WITH just 24 hours until the official opening of the Riverfront, the final touches are being made to Newport's new £15 million arts centre.

The staff have all moved into their offices and ice cream freezers are stocked as the centre gets ready for its official opening this weekend.

The opening gala concert, starring Katherine Jenkins, sold out in two days; but there are still some tickets available for comedian and Coronation Street star Bradley Walsh on Sunday.

Alongside the scheduled performances, The Riverfront will be open to the public with an extensive free workshop and performance programme on offer between 11am and 4pm.

Among the performances are Chinese dragon dancers, circus skills, animation and breakdance, jewellery, tango, DJ skills and animation.

Newport council leader Councillor Bob Bright said: "We are very much looking forward to the opening of the Riverfront. It marks the official launch of this incredibly diverse arts centre which offers so much for the people of Newport and South Wales. I wish it every success."

Nicolas Young, Theatre and Arts Director at The Riverfront, said: "The new staff team at the Theatre and Arts Centre are really driving forward at full throttle now that it is able to work together in the building itself."

He added: "I am looking forward to greeting our first customers, and to seeing them enjoy the range of performances and activities that we offer."

The first week in full operation at The Riverfront sees music performances by jazz singer Clare Teal (twice nominated in this year's BBC Jazz Awards) on Monday, October 25, and inventive string trio Pluck on Wednesday, October 27.

On Friday, October 29, and Saturday, October 30, there will be a new production of William Shakespeare's evocative and intriguing last play The Tempest, performed by Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmonds and also The Magic Carpet performed by an inspirational drama group for adults with learning disabilities.

Tickets for all of the events mentioned above and more are on sale from the central box office booking line on 01633 656757 and further information is available on the website: www.newport.gov.uk/riverfront