Big Splash, the largest free outdoor arts festival in Wales, has become a highlight of Newport’s cultural calendar, welcoming over 20,000 visitors each year to the event at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
Newport Live can confirm that its recent application for Arts Council Wales funding to support the 2026 festival was unsuccessful in a highly competitive process. While this is disappointing, this decision relates specifically to the 2026 event.
We remain fully committed to the long-term future of Big Splash and will continue to seek funding through future opportunities.
We recognise how valued the festival is to the local community and are actively exploring alternative funding options and delivery models.
Our team is working hard behind the scenes to deliver a version of Big Splash in 2026 if at all possible. Further updates will be shared in due course.
