THOUSANDS are expected to flock to Newport from today to enjoy three days of free entertainment at the third annual Big Splash festival.

The family event, which starts tonight, will see performers take over indoor and outdoor venues along the banks of the River Usk. Venues include Parklife, at Rodney Parade, where there will be sports, games, bouncy castles, and street theatre. Urban Edge, in and around the Newport Centre, will offer urban arts and activities for teenagers, while Fun of the Fair boasts a selection of rides. The fourth zone, Ultimate Usk, is where the sunset spectacular event culminates with a firework finale on Saturday.

Free live music can be enjoyed on the Cafe Terrace stage at The Riverfront all weekend. And if that wasn’t enough there will also be dance acts, circus and street performers and comedy acts.

● A full diary of events is available in The Guide today. Follow our live blog at or join in on Twitter using #bigsplash2013