FOLLOWING on from the success of last year's Independents' Day the second year of the event was another hit in the city.


The annual event aims to promote and encourage shoppers to buy from independent traders in Newport.


The good weather on Saturday brought in the crowds with thousands turning out to enjoy shopping in the city centre.


Rogerstone Labour cllr Chris Evans said this year was ‘brilliant.’


“It was absolutely wonderful-it was a really great day," he said.


“We gave out over 1,000 free Independents' Day bags sponsored by Seren Living and Loftus Garden Village.


“We had excellent response from traders and it was good that the mayor tuned up along with lots of councillors as well as Newport East MP Jessica Morden.


“It was really busy in town and the weather was really good.


“Independents' Day is for life- independent traders are the backbone of the economy [so] it is good to have one day to celebrate them.”


New independent trader Rhodri Wyatt of Eden Flowers in the arcade said the day brought a good vibe in the city.


“It wasn't a bad day,” he said.


“There was a decent enough vibe around town.”


Mr Wyatt who has only been trading in the city for a month said he plans to get more involved next year.


Jon Powell of The Newsagent in the Newport market said he had a brilliant day.


“We had a really good day, the mayor came down and met all the traders and business was really good,” he said.


“It was a nice day so there were lots of ice creams being sold!


“[It was good to see]lots of people were using their previous [free] Independents' Day and Shop Local bags.”