Newport will be awash with red and white next week – as the town hosts its first ever St George’s Day bonanza.
A wide array of special events have been organised to celebrate England’s Patron Saint, from dragon slaying to face painting.
The event runs from Friday April 23 through to Saturday April 24.
Town Councillor Peter Scott, who masterminded the celebrations, said he hoped hundreds would turn out and enjoy the day.
He said: “I have two visions of the day: one where a few hundred come and it’s good, and another where there is just normal shoppers and it is poor.
“We need the support of the town to make this a special occasion.
“It’s all about people having some food, having a drink and having a laugh.
“This is a celebration of England and Britain, but also a celebration of Newport.”
The action kicks off at 9.30am next Friday with a Shakespearean rendition by Town Mayor Roy Scammell and a bid to create a mile of cash, starting and finishing at the Guildhall on High Street.
Red buckets have been placed in prominent shops around the town for the last few weeks in a bid to collect the 8,480 pennies needed to complete the course.
All money raised will go to the cash-strapped Carnival Committee.
And Councillor Scott challenged local businesses to play their part.
He added: “If each shop donated enough change to complete a line outside their building, that would be a great help.
“There are around 12,000 people in this town.
“If everyone gave a penny then we would easily make it.”
The mile should be complete by Saturday evening.
A reenactment of St George, played by deputy Town Mayor Dan Ashley, slaying the dragon takes place from 12.15pm.
Town crier Peter Taunton will narrate as the procession travels from the Guildhall to the Square.
Local businesses are also getting involved with David Matthews Butchers rolling out a special spicy St George sausage and Wycherleys creating themed cakes.
St Nicholas Church will be open all day with bells ringing constantly and a chance to climb to the top of the tower.
And the popular Newport Volunteers will be touring town pubs to reenact the Tap-Toe from 4pm.
Also running will be the photographic competition outlined below, a fashion show at the Cottage Christian Nursing Home on Friday evening and a craft fair at the Parish Rooms, open all day on Saturday.