
In Newport, there is always lots to do every weekend across the city, from visiting beautiful stately homes like Tredegar House to uncovering the history behind one of Newport’s real gems in the Medieval Ship.
Set in a beautiful 90 acre park, Tredegar House is probably the best 17th century Charles II mansion in Britain, and a thoroughly pleasant place to spend a day, exploring the red-brick house, its gardens and parkland.
Now run by the National Trust, the house was built by the powerful Morgan family, local landowners and later Lords of Tredegar.
The Medieval Ship was discovered in the banks of the River Usk in June 2002 during construction of the Riverfront Theatre. A team of specialists are now recording and conserving all 1700 ship timbers and the artefacts.
Visitors are welcomed to see this marvellous project as conservation continues of the 15th Century vessel, found on the banks of the River Usk just 13 years ago, and hear the story of the excavation of the remains; see the conservation process and some of the 550 year old timbers and precious artefacts.
Besides the regular attractions in Newport this weekend, there are some specific events on just for this weekend that show Newport has something for everyone.
Dirty Dancing Sip and Paint, Saturday, January 11, 7-9pm Tiny Rebel Brewery, Rogerstone
Sip and Paint events have become popular in Gwent in recent months (Image: Submitted) These unusual creative events have been growing in popularity across Newport and the wider Gwent community in recent months.
People are invited to let their creative juices flow with a blank canvas, paint brush and apron and dance the night away.
Channel your inner ’Baby’ and paint a beautiful Dirty Dancing inspired canvas all whilst sipping away and boogieing to your favourite songs from the 1984 classic movie.
Each ticket is £20 per person and booking is strongly advised with people asked to contact on social media to reserve their space.
Cassie the Mari Lwyd’s Newport Visit, Saturday, January 11, 2-3pm
Cassie the Newport Mari Lwyd will be making a visit to the town on Saturday (Image: Supplied)
Cassie the Newport Mari Lwyd will be visiting Newport this Saturday with a walk through town that will begin at the statue of WH Davies at 2 pm and progress to the Murenger, arriving at 3 pm. The Widders Morris Dancers will also be joining the event, adding to the delight of the occasion.
The Mari Lwyd is a mysterious, sometimes menacing white horse that appears throughout Wales in the darkest months of the year.
She has lights or baubles for eyes. Her mane is made of colourful streamers, or holly and ivy. A white cloak falls from her skull, which is attached to a pole, which is held by a person inside it: they control the character’s mischievous nature, often snapping their bony jaw at you.