THE countdown is officially on to the Big Splash this weekend, after a publicity stunt for the event today.

Performance duo Mr and Mrs Clark dressed up as politicians and marched round Newport city centre – with shoppers and works stopping to question what was going on. 

The two-day festival –which officially kicks off tomorrow – will see High Street and Commercial Street come alive with dance, theatre and music. 

Around 20 companies from across the UK and beyond will bring more than 50 free-street theatre displays to the city centre, from high-wire performers and slapstick shows.

Joining the performance duo were staff from Newport Live, alongside Kevin Ward, the managing director of Newport Now – who are sponsoring this year’s festival.

The marketing manager of Newport Live, Michelle Perez, said: “Today was just to get a bit of excitement about the Big Splash, it’s a fantastic free festival for the whole of Newport – particularly for young families. 

“Mr and Mrs Clark are integral to Newport and the art scene and we wanted to use them to promote the festival.

“We also wanted to acknowledge the sponsorship from Newport Now because we have been able to stretch the Big Splash down Commercial Street which is the first time we’ve ever been able to do that before.”

Newport Now manager Mr Ward said: “This is about letting people know more about the Big Splash this weekend but also about our involvement in it. 

“We’ve sponsored the Big Splash for the first time this year and Newport Now’s involvement is to have performances and parts of the festival in the traditional part of the city centre. 

“It’s just a way of making sure that the Big Splash involves as much of the city centre as possible.”

Performers will stage shows at Newport Live’s The Riverfront, the University of South Wales city campus, Friars Walk and Commercial Street.

For more information, including listings, visit bigsplashnewport.com

For more information on The Big Splash, including listings, visit bigsplashnewport.com.

Send us your photos of The Big Splash to newsdesk@southwalesargus.co.uk.