NEWPORT will be pulling out all the stops next weekend with a host of Roman celebrations to help the town launch its bid to become a city.

The fun starts in the town centre at 11am when Roman soldiers, guards, citizens and Celtic warriors will be handing out campaign cards and encouraging shoppers to sign petitions.

They will march down Commercial Street, through the Provisions Market and on to Rodney Parade for part two of the celebrations.

Traders at the Provisions Market have also organised some special activities of their own.

Customers will be encouraged to join in the festivities, whether it's sampling Roman bread or having their caricature drawn, which are all free of charge. Market manager Duncan Gibb said: "We've got a phenomenal Roman theme day going on based on Newport's historic roots.

"We will have an eight-piece Roman re-enactment group from Colchester doing arts, crafts, tales and battles, in and around the market.

"In addition we have got two local people involved in Roman re-enactment who deal specifically with crafts. We are inviting members of the public to join them in making Roman jewellery and artefacts that they can take home with them.

"We have also got Picasso Griffiths, a renowned caricaturist, who will be approaching the public to draw their caricature on a Roman legionary's body.

"There will also be Celtic face painters for the children and we've got Roman bread being made and distributed by me in a toga.

"Many of the traders will be dressing up as Romans themselves.

"We are working in partnership with Caerleon Roman Museum who will be setting up their own Roman market stall.

"Should any members of the public turn up dressed as Romans, they will be considered for a £50 prize. There's £50 for an adult and £50 for a child."

All this will be happening between 10am and 2pm. From 12.30pm onwards, people are invited to attend events in the family village at Rodney Parade. A martial arts display highlighting the history of all hand-to-hand combat. A Roman fancy dress competition.

It is hoped as many children as possible will come and take part in the fancy dress competition and some of the other activities which will include a gladiator challenge competition, bouncy castles, sumo wrestling, face painting and rodeo riding. The event will also feature a jazz band, children's story-telling and a Roman display.