As the Big Splash festival starts this weekend, on Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July, here’s everything you need to know about the festival. Zones, acts, timings and accessibility, we’ve listed it all!
What is Big Splash?
Big Splash is an annual event, drawing thousands to the city, and 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.
All free of charge, the two-day event is the perfect family experience, recommended for all ages. It’s the ultimate kick start to the summer holidays!
When is Big Splash?
This year, Big Splash takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025. The festival starts at 11am on Saturday until 5:30pm and 11.30am on Sunday until 5.00pm with a final DJ set from the voice of Skindred, Benji Webbe at 4:20pm at the Celebrate Stage next to The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre.
Where is Big Splash?
Big Splash takes place throughout Newport city centre. There will be performances taking place on three stages, and acts wandering through the streets.
The full agenda for the festival has just been released, revealing an exciting lineup spread across four distinct zones including, Splastonbury at The Riverfront, Usk Plaza, Celebrate
Stage, and Newport Now Creative Quarter (covering Commercial Street, The Place, Waterstones, and Gallery57).
Now available to view on the Big Splash website, visitors can plan their day by viewing the full programme. During the festival, programmes will be available at The Riverfront Theatre and the Information Point in Usk Plaza. Here’s a quick summary of the different zones and what to expect.
Splashtonbury at The Riverfront - The main festival hub full of family-friendly fun! Get creative with arts, crafts, and workshops, enjoy live music, circus performances, dance, and interactive street shows. Celebrate Stage - Catch live performances from local community groups and professional artists on the Celebrate Stage by the Red Wave along the riverbank. Stroll down Big Splash Boulevard for workshops, games, walkabout acts, stalls and riverside fun connecting The Riverfront to the Celebrate Stage.
Usk Plaza – Based in Friars Walk, this zone will be a lively street theatre hotspot bursting with energy! Enjoy thrilling circus acts, fire juggling, and community performances throughout the day. Visit the Information Station, hosted by the friendly Newport Live team, to get all your Big Splash questions answered - and don’t miss out on free face painting while you’re there!
Newport Now Creative Quarter - A vibrant showcase of local arts, culture, and creativity, with activities spread across key creative hubs including Gallery 57, The Place, and Waterstones. Explore exhibitions, performances, and workshops celebrating local talent, while enjoying surprise pop-up shows and roaming acts bringing energy and fun all along Commercial Street.
Who is performing and what workshops are available?
This year's festival promises an exciting mix of entertainment with over 80 performances, workshops and activities, including acrobatics and street performers, live music, festival crafts, family activities, community showcases, face painting and more. You can find the full list here: Newport Live | Big Splash
Accessibility
All areas of the festival and performances are accessible to wheelchair users and disabled parking is available at Friars’ Walk and Kingsway car park.
British Sign Language (BSL), audio described and bilingual performances are also available throughout the weekend. A large print and audio-described version of the programme will also be available at Box Office or the information point located in Usk Plaza.
There will also be a Chill Space and Prayer Room located at The Riverfront Theatre; a space visitors can retreat to for a moment of calm or for anyone who may need a break away from the festival.
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 The Riverfront. Call 01633 656679, email riverfront.boxoffice@newportlive.co.uk or go into The Riverfront and speak to the Box Office team who will be able to assist you.
Sponsors
The Riverfront Theatre and Newport Live would like to thank those who’ve made the festival possible, including Arts Council Wales, Newport City Council, Newport Now, Friars Walk, Race Council Cymru, Waterstones, Mercure Hotel Newport, Alacrity Foundation, Harding Evans, Nando’s Friars Walk, The Place, Loyal Free, Gallery 57, Start-Up Stiwdio and Momentwm. For more information on Big Splash, visit: www.newportlive.co.uk/BigSplash.
