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Wales’ largest free outdoor arts festival ‘Big Splash’ returns this Summer!

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.

The Big Splash festival 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!

Sing, dance, laugh, create and be enthralled at the Big Splash festival 2024.

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

programme

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The full agenda for the festival has just been released, revealing an exciting lineup spread across five distinct zones: The Riverfront, Usk Plaza, John Frost Square, Celebrate Stage, and Newport Now (covering Commercial Street, The Place, Waterstones, and Gallery57). 

Attendees can look forward to a wide range of activities and workshops, from hoola hooping workshops and the world's smallest circus to face painting, acrobats, live music, poetry and writing workshops with Waterstones, magic shows, and a gaming van. 

Explore the festival acts, and plan out your day!

AUDIO PROGRAMME

Newport Live · Big Splash 2024 Audio Programme

WET WEATHER PLAN

Acts

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Webster & Jones: Guided Tours

Dripping Tap's Webster & Jones: Guided Tours sees the boisterous mountaineer and Welsh enthusiast, Mr Webster, and his bumbling local guide; sheep farmer Mr Jones, invite you on a thrilling, bilingual guided tour of the local cultural highlights. With plenty of historical ‘facts’. Webster speaks only English and Jones only Welsh, but that shouldn’t be a problem. Right?

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HMS Stormus

Madam Mango’s HMS Stormys is a fun, action-packed circus cabaret which explores the climate crisis through the eyes of three outlandish former entertainers on the HMS Stormys. It’s the year 2827 and the climate crisis has come and gone, the only way humans have survived is by living on rusty cruise ships many fathoms below sea level.

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BOMBA Airways

Bombastic presents BOMBA airways who will fly into town in synchronised formation. Look out for these airline stewards, you won’t really miss them to be honest, dressed as jumbo jets and leaving a pumping soundtrack and colourful smoke entrails wherever they go! These are true professionals ready to deal with unexpected turbulence and all of life’s disasters with a perfect smile.

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Daydreams & Jellybeans

Written by Alex Wharton. Performed by Ballet Cymru and Krystal S.Lowe. This sparkling dance production showcases the talents of Alex Wharton, reading, rapping, and rhyming his way through mischievous adventures, melancholy musings, and Jellybean drama. An outstanding ballet aimed at the young and young at heart with breathtaking dancers and music from international composer Frank Moon.

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The Bench

The Bench is simplistic yet captivating, mundane yet marvelous; it will leave audiences enthralled in its mesmerizing complexity, possibility, and intricacy of movement on top of and around a massive park bench. Four dancers rotate throughout a six-hour period; each taking part in solo, duet, trio, and quartet improvised explorations of a bench so large it makes you remember how it felt to be a child in a park again.

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No Time To Waste

No Time to Waste is a dynamic dance show revealing the profound impact of plastic pollution. Experience the exhilarating portrayal of plastic's production, witness its environmental consequences through powerful movements, and hear an original soundtrack. This immersive performance serves as a catalyst for conversations, urging urgent action toward a more sustainable future.

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The Zoo Keepers

An informative and entertaining pop-up performance featuring our zoo keepers and alternating between Orangutan, Kea, Blue Iguana and Southern White Rhino puppets. 

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Cracking Cruises

Join the Cruise Entertainment Directors as they ensure you have a cracking time with their on-board antics. Look out for the new stars of the show. They could be you!

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Juma

Juma is a hilarious acrobat! Previously from the fabulous black eagles and now a covent garden favourite he is guaranteed to dazzle you with his stunts and make you smile!

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Pseudo Synchro

The Pseudo Synchro Swim Team are out and about, busy in training, being drilled by their swim captain with military precision and preparing for the biggest, most spectacular, synchronized swimming display of their lives (which takes place in a children’s paddling pool!).

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Calamity Dames

Introducing 'CALAMITY DAMES' these Rootin Tootin Cowgirls will give any Cowboy a run for their money! A comedy dance theatre 'hoedown' inspired by famous Western films, movie soundtracks and notorious Cowgirls and boys in history, both real and fictional.

