NEWPORT was awash with colour at the weekend as the Maindee Festival took over the streets.

From giant butterflies, rainbows and fruit to a Yeti and Mr Potato Head, a carnival of around 400 people paraded through the area bringing people out of their homes to watch the spectacle.

Local schoolchildren, parents and community groups proudly displayed their work which followed the theme of “Power to the People” and energy use in front of the gathering crowds which included Newport council leader Cllr Matthew Evans and Newport Assembly Members John Griffiths and Jessica Morden.

Drummers and chants from parade members ensured everyone knew what was happening.

A celebration then continued at Maindee Primary School where thousands were expected to visit throughout the day.

The day also included other performances including Unity Festival, an international troupe of disabled and non-disabled music and drama performers who were returning to the festival for a second year.

Grassroots Theatre Company from Zimbabwe also performed with children from St Patricks Primary School and Italian rock band Belladonna also played.

Children from Maindee Primary School were among the parade with some dressing up as superheroes and others dressing up as elements including the wind and thunder and lightning.

Governor of the school, Colin Nash said: "The children have been taking part since 1997. They always enjoy it and today was great especially with the sunny weather."

Fairoak Nursery School children and staff were also involved dressing up in red and holding up giant strawberries they had made from card.

Headteacher Heather Morgan said: "The children have all really enjoyed taking part."

John Hallam, of Maindee Festival Association, said: "I am very pleased with the event. The weather couldn’t have been kinder and lots of people have enjoyed taking part."