The first main event of the Newport Festival 2010 will start in style thanks to the efforts of youngsters from across the city.
School children have been busy making gods, giants and dragons for the city centre parade which takes place on Saturday March 6 starting at 12.30pm in John Frost Square.
March of the giants will see the Welsh characters of myth and legend come to life and youngsters have been working alongside Malarky Arts to ensure the parade is colourful and vibrant.
The parade will be led by thundering samba drummers and the eye-catching procession will make its way through the city centre.
Youngsters will be dressed as druids and the mythical history of Wales will be replicated through the giant figures of characters such as Rhiannon, Teyrnon, Cernunnos, Blodeuwedd, Ceridwen complete with cauldron and Taliesin. Helping to make these characters have been pupils from Gaer Juniors, Eveswell Primary, Fairoak Nursery, Millbrook Primary, St Woolos Primary, St Andrews Primary and Ysgol Ifor Hael who will also take part in the parade.
Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “I am looking forward to the start of the 2010 festival and what promises to be an exciting and memorable year for the residents of Newport.
“The march of the giants will bring to life the legends of Welsh folklore and children across the city have been working hard creating these fantastic giant characters which will feature in the parade.
“There are a whole host of events to look forward to this year and I hope residents will come out and support the first event.”
More than 500 participants will be in the parade which starts in John Frost Square, travels along Commercial Street, High Street, Market Street, Upper Dock Street and Griffin Road before returning through High Street, Commercial Street and finishing back in John Frost Square.
On returning to John Frost Square there will be a special performance from the samba band, a welcome from the Mayor Councillor Glyn Jarvis, followed by staged entertainment from Paddy the Clown with George Orange who will also act as compere for the afternoon.
