The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre is delighted to announce the return of the Big Splash Festival on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July 2024, transforming Newport city centre into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration. Drawing thousands to the city, Big Splash is recognised as the largest free outdoor arts festival in Wales, featuring live music, street theatre, dance performances, workshops, craft and activities for all the family. The Riverfront Theatre is thrilled to have the festival return and looks forward to welcoming local visitors from across Wales and beyond to experience the entertainment.
Last year’s festival was a huge burst of colour and energy on the streets of Newport, showcasing the very best of street theatre, including involvement and performances from local artists and community groups. 2024 promises to be even more spectacular, with reviews from last year's attendees providing compelling testimony to the festival's ability to unite communities and ignite joy, “Big Splash is a great opportunity to come together as a family and community, and all have fun!” Another praised, “A festival full of joy and inspiration! The highlight of the Newport calendar, the city came alive.”
The annual event transforms the streets of Newport into a large outdoor stage with pop-up performance zones across the city centre, including John Frost Square, Friars Walk, Commercial Street, and the River Walkway.
Described as “a slice of Covent Garden in Newport”, every year the festival has a jam-packed programme of free activities and entertainment for all ages. The two-day event is the ultimate kickstart to the summer holidays and one not to be missed.
Creative Development Manager at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Jamie Anderson says “The Big Splash festival is a vital part of Newport’s cultural event calendar, offering families, residents and visitors an opportunity to celebrate and immerse themselves in artistic activity in the heart of our city. We’re thrilled that the festival will be returning this year and can’t wait to work with the amazing artists and communities across Newport to deliver a fabulous weekend of creative activity.”
Big Splash 2024 has been made possible thanks to the generous funding from Arts Council Wales, Newport Now BID, Friars Walk, Newport Transport and Newport Live, the charitable trust responsible for running The Riverfront Theatre. Big Splash continues to be possible with the support of Tin Shed Theatre Company, The Place, Alacrity Foundation, Mercure Hotel, Urban Circle and Waterstones. Thanks to the support of the festival from these companies, the outdoor arts has a platform and space to flourish in Newport. If you want to be involved in the festival, sponsorship opportunities for this year's festival are now open for consideration, please reach out to our marketing team (marketing@newportlive.co.uk).
Are you eager to get involved? We’re seeking enthusiastic, friendly and reliable individuals over the age of 18 to join our volunteering team. If this sounds like you, click the button below, fill out our application form and we’ll be in touch.
The event is the perfect day out for family and friends to watch, laugh, take part and be immersed within the arts. Announcements of acts will follow in the lead-up to the event, so make sure to follow The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre on their social channels for the latest news and updates. Come and join in the fun this July!
