Reggae & Riddim Festival

12/03/2026

A country known more for rock and choral music was a hotspot of the dub reggae sound system scene in the 70s. Rival crews recall Cardiff’s riotous parties – and racist hostility

24/01/2026

Newport youth. Jamaica roots. Real opportunity.
Support Urban Circles' important fundraiser to help fellow Jamaican partners

Each year MyGivingCircle gives £1,500,000 in grants and donations

13/01/2026

Public Statement

We can confirm that the Reggae & Riddim Festival will be on hiatus in 2026.

This pause reflects a strategic decision to regroup with partners and focus on long-term sustainability, while we continue our wider cultural and community commitments. These include ongoing work in Jamaica and developing support for our international partners in Montego Bay following the recent hurricane.

Since its inception, Reggae & Riddim has been a celebration of culture, community, and creative expression rooted in Newport and deeply connected to the African and Jamaican diaspora. The festival has always been about more than a single event; it is part of a wider movement that values heritage, resilience, and the power of music and the arts to bring people together across borders.

This year, Urban Circle Newport marks 20 years of community arts leadership in the city. From March, we will launch a six-month anniversary season, taking place across Newport, Wales, including events and activities at CIRCLE and other partner venues. This programme will celebrate two decades of grassroots creativity, youth development, and cultural production, while creating space for reflection, reconnection, and laying the foundations for the future.

We remain committed to the return of Reggae & Riddim and are actively shaping opportunities for partners, supporters, and sponsors to be part of its next chapter, in ways that are sustainable, collaborative, and rooted in shared values.
We thank our community, artists, partners, and audiences for their continued support and look forward to celebrating this milestone year together.

Loren Henry
CEO, Urban Circle Newport

02/12/2025

Congratulations on the Jamaican bobsled team! Special link in the comments section. 🙂

Jamaica didn't just win; they won against two Canadian teams with a home side advantage — Cool Runnings' prophecy finally fulfilled

29/10/2025

To our Jamaican family, we’re praying for your safety during this extreme weather. Stay strong and look out for each other. ❤️

We’re preparing a fundraiser to support recovery - more details will come soon. One love. ✊🏽

13/12/2024

🎉 Festival Friday: Artist Spotlight on Jessika Kay 🎉

We were thrilled to have the incredibly talented Jessika Kay grace the stage at Reggae & Riddim Festival! 🎶 As an emerging artist with a voice and presence that captivates, Jessika brought pure energy and soul to her performance, leaving the crowd in awe. Keep an eye on her—she’s definitely one to watch! 👀✨

From her powerful lyrics to her unique style, Jessika’s performance was a reminder of the festival’s spirit: bringing together music, culture, and community.

📸 Finley Chivers

22/11/2024

🎉 Festival Flashback to July! Relive the incredible moments, from Yasmin’s powerful Dragon Puppet that protected the space, to the delicious Island Delight patties that kept some fuelled! 🌞✨

”

15/11/2024

🎶 Festival Flashback to the Rasta Village vibes! Can you guess which high-vibration song was playing here? 🌞 This music isn’t just a beat—it’s a vital learning part of the festival, lifting spirits and bringing people together. Drop your guesses below and tell us what high-vibe music means to you! 👇

Let’s keep these powerful vibes flowing beyond the festival. 💫

”

08/11/2024

“🎬 Festival Friday Behind-the-Scenes! Ever wonder what it takes to bring Reggae & Riddim to life? Here’s a peek into the prep, teamwork, and dedication that make it all possible. Shoutout to everyone who made this festival unforgettable! 🌟

23/10/2024

What's your top 3 new reggae songs right now?!

Ours are....
Busy Signal - In Every Country
Haile - Pure Blue
Proteje - Mariposa

15/10/2024

Voting closes this week! Follow the link and drop your vote for best small festival and best metropolitan festival.