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NOVUM Festival 2026 7 - 9 august 2026 Newcastle City Centre

The Secret Parade

NOVUM Festival 2026

7 - 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

Date

Saturday 8 August & Sunday 9 August

Time

11:00 -17:00

Location

Brunswick Place

Grab your map and set off on a city-wide treasure hunt! Discover hidden artworks, unlock clues and uncover surprising stories as you explore the medieval Newcastle hiding beneath your feet.

About The Secret Parade

Grab your map and set off on a city-wide treasure hunt!

Discover hidden artworks, unlock clues and uncover surprising stories as you explore the medieval Newcastle hiding beneath your feet. Collect brass rubbings as you track down all seven hidden artworks, revealing clues piece by piece until you have everything you need to solve the mystery.

The Secret Parade is a brand-new art trail celebrating the city’s rich history through a collection of seven ceramic artworks hidden in unexpected places. Inspired by medieval pageantry, each artwork reveals a different piece of Newcastle’s story and helps bring the city’s past to life.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • A self-led art trail with a map celebrating Newcastle’s medieval history.
  • A hidden parade of weird and wonderful ceramic characters created by communities across the city.
  • Seven brass rubbings at seven locations revealing clues and a historic map of Newcastle.

    GOOD TO KNOW

    • Duration to complete: approximately 60–90 minutes.
    • Pick up a free map and crayons from Brunswick Place (NE1 7BJ) to start your adventure. What3Words: ///really.fumes.rots
    • Suitable for all ages. Children should be accompanied by an adult as they complete the trail.
    • This is a walking trail, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
    • Parts of the route include busy public spaces and uneven pavements.
    • You can complete the trail in one go or explore at your own pace across the festival weekend.
    • A detailed accessibility and “What to Expect” guide will be available to download before the event.
    • The route follows the old city walls.

    Creative Team

    Co-created by artists and community groups from across Newcastle, including Brunswick Methodist Church, Tyne Housing, Kids Kabin, Explore Lifelong Learning, the North East Folklore Society and St Nicholas Cathedral, The Secret Parade is a celebration of Newcastle’s medieval history and its unique creativity.

    Perfect for history hunters and curious explorers of all ages.

    For any questions or accessibility info about The Secret Parade or any NOVUM programmed events or performances email: novum@newcastle.gov.uk

    NOVUM Festival 2026

    7 – 9 august 2026

    Newcastle City Centre

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    Event

    See where this event is happening and open directions in Google Maps.

    Address:
    Starting point is Brunswick Place, Newcastle City Centre

    What3Words: What3words: ///really.fumes.rots

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    NOVUM Festival 2026

    7 - 9 august 2026

    Newcastle City Centre

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