NOVUM, one of the region's headline cultural events, is set to transform Newcastle into a three-day playground from August 7-9, culminating in a city-wide dominoes toppling challenge.
Festival Highlights
The free festival, organised by Newcastle City Council, will feature theatre, dance, circus performances, large-scale installations, pop-ups, live music, and hands-on workshops. Visitors can enjoy mud kitchen-making, den-building, playground games, giant swings, giant bubbles, face-painting, and colourful street theatre.
A festival spokesperson said: "The programme includes international artists, North East commissions, family activity, immersive experiences and outdoor spectacle, positioning NOVUM as one of the region's headline cultural events this summer."
Friday Programme
On Friday, from 11am, 'Gan Canny' at The Arches, Newcastle University, will explain the creation of the festival's bunting and flags. 'Reshaping the Toon' at the City Library recreates the city in paper with miniature landmarks. In the evening, 'Room In Bloom' at Newcastle Contemporary Art Gallery offers a floral wonderland and an intimate gig by Melanie Baker (tickets £15).
Saturday and Sunday Activities
From 11am, Newcastle Civic Centre hosts 'Playing Out' with free activities including mud kitchens, den-building, giant swings, face-painting, giant bubbles, and playground games. 'BLOCK' performances on Grey Street feature dance and circus skills on giant moving blocks. 'Bird Rave' at Northern Stage offers free bird-inspired performances. 'Possê' brings explosive drums and dance to Northumberland Street. A silent disco at the Civic Centre costs £8.50 for adults and £3.50 for children.
The 'Secret Parade' family art trail starts at Brunswick Church, exploring medieval history. 'Portals' are four interactive arches throughout the city centre. 'The Swings' feature aerial performers at the Civic Centre.
Dominoes Finale
On Sunday, the build of the Dominoes begins at 2.40pm, with the first domino falling at 4.30pm from a Bewick Court flat. The 2.5km route passes landmarks like Tyneside Cinema, Theatre Royal, Newbridge Works, Assembly Rooms, Blackfriars, and The People's Kitchen, ending at the Helix Building. The event involves thousands of breeze block 'dominoes' and hundreds of volunteers, created by Station House Opera, following similar events in Copenhagen, Melbourne, Rennes, and Helsinki.
Road closures will be in place, with designated viewing points at the library, Grey's Monument, and the end of the route.
