Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival, Big Splash, returns to Newport next weekend! Taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July 2025, the two-day event will transform Newport city centre into a vibrant hub of live music, street theatre, dance, workshops, crafts, and family-friendly activities.
Since its launch in 2010, Big Splash has grown into a flagship event for the outdoor arts sector in South Wales, offering free entertainment for all and the perfect way to kick off the summer holidays.
This year’s festival promises an exciting mix of entertainment, including acrobatics, street performers, circus workshops, live music, traditional Welsh folk, fire juggling, writing workshops with Children’s Poet Laurette for Wales Alex Wharton, skateboarding, face painting, festival crafts and more. The programme also features community showcases from local choirs and dance groups, storytelling with Waterstones, and a closing DJ set from local legend and the voice of Skindred, Benji Webbe on the Celebrate Stage at 4:20pm on Sunday.
The full lineup is spread across four vibrant zones: Splastonbury at The Riverfront, Usk Plaza, Celebrate Stage, and the Newport Now Creative Quarter, which spans across key creative hubs including Commercial Street, The Place, Waterstones, and Gallery57.
This year, The Riverfront has invited 4 creative professionals to collaborate with local community groups and schools to co-create inspiring new work. These commissions are all about celebrating creativity, amplifying local voices, and fostering meaningful connections through the arts, who will proudly showcase these performances throughout the weekend!
With such a diverse array of entertainment, the festival promises endless enjoyment for all ages. All events and activities are free of charge, ensuring accessibility for everyone. The festival is also dedicated to inclusivity, providing accessible performances with British Sign Language (BSL), audio descriptions, and Welsh language shows.
The Riverfront is inviting families to take part in a free drop-in arts and crafts workshop this Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, as part of the build-up to their Mini Makers Parade, taking place at Big Splash on Sunday. The sea-inspired workshop is designed for children to create festival art, which they can proudly bring along and showcase in the parade.
Explore the festival acts, and plan out your day by viewing the full programme here: www.newportlive.co.uk/bigsplash
