Newport Nocturne returning in August

The Newport Nocturne will take place within the town on the night of August 18, and hundreds of people have already said they will be attending.

The flootlit closed circuit event, which usually takes place every two years, was cancelled in 2016, and organiser Nick Jeggo said the four year gap is providing a few interesting challenges.

He and his team have been working hard to get the event afloat for several months, but Nick said it was exciting to finally be able to say it is happening.

"We're at the point where we've got the backing and sponsorship to say it is going ahead," he said.

"We've had a huge amount of help from Newport Town Council and Telford & Wrekin Council, and we've got sponsors on board. It's really exciting."

But with the confirmation that it is going ahead, organisers must now ramp up their efforts.

"We've got a huge amount of work to do," Nick said.

"We need lots more sponsorship. It's a massive budget and just the lights and barriers take up half of that budget.

"We have to get all the teams on board. We're getting there, but it's a huge thing to do."

A lot has changed since 2014, and Nick said the team are having to approach the organisation in a fresh way.

"This is the biggest gap we've had for a long time," he said.

"We had a 10 year gap between 1991 and 2001, and it's been every other year or third year since then. I wouldn't want to go any longer than that.

"To get things up and running again we're having to tell people about what it is. Newport has grown a lot in terms of population and in terms of businesses since 2014.

"The health and safety aspect we've been hot on, but there are new rules and regulations. There is more to do on event planning and risk assessment as well. That's something we're spending a lot of time on.

"We are having to be hot on social media as well. Through the cycling clubs we are good as it is, but we're getting better."

The team are looking for sponsorship, and are offering local businesses the chance to sponsor a lap.

Volunteers who are happy to help out are also wanted.

But as much as anything, Nick said he was hoping people would share the message that the Nocturne had returned.

"If people can share what we're doing, we want the word to get out there," he said. "Four years is a long time."

For more information search Newport Nocturne 2018 on Facebook.