The first Maindee Festival was held back in 1997 as a one day community arts celebration of the cultural and ethnic diversity of Maindee. The first Festival was organised by a group of volunteers led by Sue Bidmead, the community development worker for Victoria Ward at the time. Before Sue left for pastures new , she helped set up Maindee Festival Association, a voluntary group that still runs the event and the associated community arts programme. Sarah Goodey and Sally Evans are the current co-chairs of the Association.

One of the main attractions is the street parade. Before the Festival hundreds of children and adults make costumes and carnival figures, based on a different theme each year. The parade is directed by Andy O’Rourke, a carnival artist of international reputation who, fortunately for us, has lived in Maindee for over 10 years and directed all the Maindee parades.

In 2000 the Festival moved from Maindee Primary School to its current home at Newport Rugby Club. We still have a close relationship with Maindee Primary School and a growing number of other local Primary Schools who support the parade.

Everyone is always welcome at Maindee Festival. If you have not been – you’re missing a real treat! Last year over 10,000 people watched the parade and enjoyed a free afternoon of community arts performances on the festival site.