A series of events marking 171 years since the Chartist Rising of 1839 will take place in Newport from 1 – 20 November.
On 4 November 1839 thousands of men from the South Wales valleys marched through appalling weather conditions to the small town of Newport. Their aim was to press for political reform and while the precise details of what happened outside the Westgate Hotel remain unclear, what is known is that many men lost their lives, many were sentenced to imprisonment and the leaders transported. However, the seeds were sown and it was thanks in part to those individuals that we now live in a democratic society.
Pat Drewett, Chairman of the Chartist Anniversary Committee, said: “We’re very pleased with how these celebrations have grown in scale over the last few years; we’re particularly pleased that more schools have wanted to join in the march down Stow Hill.”
Cllr Charles Ferris, a member of the committee, added: “Having the re-enactors (soldiers) firing real muskets outside the Westgate is set to be a highlight of the celebrations, and although they’ll only be 12 guns firing, those gathered outside the Westgate will get a taste of the sound and smell of the events of 1839.”
Rachael Lovering, social history curator at Newport Museum, said: “The new Chartist exhibition opened by Michael Sheen earlier this year has been a great success. During the planned celebrations we’re expecting a lot more people to come along and discover the story of this important part of our local history.”
Richard Frame has been working with photographer John Briggs on a photographic exhibition that will be on display at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre. Richard said, “This has been an exciting project and the 40 photographs that will be on display are contemporary but as a group tell the tale of those events that took place in Newport at the time of the Rising.”
There are a host of Chartist festival events to enjoy, please see below for a full list.
“The Forgotten” a brand new Chartist Musical, 3-6 November
by Patrick Jones and Vanessa Dodd at The Riverfront, for further details contact: [email protected]
Gallery talk: The new Chartism in Newport displays, Newport Museum and Art Gallery, Thursday 4 November, 1pm.
Social history curator, Rachael Lovering, will lead a tour around the permanent display on Chartism in Newport. The display was opened earlier this year and will be the inspiration for this talk on the Chartist protest of 1839. Meet at the museum desk and talk lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Remembering the Chartist Dead at Newport, Thursday 4 November – annual gathering at the memorial stone in St. Woolos Cathedral churchyard, Newport (all welcome).
Chartist photographic exhibition, 9 – 21 November.
Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Newport, FREE
For further details contact Richard Frame [email protected] 07795 658787
Coach tour of Chartist Gwent, Sunday 14 November, 9.30am – 5.30pm
Leaves from St Woolos Cathedral, tickets £12, including a visit to Shire Hall, Monmouth.
For further details contact Kim Colebrook, [email protected]
Schools’ Chartist walk down Stow Hill in period costume, Tuesday 16 November.
1.30pm, St Woolos Cathedral, performance in Westgate Square, free.
Further details from 07929 775040
“Waiting at the Welsh Oak” a musical evening with Frank Hennessy and Friends together with Goff Morgan, Newport Poet. Wednesday 17 November, 7:30pm.
Pen and Wig, Stow Hill, Newport. Tickets £6.00, further details from Richard Frame [email protected] 07795 658787
Young People’s Question Time, the Bevan Foundation. Thursday 18 November, 1.30pm.
Venue – YMCA, Mendalgief Road, Newport, FREE, further details 01495 356702
Chartist Re-enactment, Westgate Square, Saturday 20 November, 11am
Featuring the 41st Regiment of Foot with fife & drum, Free
Chartist Convention, Saturday 20 November, 12pm-2pm
St Mary’s Institute, Stow Hill, Newport. Speakers include Les James, Colin Gibson, Karin Molson. FREE, further details from Pat Drewett [email protected]
The Chartist anniversary committee is made up of a group of individuals including officers and members of Newport City Council and those with a particular interest in Chartism. It is a voluntary group that receives funding from a variety of sources including The Big Lottery, Newport City Council and Arts Council of Wales.
