OUR MAN ON THE ZIPSLIDE!

THE magic of Christmas came alive in Newport last night when the festive lights were switched on before a host of local dignitaries and celebrities.

See more pictures of the big switch-on!

More than 6,000 people joined in the festive fun as the city centre was illuminated first by the lights and then a dazzling firework display.

The crowd counted down before the Mayor of Newport, Miqdad Al-Nuaimi, kick-started the Christmas season on the High Street stage.

Sci-fi fans were thrilled to see Newport-born Gareth David-Lloyd, the 25-year-old star of the BBC's hit Dr Who spin-off Torchwood.

He was joined by Ian Gough, the Gwent Dragons lock who won his 34th Welsh cap in the victory over Canada at the Millennium Stadium on Friday.

Brian Hibbard and Isla St Clair, who will star in the Riverfront Theatre's Christmas pantomime Cinderella, also appeared.

Newport's Tony Wright MBE, from Capital Gold, and Red Dragon FM DJ Matt Lissack were on hand to compere the evening.

This year, the countdown to the switch-on was livened up by the appearance of a zip-slide from the roof of the NCP car park in Queensway.

The adventurous guests who whizzed down at breakneck speed were the Mayor, Tony Wright, Santa Claus - and me.

Taking a deep breath, I climbed over the edge of the fourth-floor balcony, waved to the crowd, and held onto the strap for dear life. Thankfully, I touched down in one piece.

Members of the Vanessa Clark School of Dance enhanced the festive mood beforehand by performing seasonal numbers.

Newport Operatic Society and Newport Pantomime Society gave the crowd a taste of their upcoming productions.

Councillor Al-Nuaimi said: "It was an honour to switch on the lights and to combine it with a bit of an adventure, on the zip-slide, seemed a good thing to do."

Rachel Bignell, 31, from the Gaer, and her six-year-old daughter Evie, said the event was a "lovely way to start Christmas".

"We really enjoyed the fireworks," said Mrs Bignell.

"We come every year, and this year and last year it has been really good."