Countdown to the first event of Newport Festival 2010

The procession is the first main event of the Newport Festival 2010 programme which has been designed to create a lasting legacy for residents of Newport. The parade will see more than 500 youngsters take part displaying characters from Welsh mythology while a samba band will create a brazilian carnival atmosphere.

Earlier in the year, Newport City Council unveiled plans for the festival 2010 programme, the largest the city will have ever seen with events happening throughout the year.

The procession will be led by samba drummers who will create a thundering atmosphere as the parade travels through the city centre.

Giant figures from Welsh mythology have been created by Malarky Arts and local school children who will take part in the parade.

The first event of the festival is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. The parade will start from John Frost Square. Following the parade there will be a special performance from the samba drummers and the vibrations from the drums will be felt right across the city before Paddy the Clown and George Orange entertain the crowd.