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SPARKLE FEST 2026!

Sunshine, music, laughter and the buzz of families enjoying a summer’s day together filled Rodney Parade as Sparkle Fest welcomed visitors for our biggest event yet.


From local traders and family activities to live performances, inflatables and plenty of opportunities to meet the Sparkle team, Sparkle Fest was a celebration of everything that makes Sparkle so special. It was a chance for existing Sparkle families to enjoy a fantastic day out together, while introducing hundreds of new people to the charity and the work we do across Gwent.


What made the day even more special was seeing just how far the event has come.


Just three years ago, the idea began as a small Sparkle Market at Serennu Children’s Centre. Last year, it grew into a larger event at Tiny Rebel Brewery, and this summer it evolved once again into Sparkle Fest at Rodney Parade. With more entertainment, more traders, more activities and more visitors than ever before, it marked an exciting new chapter for what has quickly become one of Sparkle’s flagship fundraising events.


Events like Sparkle Fest are about so much more than a fun day out. They help us reach families who may not yet know Sparkle is here for them. They introduce local businesses to our work, create new partnerships and raise the vital funds that allow us to continue supporting children and young people with disabilities and developmental difficulties across Gwent.


For families like Ellie’s, the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere made the day particularly special.


‘Sparkle Fest was such a brilliant day. Ellie absolutely loved it, and seeing her having so much fun in such a welcoming and inclusive environment meant a lot to us,’ said Ellie’s dad, Tom. ‘The work Sparkle does for children and families is fantastic, and we’re really glad we got to be part of the day.’


Visitors enjoyed performances throughout the day from Choirs For Good and GLD Dance, while Green Top Markets helped bring the event to life by providing gazebos, tables and chairs for the day. Their support, alongside that of Rodney Parade, volunteers, trustees, performers and everyone who helped make the event possible, created a welcoming and vibrant day with something for everyone.


Among those joining us was former Newport County AFC captain Mark O’Brien, who came along to support Sparkle Fest and meet visitors.

Mark said ‘I really enjoyed my day at Sparkle Fest, getting to meet some amazing people and seeing the meaningful work they do to help children. It was filled with great entertainment; I loved my day there and I want to thank Sparkle for inviting me down.’


The event also brought together organisations and businesses from across the local community. Foster Wales Newport described Sparkle Fest as ‘a fantastic, inclusive event that brought the community together while raising money for a brilliant charity,’ adding that they are already looking forward to Sparkle Fest 2027.


For some of our traders, this year’s event was also a chance to reflect on how much Sparkle Fest has grown. Kev and Cory from RT3D Printing have supported the event since its beginnings three years ago and described this year’s venue and atmosphere as the best yet.


By the end of the day, Sparkle Fest had raised an incredible £2,699.33. Every pound raised will help Sparkle continue providing specialist clubs, activities and support for children and young people with disabilities and developmental difficulties, and their families.


Sparkle would like to thank everyone who played a part in making the day such a success. A special thank you also goes to One2One Logistics, the Springs Health Club, Gwent Dragons and Gallery 57 for generously donating prizes to our raffle. Whether you volunteered your time, performed, ran a stall, donated, attended with your family or simply stopped by to see what Sparkle is all about, you helped make Sparkle Fest a day to remember.


After seeing the event grow from a small market into its biggest celebration yet, we’re already looking forward to what comes next.


But you won’t have to wait until next summer for more Sparkle fun. Planning is already underway for Sparkle’s Christmas Family Market, with more details coming soon. Watch this space!