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Prince Amir and Nazreddin

Join talkative Prince Amir, one of the three wise meerkat kings, following a star atop his grumpy camel Nazreddin. Come forth and witness the miniscule majesty of Amir and the curmudgeonly camel who will laugh at anything…especially himself! Though reluctant to admit it, he’s lost, and in need of directions to the nearest stable!

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Big Mac's Wholly Soul Band

A 12 piece Classic Soul Band who have been together since 1990 and was formed as the resident band for the ‘Hollywood Club’, Newport. 

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Red Carpet Photo Booth

Get ready to strut, get ready to pose, you’re the star of your very own show! An interactive pop-up experience for all ages.

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Hungry Vikings

Horace and Helga like to party and they want you to join them in their quest. Expect fun games, silly songs and vegan sausages. Get ready for lots of belly laughs as these 2 time travellers set sail along the streets of Newport.

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Big Splash's Tiny Circus

The worlds smallest circus is coming to Newport & YOU can be their main attraction.

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PeaPea la Plume

PeaPea la Plume is a songstress extraordinaire. She is a larger then life drag queen, peacock and robot.

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Pirate Academy

Come join the pirates on a treasure trail - learning games, songs and deciphering clues to find the treasure.

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Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band

A living embodiment of Rajasthan – the land of royalty, a spectacular celebration of its vibrant and colourful lifestyle, their music and dance a heady, exciting and hypnotic reflection of this enchanting region.

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Beach Patrol

Always ready to rescue any passers-by. These huge, cartoon like characters use powerskip stilts to enable them to leap and bounce up to 2 metres in the air whilst guarding the streets. 

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Reality Theatre's Musical Mashup

An inclusive Drama and performance group specifically for people with additional learning needs. Come along and sing, dance and clap your hands with us to Reality Theatre's Musical Mash Up!  

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Phileas Fogg: Day 79

Join Phileas Fogg and his valet Passepartout as they attempt to circumnavigate the world in just 80 days.

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Goldie Vegas Street Show

A vibrant & exciting combination of glamour, knives, charm, stupidity & rubbish magic to the street!

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Circus & Other Time Wasters

The loudest silent show you'll ever see! (Unicycle juggling) 

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Defying Gravity Academy

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

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Tony Balloonman

Newport's favourite balloon modeller is back!

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Dan The Hat

Comedian, juggler and comedy stuntman!

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Borneo Again

Direct from the Sumatran rainforest peddles the explorer Captain Jon Voyage on his tropical tricycle, complete with looted temple fragments and jungle specimens. Stowed away amongst the vegetation is the banana smuggling orangutan, Mr Business. Having given up the wildlife, Mr Business plans to accompany the captain as his feverish wanderlust drives him ever onward.

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West Academy

West Academy offers training in all aspects of the performing arts. Our teaching team are professional performers and industry professionals who are passionate about nurturing the talents of young performers. We offer a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment, offering weekly classes for students as young as 4 years old up to adult.

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Cwmbran Deaf Choir

Cwmbran Deaf Choir was originally formed In September 2011. The choir is made up of current pupils from Cwmbran High School Deaf Resource Base (DRB) and past pupils from the Base with members ranging from ages 13 – 30. This isn’t a traditional choir as due to their hearing loss the pupils can’t hear the music so they don’t sing, instead, the songs are interpreted and performed in the pupils’ first language, British Sign Language.

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Ina Khan

Ina Khan, a fourth-generation British Bangla folk singer immersed in the enchanting style of Baul, has become a beacon in the world of music. Her journey to prominence culminated in a triumph at the Shera Khonto singing competition on Channel i, a testament to her exceptional talent and charisma.

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Kevin Tickles Dogs

Kevin Tickle is back with a new team of animals, and this time our enthusiastic host has attempted to train mans best friend ...  what could possibly go wrong!

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Magic Rob

Making magical moments and memories at Big Splash, during the Saturday afternoon join one of the four magic shows hosted by Rob of Magic and Fun.

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Xempa

Blending soul, hip-hop and spoken word, Newport's own Xempa will have you dancing and singing along to their catchy hooks and powerful vocals.

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Dave's Cone Show

Dave the workman & his new apprentice…Dave, are back in Newport for Big Splash! They’re “helping” out with all the events providing emergency assistance, magic & circus tricks.

WORKSHOPS

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Xtreme Gamerz Van

GAME ON! Choose from our huge selection of games, including classic favorites to the latest releases.The van his includes big screens, gaming consoles, controllers, and any other accessories needed.

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Cardiff and Newport Face Painting

Everyone’s welcome to a free face painting session with Cardiff and Newport Face Painting at the Information Station in John Frost Square.

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Oh Susannah!

An engaging arts and crafts workshop, open to all ages and designed to inspire your inner artist. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a beginner, Susannah will guide you through a variety of fun and imaginative projects.

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Circus of Positivity

Join Circus of Positivity for a ground-based circus skills workshop! Pop by the Dance Studio to try skills like juggling, flower stick, diablo and more – during this session you will also be able to have a go walking our low-level tightwire, and aerial circus on a small indoor rig. 

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Nomah Dance Workshop

Our classes aim to develop self-confidence and performance skills, while teaching contemporary dance technique, basic acrobatics, floorwork & choreography. 

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The Pedal Emporium

Pedal-powered fun awaits with quacky duck races and bubble machines on Big Splash Boulevard. 

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Line Dancing

Come and join in the fun with Michelle at The Big Splash with Michelle’s Line Dance Risca. Its our birthday and want as many people to come together for a fun and interactive line dance. So get your Cowboy hat and boots at the ready and join us in our birthday hoe down on Sunday at 1.30pm. No experience necessary just come for fun!

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Welsh Fairy Tales, Myths & Legends with Claire Fayers

Join author Claire Fayers for a morning of storytelling and activities around Welsh mythology! From magical dragons to fairy changelings, Fayers' gathers eighteen of Wales' finest myths and legends in her must-have volume.

Waterstones at 10:30am on Saturday 20 July.

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You are a MIRACLE. Poetry workshop with Connor Allen

Join the former Children’s Laureate Wales and Newport poet, Connor Allen, for an inspiring poetry workshop.  Discover the joys of poetry, and be inspired to write your own poems, stories and songs.

Connor Allen is a poet, writer and actor from Newport, Wales. He was Children’s Laureate Wales from 2021-2023

Waterstones at 1:30pm on Saturday 20 July.

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One Goose, Two Moose storytime and drawing with Kael Tudor.

Join author Kael Tudor for some super silly counting, a reading of One Goose, Two Moose and a drawalong! Everyone welcome, session aimed at ages 2-6.

An engaging story and bright, fun illustrations make this One Goose, Two Moose perfect for fans of OI FROG! and The Squirrels Who Squabbled.

Waterstones at 2:30pm on Saturday 20 July.

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Creative Writing with P.G. Bell

Join P.G. Bell for an inspiring creative writing workshop, develop your own characters and start writing your own stories! All welcome, content aimed at 7+.

Waterstones at 4pm on Saturday 20 July.

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The Beast and the Bethany: Writing with Beasts

Writing with Beasts is an interactive, hour-long creative writing workshop, including puppetry, a Q&A and readings from the internationally bestselling The Beast and the Bethany series. As part of this session, children will be given the prompts and inspiration to write and finish their own short stories. Pens and paper will be provided, just bring your imagination!

Channelling the devilishly entertaining spirit of Roald Dahl and Lemony Snicket, The Beast and the Bethany unfurls a gothic tale of child-gobbling monsters and an orphan who just refuses to be eaten.

Waterstones at 11am on Sunday 21 July.

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Digging for Victory: the joy of poetry workshop with Cathy Faulkner

Join Yoto Carnegie longlisted author Cathy Faulkner for a poetry workshop and learn how to craft your own poems. Become inspired by Cathy’s brilliant verse novel, Digging for Victory.

Waterstones at 1pm on Sunday 21 July.

