Following the extremely successful first autumn season, The Riverfront has announced its spring season line-up.

With 75 performances available and an extensive workshop programme taking place over January, February and March, The Riverfront promises something for all ages and interests from comedy to classical music and children's theatre to contemporary dance.

The emphasis for the spring is on high-quality performances from Wales and the UK across all art forms.

The Riverfront staff are also keen to encourage new attenders and audience members to enjoy the building and the shows on offer.

Theatre and arts director Nic Young said: "We have had a steady stream of ticket buyers, individuals enjoying the caf and the opportunity to view the building, and participants in our varied activities since we opened. I am sure that many more will join them as they find things in the programme that appeal. I look forward to seeing you here: it is new, it is open and it is a wonderful resource!"

The spring season starts with the magnificent Blues Brothers Party closely followed by The Holly and The Ivy with Tony Britton - a story of a family gathering, a tipple too many, the climate for squabbles and a number of astonishing revelations - a perfect warmer for the New Year.

Top comedians Jack Dee, Tony Robinson, Phil Cool and Pam Ayres will be headlining the Riverfront comedy offering, alongside the regular Riverfront Comedy Shed performers.

The music programme for spring is extremely diverse, offering performances from Mike Doyle, Alan Price, Anuna - The Original Voices of Riverdance, John Suchet's Beethoven, The Last Master and The Sinatra Years starring Tony Jacobs with his 'Kings of Swing' to name but a few.

Each month will also see two nights of live music featuring the best of local and national acoustic and rock talent. Soundbites Unplugged will be on Wednesdays and will feature the best in singer/songwriter talent plus an alternative DJ set in a relaxed environment.

By contrast Soundbites Rock on Thursdays will be loud and explosive and will feature the best of emerging bands.

Theatrical and dance highlights include performances by Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Theatr y Byd, Theatr na n'Og, Hull Truck Theatre Company, Diversions and UK Arts International.

There are several shows for a family audience including Robbie & The Rainbow Giants, My Uncle Arly, The Wasp in the Wig, The Owl & the Pussycat and Melangell, a production that is suitable for people learning Welsh.

The second season of films at The Riverfront, Newport's newest and most comfortable cinema, will be available every Monday and Tuesday night at 8pm from January 10. There will be a selection of the very best films from around the world on offer including Bride and Prejudice (12A), Hero (12A), Inside I'm Dancing (15) and The Life and Death of Peter Sellers (15).

The classes and workshops programme also offers a wide range of activities and will start the week commencing January 10. These include art workshops for adults and children, graffiti art, circus skills, street dance, salsa, break dancing and parent and toddler dance, DJ-ing and mixing, community choir and rock and pop workshops.

Tickets for all of the events at The Riverfront are on sale from the central box office booking line on 01633 656757.

Or for further information about The Riverfront please see our website: www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront or join the free mailing list by sending contact details to: The Riverfront, FREEPOST NAT15773, Newport, NP20 1YY.