Big splash draws big crowds (From South Wales Argus)

Newport's Big Splash festival is big hit

11:26am Sunday 15th July 2012 in Video By Charles Booth

NEWPORT was a hive of activity over the weekend with the Big Splash festival in the city.

See pictures of the Big Splash

Thousands turned out to watch bands and street acts filling Newport with music and dance and and even though the weather wasn't the best people still came to the event.

There were acrobats and kangaroos on the streets with the Roo'd Icarus all the way from Sydney Australia dressed as huge kangeroos.

People were not put off by the rainy conditions and were happily turning up in rain coats and had umbrellas so that the day could not be spoiled.

Free events were taking place all over Newport City Centre with event on the side of the river, John Frost Square, the Kingsway Centre, where there was outside performance all day and there was a funfair on the riverside.

Marketing manager for The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Michelle Perez said: "We think that we've had the same kind of numbers as last time which is great with around a 1,000 on Saturday alone."

One mum, Jo Haycock, from Caldicot was impressed with the day.

She said: "It been great here today there's so much going on and there's so much to see.

"I was particularly impressed with the jet skiers that were doing jumps. You don't expect to see that on a river you see every day.

"It's fun to bring the family and it's safe.

"Even if you just sit and watch what's going on there's lots of thing happening."

Becky Haycock from Newport brought her two children to join in the fun and said: "It's been great fun for the children and the adults."

They were popular with passers-by with children fascinated by the costumes.

Joanna Sanson from St Julians brought her two children who were enjoying the day.

She said: "It's been a great day so far. It's a day out for the kids and they are enjoying themselves. It's the second time we have been to the event."