Newcastle is looking forward to welcoming back the Novum festival – a cultural extravaganza that not only showcases local, national, and international talent but also makes visitors living works of art.
Building on the success of the pilot event in 2023, this year’s festival, which runs from Thursday 8 August until Sunday 12 August 2024 is expanding, with events taking place at the Great North Museum: Hancock as well as the Civic Centre, creating even more opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.
Commissioned by Newcastle City Council, supported by the North East Combined Authority and produced by Curated Place, the four-day festival boasts a huge variety of performances, interactive installations, live music and family activities.
Audiences can come along and get stuck in to creating, exploring and engaging with art, music and dance as performances and installations come to life.
'Be inspired by what you see'
Cllr Nick Kemp, Leader of Newcastle City Council said: “Novum festival is set to become a major feature of Newcastle’s cultural calendar, and one that continues to grow.
"And I am delighted to see such a variety on offer this summer, providing something for everyone.
“It is vital that we provide a diverse range of art, culture and events in Newcastle.
"This not only supports happiness and well-being, but it also creates a sense of place and helps to showcase the best of our city.
“We also need to ensure these events and activities are as accessible as possible.
"With Novum taking place in and around the Civic Centre and Great North Museum, we hope as many people as possible can easily enjoy what’s on offer and be inspired by what they see.”
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "Culture and creativity are an inherent part of the North East's identity and it's fantastic events like Novum festival show exactly why we have such a strong reputation as a place to visit and have fun.
“As Mayor I will make our region's visitor economy even stronger and ensure even more people know about our story, so we attract more visitors, create more jobs and celebrate the pride we have in our city and region.
“I'm looking forward to Novum festival, which promises to be bigger and better on its return. I'd urge people in Newcastle and beyond to visit and get involved this weekend."
Festival highlights
Shrink
Giving visitors the chance to become a living, breathing work of art, suspended - safely and beautifully - in the Great North Museum: Hancock.
Come along to view on each day of the festival.
Cirque Bijou
A theatrical show on a grand scale.
Taking place on Ceremonial Way (Civic Centre), a flying piano and talented circus artists will create breath-taking shows to live music throughout the weekend, including a flying piano sing-along so everyone can get involved.
Motion House
The gravity-defying dance-circus production WILD will explore our disconnect with the natural world and our impact on the environment.
An urban forest will be created, with animal-like performers moving through the forest floor.
Secret Cities
Images of rarely-seen Newcastle locations displayed in an exhibition in the Civic Centre grounds and at the front of The Great North Museum: Hancock.
Unfolding Theatre – Here be Dragons
Drop in and take part in fun, dragon-themed activities for families.
Design and make your own dragon wings and help make a massive map of adventures where your dragon story ideas can take flight.
DJ Yoda
The world-class turntablist, music producer, and trailblazing video artist will present a new and exclusive live show at the Civic Centre dedicated to Newcastle and the city's cultural landscape.
Hector Gannet
Hailing from North Shields the folk influenced indie rock band will play at the Civic Centre fresh off the back off a very successful year and second album.
All except some music events are free of charge - For the full programme see the Novum website.