Everyone knows that the 2010 Ryder Cup is being held at the Celtic Manor Resort, on the edge of Newport, but what of the city itself? Well, 2010 is the year of the Newport Festival, a time to celebrate the life and soul of this young and vibrant city.

From the legends of the past to the stars of the future, community champions to sporting heroes, birdies and eagles to giants and dragons, there are plenty of reasons to feel good about Newport in 2010.

The fine-tuning is still going on behind the scenes but events will fall into one of three categories. Awesome Events - one-off spectaculars with large crowds, Bigger & Better - enhancing well established successful events such as the existing community festivals and carnivals, and Community Events - supporting a programme of events and projects in communities across the city.

Dates released so far include:

6th March: March of the Giants: Parade through Newport City Centre of ten carnival giants based on Welsh mythology.

12th-13th March: Steve Williams: Originally from Newport and recently featured on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow.

13th March: Catrin Finch & Cimarron: Wales' best known harpist performing with Colombian band Cimarron.

Keep your eyes on the Newport Festival website for updates.

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Logo and reference material courtesy of Newport City Council