Residents in Newport are being invited to kickstart 2026 in a healthy and creative way, thanks to a major initiative from the charitable trust Newport Live. The organisation has unveiled an extensive programme of free activities throughout January, designed to combat the post-holiday slump and inspire the community to get moving and engaged.
Free Sports and Fitness for All
Newport Live is tackling the January blues head-on with a packed schedule of no-cost physical activities. In a partnership with Barclays, free parks tennis sessions are available every Saturday in January at 10am in Tredegar Park, welcoming players of all abilities.
The popular Momentwm programme, which promotes walking, wheeling and cycling, is launching new cohorts of its Couch to 5k walking course. These free sessions begin on January 19 and 20, with both daytime and evening options. Completing the course rewards participants with a free 10-week Newport Live membership.
Furthermore, the fitness team has introduced complimentary HYROX sessions throughout the month. As an official HYROX-affiliated venue since 2025, Newport Live is offering these popular circuit-based workouts free to both members and non-members. Free swimming is also available for specific groups, including over-60s, Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and under-17s at designated times across several centres.
Creative and Cultural Workshops
The offer extends beyond sports into the arts and culture. The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre is hosting a series of free cinema screenings this January, featuring films such as 'Nuremberg', 'When Harry Met Sally', and 'Labyrinth'.
A variety of free creative workshops are also on the calendar, including:
- A weekly crochet club
- Craft for wellbeing groups
- Community choirs
- Creative writing sessions
For families, a free family fun day is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, from 2pm to 5pm.
Booking Your Place
Andrea Ovey, Director of Business Development at Newport Live, commented on the initiative: "We’re really excited to be able to offer this range of free activities to start 2026 with. As a charitable trust we work really hard to invest in the city within which we operate... By offering these additional activities this month we hope to engage even more local people."
Places for many activities are limited and require booking. Key booking details are as follows:
- Free Parks Tennis: Book via Clubspark.
- Family Fun Day & Momentwm Sessions: Book via the Newport Live app or call 01633 656757.
- HYROX Sessions: Book at reception, on the Newport Live website, or via the app.
- Free Swimming: Details and booking via the Newport Live app or website.
- Cinema & Workshops at The Riverfront: Visit www.newportlive.co.uk/cinema and www.newportlive.co.uk/workshops.
This comprehensive programme underscores Newport Live's commitment to improving the health and happiness of the local community through accessible sport, fitness, and culture.
