Leader of Newport City Council, Cllr Matthew Evans, welcomed guests including award-winning actress Virginia McKenna and golf journalist and children’s author Lauren St.John.
Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “2010 will be one of the most exciting years Newport has ever seen. It is a year which promises to unveil a new era for Newport, with a legacy the city and its residents can enjoy for many years to come.
“There is an action-packed calendar of events from September’s Big Splash event – with a circus and a funfair staged on the banks of the River Usk to the Fire Spectacular in October when the city’s skies will be illuminated by some impressive fireworks. And of course, hunting down the SuperDragons in the city will be a major pursuit for Newport residents and tourists throughout the summer months.
“Every community will have its own individual legacy from an event or project that is launched in 2010. Young people will have a chance to take part in some of our most memorable events, leaving lasting memories that will stay with them forever, and plenty of vivid tales to tell to future generations.”
At the launch, the festival plans were outlined and residents can look forward to parades, circus acts, water sports, bands, fairgrounds and aerial artistes who will perform above the suspension bridge.
One of the highlights is set to be the SuperDragons who will take over Newport in the summer. The statues gathered at the Riverfront for the launch and businesses are being asked to sponsor a dragon which a local artist will paint and decorate. The dragons will then form a trail across the city and residents and tourists will be encouraged to follow the trail and visit where the dragons are situated. The dragons will be auctioned after the trail with proceeds going to charity. Born Free is one charity that will benefit from the auction and actress Virginia McKenna was a special guest at the launch.
Charlie Langhorne from Wild in Art, the company behind the SuperDragons, commented: “The SuperDragons will create a visual spectacle and is public art with a difference. They will attract visitors and inspire residents to become tourists in their own city.”
Also present at the launch was a brass quartet from Caerleon Comprehensive School and Malpas Church in Wales Junior School choir who performed two songs specifically written for the launch event.
Newport City Council Ryder Cup director, Ffion Lloyd, outlined the plans for the city including how it will be transformed, the education programme and the different events being staged in the city.
She said: “Making sure that Newport benefits economically and socially from being the host city of The Ryder Cup in 2010 won’t happen by chance. It is up to all of us to ensure we make the most of being The Ryder Cup host city.
“Around 30 infrastructure and environment projects will take place in total and all have reached design stage or are on site.
“In a world first, teachers, headteachers and officers in Newport’s education service have been creating new, bilingual Ryder Cup learning materials which will be available for all primary schools in Newport, and across Wales.
“Using golf and the Ryder Cup as a theme, pupils will learn new knowledge and skills, from literacy and numeracy to equalities, sustainable development and technology.”