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.
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.
VOLUNTEER
We are looking for volunteers to support with the delivery of The Big Splash Festival.
Benefits of Volunteering
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Being part of a local team of enthusiastic and passionate people on an event at the heart of the city
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Developing your knowledge and skills of the outdoor arts sector
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Gaining new experiences and supporting your career development
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Helping to give the people of Newport access to a fantastic and arts experience
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Supporting the wellbeing of the people of Newport
What the role of volunteer involves
Volunteers help support the delivery of the Big Splash festival. You will be based at a zone (which is likely to be outdoors) on the festival site and will be managed by a designated Zone Leader who will give you a variety of different activities to do to support the festival including:
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Assisting performers to locations
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Monitoring your area and working with the Zone Leader, stewards and other colleagues to ensure the zone runs smoothly
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Sharing information with and helping attendees and audiences at the festival
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Representing The Riverfront and Newport Live
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Giving information about the festival to members of the public
You will need to attend a 2 hour training session early in July. You will need to be available for 4 hours over the Big Splash weekend.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for enthusiastic, friendly and reliable people aged 18 and over to be part of our volunteer team.
If you would like to be part of The Big Splash volunteer team this year please fill in an application form with your details and availability and send it to riverfront.boxoffice@newportlive.co.uk.
Acts
We will be announcing our Big Splash festival acts very soon!
Festival Zones
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!
Lots of acts will be roaming the River Walkway between University of South Wales and The Riverfront.
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 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 is the lower level of Friars Walk. Acts will be performing on the greenery outside TGI Fridays, Prezzo and Wagamama.
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
- All areas of the festival and performances are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Disabled parking is available at Friar’s Walk and Kingsway car park.
- 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.
Funders, Sponsors & Partners
A huge thank you to our funders, sponsors and partners for helping make Big Splash possible:
