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NOVUM Festival 2026 7 - 9 august 2026 Newcastle City Centre

Beats, Cycles & Song

NOVUM Festival 2026

7 - 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

Date

Saturday 8 August

Location

Great North Museum: Hancock

Experience an uplifting celebration of music, movement and connection as South Indian Carnatic rhythms, Afro-music and North East folk traditions come together in a powerful live performance shaped with Newcastle communities. Feel the beat, follow the movement and become part of a moment where cultures, stories and people meet.

About Beats, Cycles & Song

A city of many rhythms and voices, meeting in one shared pulse.

A joyful explosion of music, movement and rhythm through a powerful celebration of community, culture and connection.

Beats, Cycles & Song explores ideas of becoming home, what we carry, what we miss, and what stays with us, through Newcastle’s many cultures, voices and communities.

Top-tier musicians will take audiences on a journey where South Indian Carnatic and vocal rhythm, Afro-music and North East folk traditions meet through a creative dialogue of percussion, voice and song. This layered experience unfolds across cultures and traditions, with moments of live movement inspired by Kathak, ballet, contemporary and tap, created with Newcastle’s community participants and woven through the performance.

Feel the sound around you. Listen, connect, and experience a pulse shared in the moment.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • A vibrant live performance bringing together South Indian classical percussion, Afro-rhythms and North East folk traditions.
  • Live music, dance and movement woven together in a powerful celebration of culture, community and connection.
  • Dynamic performances from professional musicians, dancers and community performers.
  • Infectious rhythms, uplifting energy and moments that invite audiences to clap, move and feel part of the experience.
  • A joyful atmosphere shaped by collaboration, creativity and collective celebration.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • Performance duration: approximately 30 minutes.
  • Audiences are welcome to come and go throughout the performance.
  • Suitable for all ages and intergenerational audiences.
  • This is an outdoor performance with space to watch from different viewpoints.
  • Audience participation is encouraged but always optional.
  • Expect live music, percussion, movement and high-energy performance throughout.
  • Arriving early is recommended for the best viewing spot.
  • The performance is led by rhythm, music and movement rather than spoken dialogue.
  • Wheelchair and pram accessible.

CREATIVE TEAM

Artistic Director & Producer – Payal Ramchandani

Music Director –  Prathap Ramachandra

Music – Prathap Ramachandra, Hannabiell Sanders, Andy May & Tim Dalling Community Movement Facilitators – Amy Becke & Divya Sharma

Dramaturg – Nigel Thavasi

Part of Beats, Cycle & Song is co-created with community participants from the North East and members of North East Dance Project (NEDP).

For any questions or for accessibility info about Beats, Cycle & Song 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

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Address:
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4PT

What3Words: What3words: ///meant.bleak.yappy

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NOVUM Festival 2026

7 - 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

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