Newport Now has appointed award-winning Welsh communications and events agency Orchard to produce, manage and promote a series of events in the city centre over the coming year.

Orchard, which worked extensively on Ryder Cup 2010 at Celtic Manor including directing the welcome concert at the then Millennium Stadium, most recently staged the sell out Paolo Nutini gig at the Newport Centre .

The business also staged an event at Tredegar House for the Nato Conference and the home coming celebrations for the Welsh football team following their success at Euro 2016.

Orchard films for local companies such as Airbus and Western Power Distribution and has staged concerts for Sir Tom Jones, Sir Elton John and Lionel Richie, as well as promoting Wales on an international stage through PR and TV advertising.

Over the coming 12 months Orchard will be working closely with Newport Now, Newport City Council and other stakeholders to produce a range of events aimed at driving footfall into the city centre, and boosting business for local traders.

Among ideas being worked up are a launch of the Christmas season; a Champions League Street Football tournament involving local youngsters to mark the global event coming to Wales in 2017; a scooter rally in partnership with local veteran vehicle clubs; and a Record Store Day involving local music stakeholders.

Orchard will also be responsible for marketing the events and Newport Now activities through a range of film, PR and social media services.

Newport Now chairman Alan Edwards said: “We’re looking forward to working closely with Orchard to deliver a truly exhilarating and imaginative events programme to entertain a wide range of people and to draw more and more people into Newport city centre.”

Orchard’s Dave Driscoll said: “The developments in the city in recent times have impressed us, and we like Newport Now’s approach to things. We already work extensively in the city on a number of fronts, and are really chuffed to get the chance to work with local businesses in the coming months to deliver benefits to people and traders across the city.”