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Cowgirls and Dinosaurs: Writing and illustrating comic books with Lucie Ebrey

Join author-illustrator Lucie Ebrey for a fun drawalong workshop based around her new comic book Cowgirls and Dinosaurs.

A Wild West-set graphic novel for young readers who love crime fighting, gutsy characters – and dinosaurs! Perfect for fans of the Hilda and Lumberjanes series, or readers of Dogman, Bunny vs. Monkey and other hilarious comic books!

Waterstones at 2pm on Sunday 21 July.

Festival Zones

The Riverfront

This zone covers in and around The Riverfront Theatre, including the The Garden, The Dock, the River Walkway and the Newport Bus.
 

The Garden
Nature based activities for your little ones on The Riverfront Terrace.

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

Newport Bus
The bus will be located outside The Riverfront theatre with music and activities.

The Dock
Operasonic curates a youth music stage with open access workshops.

The River Walkway
Located alongside the river outside The Riverfront.
 

Celebrate Stage

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

Big Splash Boulevard
Linking The Riverfront and the Celebrate stage. Find workshops, games and activities for all ages.
 

John Frost Square

John Frost Square is located in Friars Walk. Acts will be performing directly outside H&M.

Our Information Point is based in front of the Monmouthshire building society building, 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. Performances and activities will be taking place in several locations throughout this zone including Gallery 57, 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 Friars Walk and Kingsway car park.
  • Large print timetables will be available at The Riverfront Box Office and at the Information Point.
  • For audio description performances, headsets can be collected at The Riverfront Box Office.
  • The Riverfront Theatre will include a Quiet Space where you can retreat to if you need some time for a moment of calm. For anyone who may need a break away from the festival.
  • A Prayer Room is available in our workshops.
  • 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 20th July 2024 

The Riverfront 

Ballet Cymru Presents: Daydreams & Jellybeans 

1100 AS & BSL / 1335 AD & BSL / 1525 AD 

Headsets will be available at box office. BSL provided by Emma Horton and AD provided by Alastair Sill / Word of Mouth.

Celebrate Stage

Bombastic! Presents BOMBA Airways 

1520 BSL 

BSL provided by Emma Horton.

Celebrate Stage

Cwmbran Deaf Choir 

 

BSL provided by Emma Horton. 

John Frost Square 

Cardiff & Newport Facepainters 

1100-1700 

Siarad Cymraeg. 

Walkabout 

LaLaLa Productions Presents; Pirate Academy 

1100 Big Splash Boulevard / 1310 The Place / 1440 Big Splash Boulevard 

Walkabout performed bilingually 

Walkabout 

LaLaLa Productions Presents; Cracking Cruises 

1130 Big Splash Boulevard / 1355 The Place / 1630 Big Splash Boulevard 

Walkabout performed bilingually 

Walkabout 

Dripping Tap Presents: Webster & Jones – Cultural Highlights of Wales / Taith Diwylliannol dros gymru 

1145 Meeting Point – Momentwm Gazebo 

 

1505 – Meeting Point Information Station at John Frost Square 

Bilingual walkabout 

 

Sunday 21st July 

The Riverfront 

Madame Mango Presents: HMS Stormys 

1230 BSL / 1445 Touch Tour / 1500 AD & BSL 

BSL Provided by Nez Parr / AD & Touch Tour provided by Alastair Sill.  

Celebrate Stage  

Kitsch & Sync Present: Calamity Dames 

1300 AD 

AD provided by Alastair Sill.

John Frost Square 

Cardiff & Newport Facepainters 

1100-1700 

Siarad Cymraeg. 

Walkabout 

LaLaLa Productions Presents; Pirate Academy 

1100 Big Splash Boulevard / 1310 The Place / 1440 Big Splash Boulevard 

Walkabout performed bilingually 

Walkabout 

LaLaLa Productions Presents; Cracking Cruises 

1130 Big Splash Boulevard / 1355 The Place / 1630 Big Splash Boulevard 

Walkabout performed bilingually 

Funders, Sponsors & 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!

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