Where The City Comes to Play
OUR VISION
Three days. 200+ artists. More than 30,000 visitors. #NOVUM26 was something special.
NOVUM returned in August 2026 as a bold, joyful summer festival for Newcastle, delivered by Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team. Newcastle city centre came live with colour, creativity, music and fun.
As part of the Council’s 10-year cultural events programme, NOVUM Summer Festival will grow and evolve year by year, building on the huge success of #NOVUM26.
Each edition will bring different parts of Newcastle city centre to life, transforming spaces and places across the city into a must-visit annual festival celebrating Newcastle’s creativity and welcoming audiences from across the UK.
WATCH THIS SPACE
#NOVUM27
Newcastle City Centre
A City of Creativity
NOVUM brings all kinds of art into the city centre, from street performances, live music and large-scale spectacles to workshops, digital experiences and surprises to stumble across as you go.
With daytime and evening events throughout the festival, it’s easy to pop in for a quick look or spend hours exploring. Expect free, drop-in and stumble-upon moments alongside bookable events and a scheduled programme.
Built With Newcastle
OUR PARTNERS
#NOVUM26 was made possible by partners, funders and organisations who share our vision for creativity in Newcastle. We’re keen to connect with organisations interested in partnering with us on #NOVUM27
WATCH THIS SPACE
#NOVUM27
Newcastle City Centre
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NOVUM is an annual multi-day, multi-artform summer festival taking over Newcastle city centre. Expect free, family-friendly events including outdoor performances, artist workshops and live music, with plenty more to explore and enjoy.
NOVUM takes place early August each year. Most events take place during the day, with a selection of evening performances.
Events take place right across Newcastle city centre, with performances, installations and activities popping up in streets, open spaces and inside and outside cultural venues. Ahead of the festival you will be able to download the festival programme to explore the#NOVUM27 map and plan your perfect festival adventure.
Head to our What’s On part of the website from May 2027 and browse the first round of programme announcements. We recommend signing up to our mailing list.
The majority of #NOVUM27 will be completely free to enjoy.
Most events are drop-in and turn up. A handful will require advance booking; some are free but ticketed and others will be chargeable.
Yes, please do! Community groups are a big part of NOVUM, both in creating and attending the festival. Get in touch with the team at novum@newcastle.gov.uk.
Yes, please do! Community groups are a big part of NOVUM, both in creating and attending the festival. Get in touch with the team at novum@newcastle.gov.uk.
We’re committed to making #NOVUM26 as welcoming and accessible as possible. Every event listing on our website will include detailed accessibility information to help you plan your visit.
Yes, please do! Community groups are a big part of NOVUM, both in creating and attending the festival.rnrnIf you’d like to plan ahead, get in touch with the team at novum@newcastle.gov.uk
We’re committed to making #NOVUM26 as welcoming and accessible as possible. Every event listing on our website will include detailed accessibility information to help you plan your visit.
For any questions, email our team via: novum@newcastle.gov.uk
NOVUM is delivered by Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team in partnership with artists, communities and organisations across the city. #NOVUM26 was funded by Newcastle City Council, Arts Council England and North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
NOVUM is planned months in advance and includes work by local, national and international artists. We regularly release open calls and opportunities. To get in touch about future festivals, email novum@newcastle.gov.uk.
