Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival is returning to Newport on Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July, and as usual, it looks like you’ll need two days to take everything in.
If you’ve never been previously, maybe this should be your year, it’s well worth a visit. , an annual festival, drawing thousands to the city, featuring live music, street theatre, dance performances, workshops, craft and activities for all the family.
The Riverfront presents ‘BIG SPLASH‘ a two-day festival featuring live music, street theatre, dance, workshops, crafts, and activities for all ages. Described as “a slice of Covent Garden in Newport”, the streets of Newport will turn into a giant outdoor stage. Visitors can expect vibrant pop-up performances and unforgettable experiences, offering free entertainment for everyone.
Organised by The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre, the festival reflects its mission to make the arts accessible to all, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to experience, engage and celebrate a wealth of artistic talent in the heart of the city. Since 2010, the festival has grown year-on-year, becoming a key event for the outdoor arts sector in South Wales.
Big Splash continues to grow as a highlight of the Welsh cultural calendar, with 45% of last year’s attendees coming from outside the city centre to kickstart the summer holidays. One attendee said: “Big Splash is worth making the journey for a day of live entertainment with the kids.”
You can take a look back at the 2024 Big Splash HERE.
This year’s festival will build on its success thanks to confirmed funding from Arts Council Wales, alongside support from Friars Walk, Mercure Hotel, Le Pub, Newport BID, and others.
Creative Development Manager at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Jamie Anderson told us…..
“Big Splash is a fantastic way to kick start the summer in the city. Newport Live in collaboration with Arts Council Wales and our incredible partners who make the festival possible, takes great pride in the festival’s role in bringing together Newport’s communities to celebrate the arts, culture and the city’s vibrant spirit.”
Andrea Ovey, Newport Live’s Director of Business Development added…..
“We’re thrilled to see Big Splash return for 2025. As Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival, it brings people together through the power of creativity while shining a spotlight on Newport as a vibrant cultural destination, having other important impacts too, including an increase in footfall for business owners in the city as well as the positive mental and physical wellbeing impact. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the arts, inspire new audiences, and showcase the city on a wider stage, which Newport Live are delighted to bring to life again in 2025. We continue to seek additional sponsorship to support the Big Splash so please get in touch if you would like to get involved!”
It’s early days yet and the plans are all being pulled together, but last year they have a brilliant lineup lineup spread across five distinct zones: The Riverfront, Usk Plaza, John Frost Square, Celebrate Stage, and Newport Now (covering Commercial Street, The Place, Waterstones, and Gallery57).
They had a wide range of activities and workshops, from hoola hooping workshops and the world’s smallest circus to face painting, acrobats, live music, poetry and writing workshops with Waterstones, magic shows, and a gaming van. We’re sure this year there’ll be more of the same, and more.
Big Splash offers an exciting platform for connection and collaboration, inviting local artists and communities to share their stories and creativity. This year, there are numerous ways to get involved, including:
- Community and Artist Call-Outs: Collaborate to create dynamic, outdoor works that showcase Newport’s stories and spaces.
- Welsh Language Theatre Commission: Artists can apply to create a vibrant street theatre piece presented in and celebrating Welsh language and culture.
- Volunteering: Join the team behind Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival.
- Sponsorship: Connect your brand with a diverse audience while supporting the arts in Wales.
Big Splash 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable weekend filled with excitement, inspiration, and community spirit. Save the date and join in this year’s festival.
For more information and details on how to get involved go HERE.
