SANTA got it wrong.

He called Newport his "favourite town," but the huge crowd soon put him right. "Of course, it's a city now." he chortled before launching into a carol at the official kick-off of Christmas in Newport.

John Frost Square had never seemed so full as people of all ages crammed in to watch. Hundreds of eager children waved brightly-lit plastic swords and festive deely-boppers, ensuring that even before the city's new lights came on, the square was packed with lights.

Toddlers perched seven foot up on dad's shoulders for a better view of the stage, where radio personality Mal Pope warmed things up.

On cue, switch-flicker and Newport Mayor Bob Poole told the crowd: "It's our first Christmas as a city and every effort has been made to make it better than ever." At last, it was 6pm, and time to show off Newport's new lights.

Santas, Christmas trees, and branches of light sprang out around the square and down Commer-cial Street.

Then a magnificent volleys of fireworks filled the sky right above craning heads. The square filled with the whoosh of rockets heading up, shook with the bangs, and sighed with the collective 'ooohs' and 'aaahs' as the sky lit up.

Deborah Duggan, of Rogerstone, who had brought Kaitlin, two, and Luke, nine said: "It was a bit poor last year and it needed to be boosted now that we are a city.

"That's been achieved tonight."

After the display the crowd scattered, like a firework bursting, and filled the shops and streets of the city.

Dean Brown, 26, of Ringland, brought an entourage of five nephews and nieces. He said: "The fireworks were amazing and the lights are good too."

The Phil Dando Big Band and a line-up of local groups entertained those staying in the square, while the Mayor opened Santa's grotto in the Kingsway Centre.

And after a show like last night, Santa won't forget our new city status again.

* Pictured: From left, Steph and Lee John with their daughter Alana, three, and Amelia, three, with her parents Steve and Vicky Baston, admiring the Christmas lights