Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival ‘Big Splash’ returns this Summer!
Get ready for Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival, returning to Newport on Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July 2025!
The Riverfront presents 'Big Splash', an annual festival, drawing thousands to the city, featuring live music, street theatre, dance performances, workshops, craft and activities for all the family.
All free of charge, the two-day event is the perfect family experience, recommended for all ages. Described as “a slice of Covent Garden in Newport”, the streets of Newport will turn into a giant outdoor stage. Save the date and join us at this year’s festival.
Volunteering opportunities coming soon!
To get involved in Big Splash 2025, please contact artsdevelopment@newportlive.co.uk.
Since 2010, Big Splash has transformed Newport into a giant outdoor stage, welcoming over 25,000 people each year to experience free street theatre and access to the arts.
As Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival, Big Splash relies on funding, partnerships and the generous donations of supporters like you. Run by The Riverfront Theatre, a charitable trust, every penny we raise goes back into creating community events and supporting the arts.
Your donation—big or small—helps keep this unforgettable, family-friendly experience alive and free for all.
community callout
We have a fantastic opportunity to perform at Big Splash 2025, and are looking for community groups and artists who would like to take part in both the Celebrate Stage, The Dock Stage & Usk Plaza Zone.
If you are a local choir, dance group, musician, poet, storyteller, circus performer, comedy act or anyone that just wants to put their creativity out into the city and would like to perform then please get in touch as we would love to showcase you or your organisation.
Big Splash is committed to representing as diverse a group of communities as possible. We expressly seek and encourage applications from all genders, age ranges, Welsh language performers, people with disabilities and representatives from LGBTQIA+ communities and global majorities.
The stages will be live - Saturday 19 July 11am - 5pm and Sunday 20 July 12pm - 16:30pm.
Your act must be family friendly and suitable for all ages throughout.
Deadline for submissions: Sunday 1 June 2025.
Here is what we'll provide for each zone:
All acts will be required to supply:
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Valid and sufficient insurance cover.
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A risk assessment for your performance or group.
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A valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) if working with young or vulnerable people.
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If children are performing, you will require the appropriate license from your local authority (BOPA) - You can see more information here and note that a minimum of 21 days is required to process this. Children's performance licensing | Newport City Council
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Any electrical equipment must be within the last year and display the appropriate labelling.
SPONSORSHIP AND PARTNERS
A huge thank you to our funders, sponsors and partners for helping make Big Splash possible.
Want to get in on the action and become a sponsor for Big Splash? Take a look at our sponsorship deck here!
Previous Partner include:
