The largest free outdoor arts festival in wales returns to Newport for 2023!

 

Join us on Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 July for a weekend jam-packed with free activities for all of the family to enjoy.

The Big Splash festival is an annual event that energises the streets of Newport with festivalgoers who come in their thousands to be immersed in the fun and excitement of theatre and arts.  The festival attracts over 20,000 visitors and brings the city to life with its extraordinarily talented and captivating programme of events.

The city centre will be brimming with entertainment in every corner, with a programme packed full of street theatre, live music, workshops, arts and craft activities and so much more for visitors to enjoy, all free of charge. We’ll also see the return of the much-loved family funfair!

The two-day event is the perfect family experience, recommended for all ages. It’s the ultimate kick start to the summer holidays!

Sing, dance, laugh, create and be enthralled at the Big Splash festival 2023.

For all the latest updates and to share your Big Splash stories and memories with us, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages. We will also be posting lots of exciting content on The Riverfront’s Instagram.

If you are accessing the page through a mobile device, please scroll down to view the performances.

Acts

We are thrilled to announce that the following acts will be joining us for Big Splash 2023! We will be updating this list frequently so please keep checking back.

Aleighcia Scott

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Aleighcia Scott is a Welsh–Jamaican reggae artist and presenter currently working for the BBC. She is the current host of Thursday Evenings on BBC Radio Wales.  

Bethany Seddon Workshops

Get creative with local artist, Bethany Seddon!

Big Splash’s Tiny Circus

Big Splash Tiny Circus 2023

Dave & Dave our big splash builders are out and about making sure that Newport is ready for our big weekend!

If you see them please make sure they’re doing their jobs correctly & not having cups of tea, Juggling or any sort of silly behaviour.

Captive

Big Splash Captive

In Captive by renowned dance-circus company Motionhouse, four dancers perform this exciting blend of dance, acrobatics and aerial work inside a large cage. Disorientated and shaken, the performers use their skill and instinct to survive in this emotionally charged and athletic piece.

Inspired by Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem The Panther, this extraordinary outdoor show explores notions of captivity. Extremely physical, Captive is a thrilling blend of dance and acrobatics with a dynamic narrative exploring human relationships in captivity.

Connor Allen: Dominoes

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Multidisciplinary artist and Children’s Laureate Wales Connor Allen will be performing his first ever full reading of Dominoes, a collection of poems that delve into his life and experiences growing up mixed-race in Newport. Ages 18+ only.

Connor Allen: Miracles

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Children’s Laureate Wales Connor Allen will be reading from his new book, Miracles. An inspiring collection of children’s poems.

Connor Curates: Childrens stories

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Come and join Children’s Laureate Wales, Connor Allen as he curates a children’s tent of storytelling.

With the theme and emphasis on acceptance Connor has bought together 4 of the top storytellers to deliver interactive sessions throughout the day Suitable for 6+

Defying Gravity Academy

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Performing fun, family friendly entertainment, expect to see performances from 3 year-old to teenagers!

Family Fun: The Place

Head to The Place at 9-10 Bridge Street for fun activities for all the family to enjoy.

 

Tin Shed Theatre Co have partnered with Riverfront to bring you a full line up of Big Splash Events at The Place, Newport

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Festival makers - Saturday 12 - 4pm 

Come and join us for our fantastic range of creative workshops for all ages and levels of experience. We will be making masks, crowns, paracord bracelets and paper crafts. 

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☀️The Creative Social Club - Saturday 5 - 7pm ☀️

A chance to meet artists, makers & creators with specific focus on festivals & outdoor arts.

This is a collaboration with Articulture, The Riverfront supported by Arts Council Wales.

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 Open Stage - Sunday 12 - 4pm 

An Open Stage Event for anyone wanting to showcase their talent. Dip your toes into performing on stage, maybe even make a Big Splash!

Facepainting

Cardiff & Newport Facepainting

Everyone’s welcome to a free face painting session with Cardiff and Newport FacePainitng. This is always a popular one so we’ve added more stations to the festival, with perfect locations where you can watch acts while you wait!

Frogs in Bogs / Brogs y Bogs

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Familia de la Noche’s brand-new show, Frogs in Bogs / Brogs y Bogs is returning to Newport for the Big Splash Festival on Sunday 23rd July.

This hilarious, all-jumping, all-dancing bilingual show is perfect for kids 4+ and provides a ribbiting day out of all the family, with banging tunes courtesy of new music from talented Cardiff art-rock musicians Heledd Watkins and Sam Roberts (HMS Morris).

Gallery 57

Take part in lots of fun family activities over at Gallery 57. 

Hello Buoys!

Big Splash 23 Hello Buoys!

Taking inspiration from Vintage postcards and summer seaside pastimes, we are bringing a splash of nostalgia and nautical naughtiness to a Newport!

Follow our 3 dinghy-less damsels as they dip their toes and cause a splash on their seafaring voyage. Looking for a captain to guide them to sun kissed beaches can these ladies of leisure be pointed in the right direction or are they hopelessly helpless in their Hawaiian quest!

Family friendly, fun dance theatre

Holes

Holes is beautiful, fun, playful, participatory and provocative. Two women (aerial hoop artists), one blind, come across a hole in space. They tumble into it and guide us through their wondrous imaginative journey. As the piece progresses the relationship between the two women becomes more mischievous and ambiguous. Are they friends? Sisters? Two sides of the same person? The show is bilingual in Welsh and English with embedded audio description. It exposes the experience of visually impaired people from the start and embeds it in the heart of the performance for all.

Hummadruz: Workshops 

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Hummadruz, The Black-Light Theatre of Wales, are bringing their workshop programme to Big Splash! Come along and learn some Circus skills or if un-possible object balancing is not your thing, you can make a puppet, some crazy insects, streamers and other creative things that maybe YOU can think off. We’ll use fluorescent materials so that your work will glow on these wonderful dusky evenings as the sun does down.

Drop in and help us make a creative twisted mess!

Little Miss Majorettes

Big Splash 23 The Little Miss Majorettes

The Little Miss Majorettes have been in training ready for their celebratory debut! They may not be the best baton twirlers or marching band members but what they lack in skill they make up with enthusiasm! Expect a comedic display of anti-climactic tricks, false starts, fumbling formations and an (almost) extravagant ending! A family friendly performance brought to you by the curiously quirky dance troupe, Kitsch & Sync Collective.

Mud Pies

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Mud Pies will take you on a joyful exploration of soil!

Through this interactive performance, you can enjoy the restoration found in nature too.

Bringing together the physicality of gardening and the exploration of nature, Mud Pies shares how mess and mistakes are essential to growth and wellbeing.

Audio description available.

By Krystal S. Lowe.

Out of The Box

Big Splash 23 Out of The Box

Darryl J Carrington is on a mission to defy gravity & deliver a world class juggling show without a single drop. This is a laugh out loud comedy for all ages from the master of manipulation. Blending elements of mime, puppetry, awesome trick shots & hilarious audience participation.

Phileas Fogg: Day 79

 

Big Splash 23 Phileas Fogg

Join Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days. The year is 1872 and it’s day 79 of the journey. Their intrepid adventurers are almost over and they are just hours away from crossing the finish line, if they can just coerce their hot air balloons to go in the right direction, they might stand to win a grand prize.

Pitch up and Picnic

Watch your favourite family friendly films in our outdoor cinema. Feel free to bring your own camping chairs, picnic blankets and as many scrumptious snacks as you like to watch Toy Story (PG), Moana (PG) and The Greatest Showman (PG).

All films will have subtitles.

Richard Garagthy Extravaganza!!

 

Big Splash 23 Richard Garagthy Extravaganza

He began his performing career on the hallowed cobbles of Covent Garden aged just 18. He honed his hugely likeable stage persona here at the most famous street theatre venue in the world. Watch as he juggles and rides the death-defying giant unicycle!!

He has performed at festivals and cabarets across the world including at Just For Laughs, The Cape Town Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Glastonbury Festival, The Roundhouse, Leicester Square Theatre, The London Palladium and many others.

Sinfonia Cymru

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Water, Music, Whales & Words come together in this stunning family friendly performance by the incredible musicians of Sinfonia Cymru with Storyteller Catherine Dyson.  

“Lena lives in the future, in a world where both water and music are a fading memory. When she finds an old record cover with a picture of a whale in her grandparents' attic, she sets out on a journey, determined to find this magnificent creature and the water it swims in, and to hear its song once more”.

What does water mean to you? Life. Fun. Danger. Power. In this exciting performance programmed by musician Dan Shao with an original story written and narrated by Catherine Dyson, we explore our fascinating relationship with water. With a powerful ecological message at its source, this new production will mesmerize and inspire children and adults alike to treat water like our best friend.

Please note that there will be an interactive water percussion in the foyer for children to explore and enjoy before and after the performance.

Suitable for all ages. 

Splashtonbury

Welcome to Splashtonbury 

Our FREE fun filled, jam packed programme of activities, pop up performances, live music and workshops. 

Head to the Riverfront where the free activity runs all day. Listen to music on the terrace, grab a drink and  join in the festival fun with henna, hair braiding, tattoos and glitter.

From hoola hooping, mask making, story telling, family raves and hip hop- open to the young and the young at heart.

The Celebrate stage showcases Newports' talent- from dance performances, to live music- pull up a bench and enjoy.

Feeling competitive? Come by our games area- not a screen in sight and plenty to occupy all ages.

Who needs Glastonbury when you’ve got Splashtonbury! 

Activities take place throughout the day Saturday 11 - 5/ Sunday 11.30 - 4.30

Swan In Love

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Gary & Pel’ will be pedalling into the hearts of audiences; inviting them to slow dance, snap some piccys and take a 'romantic ride' on their 7ft Swan Pedalo. 

Get Ready to Fall ‘Swan in Love’ in this picturesque Swantacular walkabout performance.

Commissioned & supported by Articulture Wales & Arts Council Wales.

Tony the Balloon Man

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Newport’s favourite balloon modeller is back, making all things weird and wonderful with his bewildering balloon skills.

The Big Splash Busk

Big Splash Big Busk Le Pub

Listen to an array of live music by fantastic local artists at Le Pub.

The Botanists

 

Big Splash 23 The Botanist

Step into a world of botanical wonder with Myrtle and Mostyn, two adventurous botanists on a mission to discover new plants and stories. Join them on an exciting and interactive journey in the Big Splash Festival, where you'll uncover the fascinating world of this city and the magic that lies within it.

This enchanting walkabout theatre experience is the perfect way to have fun, play games, and uncover hidden secrets, as Myrtle and Mostyn guide you on an unforgettable adventure.

Don't miss out on this unique and immersive experience, where nature comes to life and anything is possible. Join Myrtle and Mostyn on their quest to explore the wonders of the world! Flossy and Boo return with their magical brand of storytelling, full of joy and suitable for all ages.

The Flying Squad

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Our hapless detectives have a crime to solve, but all eye-witness accounts lead them to only one conclusion - the culprit is one of their own. Will they solve the crime, will they get back to the station before lunch, and most importantly, was there even a crime to solve?

Fun, slapstick and audience participation abound. Prepare yourself for sleuthing silliness a-plenty with The Flying Squad.

The Detectives of the Department of Strange Events were first created as part of The Curious Case of Aberlliw, a Fantastic for Families Awards shortlisted piece of hybrid theatre in coproduction with LAStheatre, Awen Cultural Trust & Carmarthenshire Theatres. Here they take centre stage as their antics see them investigating themselves. The Flying Squad is an hilarious, wordless, move about clowning piece.

The Man on The Moon

Big Splash 23 The Man on The Moon

George Orange is an eccentric clown and slack-rope dancer from Chicago. He has come via the Moon and brought a bit of it with him. The half-moon slack rope rig forms a perfect centrepiece to any street or square and will attract interest before the show even begins.

The Super Hooper Hula Hooping Street Show

Big Splash 23 The Super Hooper Hula Hooping Street Show

From death defying stunt hooping to the straight out weird and wonderful world of mini hoop madness, a little bit of magic and the dazzling glitz of circus hula hoops to the jaw dropping giant 6ft hoop leading all the way up to the multi hooping, confetti exploding, human tower of uncertainty!

Angie Macks hooptastic, interactive comedy show is jam packed with highly skilled hula hoop tricks, iconic music and a whole lot of heart.

Truth/ Y GWIR

Truth/ Y GWIR - Ramshakalicious

A unique roving outdoor performance by a 7 strong ensemble of playful troublemakers! The rebellion arrive - Full of hope, fiercely comic & on a mission to disrupt the public norm. The audience join in with the unfurling games, exploring power and control. A curious sense of excitement bubbles, uniting THE PEOPLE in a joyful riot of love!  

TRUTH is a gentle call to action. Is it time for you to be set free? 

 Audio description and touch tours available.

Ramshacklicious - are Southwest anarchic theatre troublemakers, creating high quality, subversive, contemporary theatrical experiences for the outdoors and repurposed spaces since 2006. 

Hijinx are widely considered to be one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies, creating exhilarating, subversive theatre with learning disabled and/or autistic performers. From large to small scale for both indoor and outdoors.

Supported by Arts Council of Wales

Wonderbrass

Wonderbrass is an internationally acclaimed 25+ piece world music, pop music, jazz juggernaut - a dance-a-holic wall of sound!

Since 1992 they’ve welcomed musicians playing myriad instruments from flutes to sousaphones and have performed across the UK (and Europe) – including Coventry City of Culture, Southbank Centre, Brecon Jazz Festival, Durham International Brass Festival. Festival No 6, Tafwyl as well as the bars (and streets!) of Cardiff! The Wonderbrass repertoire spans music from every genre – from New Orleans street tunes, Caribbean ska beats and African township to the pop classics of Britney, the electronic sounds of Calvin Harris and the legendary hits of the Rolling Stones. A mixture of original music and red-hot interpretations of songs you know and love.  

The Honest Poet Society

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The Honest Poet Society is an explosive full band experience of the brilliant artist The Honest Poet (THP). Listen to the unique soulful vocals that emanate raw emotion supported by a live wall of sound that creates their perfect blend of soul, hip-hop and spoken word. You will be dancing and singing along with The Honest Poet Society before you know it.

Splashtonbury

Our FREE fun filled, jam packed programme of activities, pop up performances, live music and workshops. 

Head to The Riverfront where the free activity runs all day. Listen to music on the terrace, grab a drink and  join in the festival fun with henna, hair braiding, tattoos and glitter.

This zone covers in and around The Riverfront Theatre, including the Terrace Stage, the Celebrate Stage, Big Splash Boulevard and the Newport Pride bus.

Splashtonbury Acts

AJF Afro Dance

AFJ Afro Dance

Join AFJ Cardiff and participate in a fun and energetic Afrodance workshop, introducing you to all the best Afrodance styles and grooves! This workshop is an introduction to Afrodance, meaning that it is open to all abilities and ages!

The workshop will also consist of fun activities and jam sessions enjoying and vibing to the best : afrobeat, afrohouse,coupe decale, amapiano, ndombolo tunes and more! This is a great way to experience the African culture through dance.

Aleighcia Scott

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Aleighcia Scott is a Welsh–Jamaican reggae artist and presenter currently working for the BBC. She is the current host of Thursday Evenings on BBC Radio Wales.

Anita Hughes

Anita has a passion for singing with many years of performing experience catering for any special event personalising the performance to suit any occasion.

Anite Hughes

 

Araby

Back again to host the brilliant Terrace Stage this year is storyteller, songwriter and performer Araby. Fresh off a short tour of his new musical comedy piece, Araby will be keeping you all company throughout the day and introducing the wonderful musicians of Newport.

Bad Meaning Good plus Tommy P

Join, DJ Bad Meaning Good, a pioneer in UK turntablism (Scratch DJing) and Tommy Boost, an international professional break-dancer/commercial artist as they perform a set Big Splash 2023.

Bethan Rose Davies

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Bethan is a performer in Wales who has studied two musical theatre degrees, been part of the Edinburgh fringe festival and have performed across various pubs and nursing homes in Wales. Bethan’s lifelong dream is to be on the west end stage one day and to be a part of theatre. She also teaches children at Stagecoach Penarth on a Saturday. Hope you enjoy the performance and have a lovely weekend.

Big Splash Boulevard

Artists Stephanie Roberts will be running workshops all weekend creating prints with an environmental theme.

Bingo on the Bus

Come join in some fabulous bingo fun on the pride bus and support this summer's Pride in the Port, coming September 2nd with fringe events the week before! ‘Ball number 88.. that’s two size-fabulous drag queens’ and more.

Bois Y Bryn

Bois Y Bryn are a Sea Shanty Band to foster the appreciation, practice and performance of shanty and folk music and singing. Bois Y Bryn bring together two great heritages of the British Isles … the world renown male voice singing of the valleys of Wales with the shanties of our sea-faring nation …. Wales.

Boulevard Workshops and Games

Interactive games and creative workshops taking place all weekend, along the Big Splash Boulevard.

Stalls, giant games, and print workshops with artist Stephanie Roberts.

Capoeira

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art combining music, movement and acrobatics. It has roots in warriors’ dances brought to Brazil by African slaves and has been shaped in to the form it is known by today by the ethnic melting pot that is Brazil.

It aims to improve flexibility, control of the body in space, develop coordination, awareness of the surrounding, body strength and enhance the self-confidence.

Cascapella

Cascapella is a friendly and inclusive Community Choir for people of all ages  We are a fun and uplifting choir that sings songs in many different styles. There’s no need to be able to read music to join our choir and no auditions; anyone from novice singers to more advanced is more than welcome to join us. Rehearsals take place every Thursday evening 7.15-9.15pm during term time at Community House Maindee in Newport.  For more info please contact: cascapellachoir@gmail.com

 

Chill Out Lounge

Join DJ, Bad Meaning Good and Hip Hop artist Tommy P for a relaxed session of chilled out music for you and your little ones.  

Circus of Positivity

Circus of Positivity

Inspired by the circus acts at the Big Splash? Now it’s your turn! Circus of Positivity will be running have-a-go workshops where you can try a variety of ground-based circus skills, from juggling and plate spinning to poi, flower stick and much more.

Creative Magic

Get creative in our arts and crafts area in the main gallery.

FacePaint and Glitter

Get into the festival spirit with free facepainting and glitter paint all weekend long.

Family Fun for your Little Un

Join the Flying Start team and Newport libraries in our upstairs bar area for fun play and story time for your under 7’s.

Frankie Wesson Duo

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A Pride in the Port celebration takeover featuring the winner of Newport Prides Got Talent - Frankie Wesson Duo.

Gene Gyseman

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Genevieve is a Welsh-born singer/songwriter who can often be seen busking up and down Queen Street and the Hayes. In her music Genevieve blends together jazzy, soulful vocals with gentle folk guitar, the result is an enchanting and emotionally true sound, that cuts to your heart, while somehow putting a smile on your face.

GLD School of Dance

GLD are a dance school that performs different styles of dance such as, Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Hip/Hop and contemporary. Two of the groups will be performing a variety of numbers to show off their style of dance.

Gloria

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After popular demand Gloria is returning for another appearance at the Big Splash Festival. Performing some rock'n'roll classics, Gloria will leave you with a swing in your step and a smile on your face. 

Hip Hop Culture Class

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Incorporating DJing and Breakdance, Hip Hop Culture Class is a collaboration between two of Wales most celebrated HIP HOP artists.

A fun dance-along workshop for children and parents alike. Recommended for children ages 6 – 12 yrs.

Tutors: DJ Bad Meaning Good, a pioneer in UK turntablism (Scratch DJing) and Tommy Boost, an international professional breakdancer/commercial artist.

Workshop detail:

Breakdance: learn toprock, downrock, power moves and freezes.

DJing: chase the beat timing challenge and basic scratching.

Iestyn Churchill

iestyn Churchill

Singer/songwriter, Iestyn blends together alternative styles with poetic, esoteric and raw lyricism for a truly unique and real sonic experience.

Katie Batchelor

Kat Batchelor is a performer based in Cardiff, passionate about traditional Welsh music and dance. A regular member of several music sessions and dance groups in Cardiff and Newport, she was recently inspired by videos of legend Hilary Klug to combine Welsh clog dancing while simultaneously playing the fiddle!
The performance will feature twenty minutes of Welsh clogging and upbeat
fiddle music!

Katy-Lou

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Katie-Lou is an indie folk singer and songwriter from South wales. Katie is an emotional writer whose words come from the heart & her personal experiences with friendships, love, loss and mental health. With her debut album on the way Katie is gigging 24/7 all around the country and beyond so keep your eye out for another gig near you.

Lakeisha Cross

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Lakeisha is a 14-year-old singer/songwriter from Bath.  The Big Splash Festival will be her first performance of her original music. Her music is inspired by Billie Eilish and Gracie Abrams.

Mandy Night Dance

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Mandy Knight is a much-loved dance instructor at Newport Live! Join her and a group of others dance the weekend away at Big Splash 2023.

Matt Read

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Matt Read is a singer songwriter from South Wales. He's been playing and studying music for many years in bands and solo. They love to put fun twists on classic songs with beautiful chord extensions and harmonies on his acoustic guitar.

MOJO

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Mojo JNR is a solo bedroom/indie-rock project by Josh David-Read from Swansea in South Wales but plays live-shows in a 5 piece band which delivers a dynamic and electric performance of the material. For fans of Mac DeMarco, Courtney Barnett and Palace and described by Bethan Elfyn as “perfect holiday vibes” and Clunk Magazine describes it as “indie bedroom pop at its finest”.

Momentwm

Work out your commute on our Technogym Ride Newport bikes with our Newport Live team and find out more about our new Momentwm project.

Musical Parade: Take a Breath, Newport Mind Choir, Oasis One World Choir, Cascapella, Gap Centre Choir

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A variety of community group choirs come together for a musical procession that will leave The Riverfront Theatre and head to the Celebrate Stage.

Choir’s taking part: Take a Breath, Newport Mind Choir, Oasis Global Choir, Cascapella.

Nu Wave Dancers Rubicon

Nu Wave Dance

NuWave is Rubicon Dance’s performance group for people over 60. They will be performing a fun, jazz style dance to “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” by Frank Sinatra. The dance has been choreographed by Rubicon Dance Leaders and the NuWave dancers whilst working with live jazz musicians The Keith Little Trio.  

Newport Male Voice Choir

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City of Newport Male Choir is a registered charity that uses the art of music to help other charitable organisations, while giving Choir members a means of self-expression with no financial benefit to themselves. Our motto is “Making Music, Making Friends”.

We currently have 37 active members under the direction of our recently appointed MD Sarah Jones along with our stalwart accompanist of over 30 years Barbara Davies. However tonight our stand in MD is Andrew Thomas.

Established in 1943 as a means of relieving the tensions of the latter war years, Newport Male Voice Choir started with a membership of 25, with rehearsals in the front room of a house in Colne Street, Newport.

We pride ourselves in keeping up the tradition of Male Voice Choirs whilst introducing new music to encourage younger members to join. The choir over the years have travelled far and wide and taken part in many prestigious events.

Oasis One World Choir

Oasis One World Choir is a community group that welcomes and shares the music of people from different parts of the world – people seeking asylum or refugee status. Oasis One World Choir are fresh from performing at Cardiff Arms Park for the 6 nations women’s rugby, the Coronation party a mini tour of West Wales – Beyond the Border storytelling festival, and many events for refugee week. The choir create music song and dance together – the results being a rich cultural array of sounds and steps showing a wealth of joy and talent.

Joined by participants from The Gap Centre, Take a Breath and Cascapella Choirs.

Operasonic Presents

Operasonic are a music community charity based in Newport. They inspire people to access, develop and share their creativity through music so that everyone living, working or arriving in the city knows they are a welcome and valued part of Newport life and of Welsh Culture.

For Big Splash 2023 Operasonic are presenting some of their incredible work with local artists.

Pedal Emporium

Come and create a pedal-powered picture with the Pedal Emporium!

Recyclopse!

What becomes of the rubbish we fail to recycle?

A mysterious street sweeper and his apprentice might surprise you with a dystopian fable about a load of old rubbish.

An exciting show for children in which litter leaps to life, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the rawsome Recyclopse!

Rightkeysonly

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Rightkeysonly is the one handed musician that found home in the rave scene and it’s HEAVY bass lines.

From hosting accessible open mics to being a BBC Introducing Wales Artist, Keys has shown that music is a platform where anyone of any ability can feel equal and aims to empower other diverse individuals to do the same.

Sinfonia Cymru

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Water, Music, Whales & Words come together in this stunning family friendly performance by the incredible musicians of Sinfonia Cymru with Storyteller Catherine Dyson.   

“Lena lives in the future, in a world where both water and music are a fading memory. When she finds an old record cover with a picture of a whale in her grandparents' attic, she sets out on a journey, determined to find this magnificent creature and the water it swims in, and to hear its song once more”.

What does water mean to you? Life. Fun. Danger. Power. In this exciting performance programmed by musician Dan Shao with an original story written and narrated by Catherine Dyson, we explore our fascinating relationship with water. With a powerful ecological message at its source, this new production will mesmerize and inspire children and adults alike to treat water like our best friend.

Please note that there will be an interactive water percussion in the foyer for children to explore and enjoy before and after the performance. 

Suitable for all ages.  

Singing Workshops

Sing with Oasis One World Choir, Take a Breath Choir and Cascapella and also supported by Sinfonia Cymru French Horn player Lynn Henderson in a day of singing for fun. Learn some iof the song for the musical parade at 12.35pm.

Sparklettes

The fantastic hula-hoop troops are coming! Be prepared for surprise pop up performances throughout the day.

Stand Out and Take Part

Music, stalls and activities taking place in and around the Newport Pride bus.

Tobias

Tobias Robertson is an acoustic guitarist and singer, blending soulful vocals and his full bodied, rhythmic playing to bring you famous songs for your favourite times.

Take a Breath Choir

Take a Breath Choir are an open-access community choir with wellbeing at our heart. We sing a mix of well-known songs in different languages and even write our own songs. Newport Mind Choir is a choir for mental wellbeing based on a referral system. Join us on Wednesday afternoons at the Riverfront Centre 1-3pm in the dance studio or join in the open workshop at 11 am as part of the Big Splash ‘Splashtonbury’ to learn the songs with other community choirs for the procession

The Honest Poet

The Honest Poet

South Wales based singer/songwriter, has unique soulful vocals which emanate raw emotion. Drawing his inspiration from his life, cultivating each story from an honest viewpoint. Poetry plays a significant role throughout the entirety of THP’s music. Infusing hip hop, spoken word and soul combining with open and honest lyrics.

The Honest Poet Society

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The Honest Poet Society is an explosive full band experience of the brilliant artist The Honest Poet (THP). Listen to the unique soulful vocals that emanate raw emotion supported by a live wall of sound that creates their perfect blend of soul, hip-hop and spoken word. You will be dancing and singing along with The Honest Poet Society before you know it.

Upbeat Vibes

DJ, Bad Meaning Good is bringing the Ibiza-party scene to Big Splash 2023 with his set in the Studio theatre.  

Zumba Kids

Louise Cawte Sports, Fitness & Dance would like to welcome her little Zumba Kids Crew to the stage.

Louise is also an instructor for Newport Live and will also be joined by some of her class members to demo some of her zumba routines.

Louise holds weekly classes for kids and if you would like more info just head to her Facebook for more info: Facebook 

B Written

B Written is an Independent British singer, songwriter rising out of the inner city of Cardiff. His music has attracted a loyal following and created an intense buzz after some of his melodic and catchy hooks were teased online via his social media platforms. B Written has supported a number of international acts including Sean Paul and Ashanti during their recent tours.

He has also performed alongside some well-established UK artists such as Krept & Konan, Nafe Smallz, Young T & Bugsey and more - all prior to releasing any music! His live shows personify energy, as his unique sound and expressive style fuse together a variety of genres and smoothly bridge the urban underground to the contemporary mainstream. B Written narrates tales of the fast life, good love and heartbreak on his journey that he describes as 'emotional', reflecting upon the ups and downs of UK culture. A story to be heard; a movement that defines him less as an artist and more as a voice for the aspiring youth.

B Written

Festival Zones

University of South Wales

Right outside the University will be a big bell tent which will be home to the literary stage for Connor Curates on Saturday 22nd and will have workshops running all day on Sunday 23rd. Other acts will also be popping in and out with lots of Big Splash festivities! 

The River Walkway

Lots of acts will be roaming the River Walkway between University of South Wales and The Riverfront.

The Riverfront/Splashtonbury

This zone covers in and around The Riverfront Theatre, including the Terrace Stage, the Celebrate Stage, Big Splash Boulevard and the Newport Pride bus.

Splashtonbury Zones

 

Celebrate Stage  

Enjoy entertainment all day long on the Celebrate stage, located underneath the steel wave sculpture along the riverbank.

 

Terrace Stage  

Live acoustic music all day outside on The Riverfront terrace.   

 

Big Splash Boulevard 

The Big Splash Boulevard in located along the riverbank, linking the Celebrate Stage to The Riverfront Theatre.

 

Inside The Riverfront 

Every room in The Riverfront will be brimming with Big Splash activity. From the workshop rooms, the bar area, the basement and the gallery, the venue will be bustling with Big Splash activities.

 

The Pride Bus 

A big thanks to Newport Bus who are lending us their Pride bus for the weekend. The bus will be located outside The Riverfront theatre with music, stalls and activities.

John Frost Square

John Frost Square is located in Friars Walk. Acts will be performing in two areas in John Frost Square – directly outside H&M and in front of the Monmouthshire building society building.  

Our Information Point is also based here, manned by staff and volunteers from Newport Live who will be able to answer your Big Splash questions. You will also be able to get your face painted for FREE at this location.

Usk Plaza

Usk Plaza is the lower level of Friars Walk. Acts will be performing on the greenery outside TGI Fridays, Prezzo and Wagamama.

Newport Now Zone

This zone covers commercial street and a little further afield too. Performances and activities will be taking place in several locations throughout this zone including Le Pub, The Place, Waterstones and of course, there will be lots of acts roaming through the streets!

Accessibility

General Accessibility Information

  • All areas of the festival and performances are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • Disabled parking is available at Friar’s Walk and Kingsway car park.
  • An audio described version of the programme is available here.
  • The information point will be manned by our British Sign Language interpreter during different points throughout the weekend.
  • A large print timetables will be available at The Riverfront Box Office and at the Information Point.
  • The Riverfront Box Office has a hearing loop for use by people with hearing aids.
  • The Riverfront Theatre will include a Calm Area; a quiet space you can retreat to if you need some time for a moment of calm. For people on the autism spectrum or anyone who may need a break away from the festival.
  • We respect the needs of all our visitors and make a conscious effort to make our event as accessible as possible. If you would like to discuss specific requirements or concerns with a member of staff, there are a variety of ways you can communicate with us - call 01633 656679, email riverfront.boxoffice@newportlive.co.uk or come into The Riverfront and speak to our Box Office team who will be able to assist you.
Accessible Performances

Saturday:

Pitch Up and Picnic

- 11.15, 13.15, 15.20 - All films will have subtitles.

The Botanists

- 11.20 - BSL interpreted.

Connor Allen: Miracles

- 12:45 - BSL interpreted.

TRUTH/ Y GWIR

- 13.00. 15.00 - Audio Description.

- 13.00 - Touch tour available at The Place at 11.50.

Mud Pies

- 14.10, 16.40 - Audio description available.

Sunday:

The Botanists

- 12.00 BSL interpreted.

Holes

- 13.00, 15.00 - Audio Description available.

- 15.00 - BSL Interpreted.

- English audio programme available here: https://soundcloud.com/user-83602250/big-splash-2023-holes-audio-flyer-full-tour?si=89939c184b074076b00e2e614d896541&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

- Welsh audio programme available here: https://soundcloud.com/user-83602250/big-splash-2023-holes-audio-flier-cymraeg?si=f648df469156439cbb44eca8cd7c8334&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Mud Pies

- 14.00, 16.00 - Audio Description available.

Bilingual Performances

Saturday

- Frantasic – 12.45

- TRUTH/ Y GWIR – 13.00, 15.00

- FacePainting - 11.00 - 17.00

Sunday

- Frogs in Bogs / Brogs y Bogs – 12.30 (bilingual), 15.30 (Welsh)

- Holes – 13.00, 14.35

- FacePainting - 11.30 - 16.30

2023 Funders, Sponsors & Partners

A huge thank you to our funders, sponsors and partners for helping make Big Splash possible:

Arts council wales logoNewportLiveLogoBlack-01.pngnprt_now_col-01.jpgaandb-logo-light.svg    Friars Walk Logos-3.jpg     Le Pub 2.png   bid-loyalfree-logo (1).pngNewport Bus logo Alacritylogo_transparent copy-01.jpgARTICULTURE LOGO.png   Tinshed Theatre Logo Mercure Hotel Newport logo Newport City Council Logo The Place Logo Gallery 57.jpgWaterstones_logo.jpg  Ty Cerdd logo landscape with strapline.png

 

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