06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Maindee Carnival adds a splash of colour to Newport
Held at Maindee Primary School, the event marked the beginning of a two-year journey under the theme 'Future Maindee,' where young people are stepping into leadership roles to shape the festival's direction.
The event, which aims to bring people together, has been running since 1997.
The day kicked off with the iconic carnival parade featuring stunning silk flags crafted by local groups including Age Alive, Coffee and Laughs, and Greening Maindee. The parade, led by the drummers of VB Samba, wound through Millennium Walk and across the footbridge to the Riverfront before returning for the opening ceremony, which included a performance by the Maindee School Choir.
Live entertainment filled the grounds throughout the afternoon. The main stage, programmed by Newport's youth team, featured acts like Milk Slice, Bryn Geary, Bowen Barklam, and Operasonic. A secondary Youth Stage showcased dance performances and interactive sessions led by Maindee Youth Arts. The Spoken Word tent offered a platform for poets and writers from across Wales to share their voices.
The Tent of Intent returned with a focus on sustainability, inviting festivalgoers to explore eco-conscious living. Food stalls, walkabout performers, and community dance spaces added to the colourful festive atmosphere.
This year's festival saw young people being involved in every aspect of planning, from staging and marketing to programming and performances. As the sun set over Maindee, the message was clear: the future of Newport's cultural scene is in passionate, capable hands.
Organisers of Maindee Festival thanked the National Lottery Community Fund and #NationalLottery players along with Welsh Government Local Air Quality Management Fund, Newport City Council Prosperity Fund for making this project possible. They also passed on their thanks to supporters, volunteers, performers and visitors.
