THOUSANDS of people visited Newport for the Big Splash event this weekend, with crowds wowed by acts including circus performers, puppet theatre, and motorcycle display teams.

The Big Splash, which returned to Newport for a second year, took off on Friday evening when 120 local school children lead a fabulous flag procession from the Riverfront Theatre to the footbridge, adding a stunning array of colour to the grey and chilly October Newport Skyline.

The display was followed by escapologist Chris Cross, who was suspended from the heights of the footbridge to escape from a straightjacket as the gathering crowds looked on in awe.

The evening continued as visitors to Newport Riverfront took in a cornucopia of arts and craft events while Welsh big band Wonderbrass and Samba drummers Batatân brought a true carnival soundtrack to the Riverfront Café Terrace.

Singer/songwriter Ralph McTell also performed in the Riverfront theatre, along with Newport’s own Cherrybeats and the jazz/reggae fused Zen Hussies, who performed free gigs on the café terrace.

Yesterday brought a tidal wave of carnival atmosphere across the city centre with a variety of street performers and arts on display.

Children participated in activities from badge making to designing their own flags and masks.

Many of the intricately designed SuperDragons that graced the city during last year’s Ryder Cup made a welcome return to Newport Shopping Centre, while passers-by were entertained by events such comedy street act Will Dings New Desk, and Magick the Last Royal Wizard which featured a 50 strong cast of carnival, circus and street performers.

Young people were equally enthralled by outstanding stunts and tricks at the BMX Free styling event outside Newport Centre.

However the highlight of last night's events was undoubtedly The Small World Theatre’s epic puppet performance of The Healing of Bran the Blessed which took place at the Red Wave.

Featuring bilingual words and stirring live music from a talented collection of actors and singers, the star of the show was a 30ft puppet which drew many visitors to the Riverfront area.

Saturday’s events were rounded off with a Fire Spectacular, featuring aerial acrobats, a “waterfall of light” and a firework finale.

Today there were performances from Newport’s Got Talent winner Amy Whittle,the Mavron String Quartet and motorcycle display team the Bold Dog Lings Team.

Families got involved in free circus skills and hula hooping classes, with youngsters also delighted by CBeebies presenter Andy Day’s children’s comedy show.

The weekend events were drawn to a close by dance firm Kompany Malakhi, with a show inspired by contemporary dance, hi-hop, breakdancing parkour and extreme sports.

The Big Splash brought a much needed ingredient of fun and vibrancy to Newport over the weekend and with so many smiling faces enjoying all the festivities it was wonderful to have such an inspiring series of events on our doorstep!