LAST night saw the launch of this year's Big Splash event in Newport.

Now in its third year, the festival kicked off with a giant Bhangra dance off, with hundreds of dancers from Gwent following the same routine.

The dance was set to music created by the band RSVP, who mix Asian melodies and bass lines and it started in the centre of Newport on the Admiral Soundwave Stage at 6pm.

This marked the beginning of a weekend of activities and entertainment, with music ranging from Ska to hip-hop, acoustic and classical, all on the Admiral Soundwave Stage.

Musical entertainment aside, the festival is spread across sites including Rodney Parade, John Frost Square, the Kingsway Centre and the Riverfront.

Throughout today, there will be fairground rides, a climbing wall and street performers, among others, outside the University of Wales, Newport's City Campus on the banks of the River Usk.

The Xtreme Action set ski stunt team will wow audiences with displays on the river, while on dry land, acrobats from Tanzania and street performers will be on show.

Today's diary of activities closes with a sunset spectacular on the riverbank, which includes fire jugglers, a trapeze artist and fireworks.

Tomorrow's offerings include a family fun day at Rodney Parade, which features music, dance, sport and arts and crafts, while over at the Riverfront, there is badge making and Puttin’ on the Docks - a dance theatre performance which mixes lindyhop, swing and tap dancing.

The festival closes on Monday night with New York's legendary rap group Wu Tang Clan performing in the Newport Centre, one of only five gigs the group is playing in the UK as part of their Legends tour.

For a timetable visit www.newport.gov.uk/bigsplash