Born Free Foundation - Keep Wildlife in the Wild

The Ryder Cup won’t be the only big event on Newport’s calendar this year, as the city prepares to play host to 50 SuperDragons.

On 21 January, Newport’s Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre welcomed VIP guests, celebrities, press, city councillors and the 50 five foot tall dragons, as the plans for the Newport Festival 2010 were launched.

Councillor Matthew Evans 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.”

At the launch, all festival plans were outlined – in addition to hunting down the SuperDragons,  residents can look forward to parades, water sports, bands, fairgrounds and aerial artistes who will perform above the suspension bridge.

Undoubtedly one of the main highlights though will be the SuperDragons who will take over Newport in the summer. The statues were gathered at the Riverfront for the launch and businesses are being asked to sponsor their own dragon,  which a local artist will paint and decorate. The painted dragons will form a trail across the city. Residents and tourists will be encouraged to follow the trail and visit key places where the dragons are situated. The dragons will be auctioned after the event with proceeds being split between Born Free Foundation and a local charity.

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.”

To find out more visit about the event, or to learn how to sponsor your own dragon, visit www.newportsuperdragons.co.uk