KEEP the children entertained at one of the many events happening in Gwent this bank holiday weekend.

Daredevil contortionist and escapologist, Chris Cross, kicks off Newport’s Big Splash event at 2pm on Saturday when he attempts to beat his own personal best record at escaping from a straitjacket dangling upside down from a crane.

The free event, which is part of the Newport Festival 2010, is part of a whole host of activities taking place on both banks of the River Usk between the Town Bridge and the Newport City Footbridge until September 5 to celebrate Newport’s host status for the 2010 Ryder Cup.

On Sunday French circus star Olivier Routsan will attempt to complete the highest wire walk in the UK across the top cable of the city’s footbridge at 4pm.

The aerialist from Toulouse, who spent two days in Newport in February assessing the safety issues, will take on the challenge along the cable, which is 76 metres tall at its highest point. Mr Roustan will be helped into position by three industrial climbers and will repeat the stunt the following day.

Organisers say they are optimistic that any bad weather will not affect either event and say they deliberately scheduled the second wirewalk on Monday in case Sunday has to be called off.

Get into the carnival spirit at events in Pill and Risca.

Performances from Risca’s Got Talent entrants will be the star attraction at this year’s carnival and fete in the town’s Tredegar Park following the procession leaving from Tan-y-Bryn, Pontymister at 1pm on Sunday.

Carnival giants and floats will join the parade at Pill Carnival on Monday.

The procession leaves Alexandra Road at 2pm and will travel down Commercial Road, Cardiff Road and Mendalgief Road before ending at the YMCA.

This year's theme, cultures of the world, will see a colourful procession with flags of the world, live bands, led by carnival queen Deianna Bennett.

There will also be entertainment at Pill Millennium playing fields with fun fair rides, stalls and live music until 9pm.