The Arts Council of Wales has struck again.
This time the bureaucrats have refused funding for Big Splash, the largest free outdoor arts festival in Wales, and a highlight of Newport’s cultural calendar, welcoming over 20,000 visitors each year to the event at The Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.
Newport Live has confirmed that its recent application for Arts Council Wales funding to support the 2026 festival was unsuccessful in a highly competitive process. While this is disappointing, this decision relates specifically to the 2026 event.
They are now exploring alternative funding options and delivery models to deliver a version of Big Splash in 2026 if at all possible.
