The culture and heritage of Newport was discussed at a recent first minister's questions in the Senedd.

John Griffiths, MS for Newport East, said: "Newport has a rich cultural history, as well as currently being home to one of the fastest growing creative industries in Wales.

"With a multitude of diverse cultures, traditions and communities, a thriving nightlife scene, including the newly-opened Corn Exchange music venue, and vibrant community-based arts and theatre, Newport has much to offer culturally to residents and, indeed, the wider world.

"Just last week, we saw the unveiling of the long-campaigned-for statue to commemorate the life and work of local businesswoman and suffragette Margaret Haig Thomas, Lady Rhondda, who took direct action, went to prison and went on hunger strike to promote the cause of votes for women.

"And in the culturally diverse Maindee area, we saw the Full Colour Maindee festival, celebrating street art and street performance.

"Newport City Council is developing a new cultural strategy with relevant stakeholders, and this, I hope, will give a further boost to this vibrant scene in Newport."

Mr Griffiths asked the first minister Eluned Morgan how the Welsh Government would to work with the city council to promote the area's culture and heritage.

Eluned Morgan said: "Can I just say how delighted I was to hear about the unveiling of the statue honouring Lady Rhondda, which took part in Newport last week?

"It's important that we continue in that vein to celebrate the amazing contribution that women have made to our nation.

"It is we support the arts in Wales. I was very pleased to see that additional funding that went in over the summer to the Arts Council of Wales. I also know that Creative Wales have supported several Newport-based venues through its funding over the past few years, and numerous artists from Newport have been promoted via Creative Wales's monthly Spotify playlist.

"I think it's really important that people listen to that and get fired up by the music from Newport. There's lots to celebrate."

Natasha Asghar, MS for South Wales East, said: "Having been born and raised in Newport, I will always sing songs of praise for the city, including our fantastic culture and heritage.

"However, recently, a social experiment conducted by two TikTokers from Swansea revealed that Newport was seen as the most dangerous place to live in Wales, after they asked their followers to vote on the topic.

The first minister said: "I think Newport has actually changed quite a lot over the past decade. It used to feel pretty run down, if I'm honest, and it doesn't anymore, and I think that's something that should be celebrated."

She highlighted the Welsh Government funding of £1.5 million to Newport City Council to restore and develop the Newport Transporter Bridge and also that the Urdd Eisteddfod was coming to the city in 2027.