Newport prepares to welcome Nocturne cycle race back after long hiatus

The popular night time event, which has been absent from Newport for the last four years, has been provisionally pencilled in for a return on August 18 this summer.

And last week Newport Town Council approved a plan to grant money towards the logistics and organisation of the event, after a presentation by organisers Nick and Diane Jeggo which had councillors applauding.

The town council has historically backed the event, which normally brought as many as 5,000 people biennially to Newport to see the race.

It was called off in 2016 because of a dispute with British Cycling.

Newport residents and workers were thrilled to hear of the nocturne's possible return this year.

Reverend Steve Mitchell was the rector of St Nicholas' Church in the centre of Newport for 12 years until his retirement late last year, and he always looked forward to seeing the riders fly past the historic church.

He said: "I think it's very good for the town, and I think I'm right in saying that nine or 10 years ago Mark Cavendish rode in the nocturne.

"To have that calibre of professional sports people in the town can only be a good thing."

Town crier Peter Taunton believes everyone in Newport benefits from the nocturne.

He said: "A community event like that needs to come back because the people of Newport love it.

"So much comes into the town and it boosts everyone here and brings a real energy.

"When I started as town crier I thought 'this is something that very few towns have', I can't think of anything else like it."

Deputy mayor Peter Scott said: "We always support the nocturne and we always have.

"Everyone on the town council wants to see it happen because we see what it brings to the town.

"On a personal level I always enjoy seeing events that bring a surge of business into the town.

"It's great for the town, great for the people and great for British Cycling.

"The nocturne is still looking for sponsors, so any Newport or Telford businesses who are interested can contact Nick Jeggo or the Newport Cycling Club."

Dr Catherine Lamond has lived in Newport since 2006, and says her family always looked forward to the race.

She said: "Since we've lived in the town we have always gone out to watch it.

"If it is going ahead in August they may have to do it later so it is still dark out, because the floodlights at the end were always an exciting aspect."

To contact the Newport Cycling Club regarding the event, call 0845 287 1809.