CWMBRAN shopping centre has been recognised for its loom band mini festival after being shortlisted for a national award.

Cwmbran Shopping is one of 122 centres which entered the BCSC Purple Apple Awards – celebrating the best in retail property marketing – and was shortlisted for the Events category following its their 'Loombran' event held in 2014.

It was the UK’s first ever loom band mini festival. On July 5, 2014, the events team handed out 120,000 free loom bands to shoppers and held a day of activities for families to enjoy.

The awards, which Cwmbran Shopping is shortlisted for, recognises shopping centres that have creatively engaged shoppers through onsite activities.

The award finals will take place on May 7 in London, and Cwmbran Shopping will send two team members, Michael Bell, events coordinator and Paul Rich, centre manger to represent the centre’s customer service team.

Mr Rich said: “We were really proud to host the country’s first loom band mini festival. It really encouraged creativity, teamwork and helped children to work on their problem-solving skills.

“We have everything crossed that we can bring the trophy back to Cwmbran.”