I tried a silent disco tour through Newport at Big Splash

South Wales Argus

26-07-2025

When I saw the words 'Silent Disco City Tour' in the festival programme my interest was immediately piqued, and I couldn't help myself from going to see exactly what those words meant.
On arrival at The Place, where the tour would start and finish, a cart of headphones are wheeled out and we each receive a pair – standard practice for a silent disco.
Passers-by were left a little perplexed (Image: NQ) We then embark on our journey through Newport city centre, spurred on by the sounds of Gloria Estefan's 'Conga' as we round the corner onto Cambrian Road.
The punters enjoying the sun and a pint outside Fire & Ice are understandably perplexed. This is a place is where nothing is out of the ordinary, but a herd of people walking down the street salsa dancing feels a little odd – even for Newport.
We take a sharp turn down into the arcade and make our way toward some of the city centre landmarks. Walking through a bustling Friar's Walk while belting out Dolly Parton is not for the faint of heart, but we're told to just 'strut with confidence' and, strangely, the advice works.
During a session earlier in the day, passers-by were joining in with the YMCA – no music needed.
Katy Arnell, who helps lead the tour, said: 'People always like to see other people not take themselves too seriously.
'There's a human connection in this and, even though people can't hear the music, it starts to act as collective karaoke."
There are not many other tours through Newport that would attract such a vast range of people. This one event has anyone from 4-year-olds who are obsessed with Katy's infectious energy and her incredibly sparkly jacket, to an 80-year-old on a mobility scooter taking part.
This simple concept has managed to bring so many people together and create a sense of community – all while bewildering the people of Newport.