NEWPORT city centre played host to dozens of classic cars from down the motoring decades on the weekend.

Dedicated car fans and the merely curious alike took time to admire wonderful examples of makes such as Jaguar, Ford, Standard and Mini.

And there was also the opportunity for the more mechanically-minded to take a peek under the bonnet of some of the exhibits.

The occasion was the Festival of Classics organised by the Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID).

High Street and Commercial Street were turned into outdoor showrooms for the day, with exhibitors coming from across Wales and the rest of the UK.

There were also classic motorcycles on show for fans of two-wheeled travel.

This was Newport Now BID’s first such event, and the first time in almost 10 years that the city centre has hosted a classic car rally.

Steve Jones, of Cwmbran, was among hundreds who took time out to enjoy the exhibits.

“I didn’t know it was on, but it’s great. I’ve always been a Volkswagen Beetle fan - my dad had one - so that brought back memories,” he said.

“There should be more events like this in the city centre. The High Street is buzzing today.”

Newport Now BID Manager Kevin Ward said the event helped provide a boost to the city centre.

“We were really pleased with our first Festival of Classics," he added.

“While a few exhibitors were put off attending because of the forecast of bad weather, the rain stayed away until the end of the event and the city centre was packed with people looking at the classic cars and motorcycles on show.

“The highlights for many visitors were a Model T Ford and a Western Welsh double-decker bus but there was something for everyone on the day.

“We had buskers playing on Commercial Street and High Street and three bands at McCann’s Rock and Ale Bar on High Street.

“The more people we can attract to the city centre with events like these, the better it is for the 540-plus businesses the BID represents.”

Live music was also provided throughout the day, while there were surprise appearances from several star cars from TV shows and movies.

In total, more than 80 classic cars and motorcycles were on display at the event, which took place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday.