CWMBRAN CENTRE PROMISES A SUMMER OF FUN FOR FAMILIES

Cwmbran Centre is gearing up for a summer of fun when its popular beach – and a host of events – returns for the six weeks holiday.

The beach will be available from 10am on Monday (July 24) and is sponsored by leading travel company TUI and its Cwmbran store. Over the summer holiday there will a bumper schedule of free events – including weekly free balloon modelling and facepainting – which will be taking place every Saturday until the beginning of September

As sponsors of the beach, TUI’s Cwmbran retail team will be on hand to provide holiday inspiration to visitors, while its kids club favourite, Captain T, will also bring the holiday spirit to the beach with appearances on July 29 and 30 and August 5 and 6.

Saturday, July 29, will be animal day when Bryan Paterson and his qualified team offer wildlife displays with interactive sessions. The team will take a variety of animals including snakes, spiders, scorpions, insects, meerkats, and hand-raised birds of prey. Happy Hooves will also be visiting, bringing their delightful ponies to the centre.

The first Saturday in August (August 5) is designated circus day when a traditional round stall of funfair games will be set up in the Primark car park, where shoppers can have a go at winning some free prizes. Also adding to the excitement will be the Angie Mack hula hoop street show, which will stage three 30-minute performances.

A fun day on Saturday, August 12, will see non-stop live entertainment for children, with acts including a grand illusion show, high energy party games and balloon modelling from noon-4pm.

Sports lovers will want to head to the centre on Saturday, August 19, when it’s sports day! As well as an inflatable penalty shoot-out, there will also be an opportunity for youngsters to try out their basketball skills. The under-8s Pontypool football team will also at the centre from noon until 4pm to show off their skills and raise funds for the club.

Budding artists can unleash their creativity on Saturday, August 26, when Cwmbran Centre hosts an art day. The free doodle activity will allow the public to join a large collaborative art canvas in Gwent Square.

And for the final summer Saturday, on September 2, families are invited to enjoy the end-of-the-summer event, with facepainting, balloon modelling and the opportunity to enjoy the bungee trampoline and see the shopping centre from on high.

Tony Wilkes, centre manager, said: “There’s lots to do for all ages, but most importantly, all activities are free because we understand just what an expensive time of year it is. Whether your children are animal lovers, sporty or creative they’ll have plenty of activities to keep them busy. Just look out for the posters around the centre to find out what’s coming up. We hope to see you soon.”