Gan Canny

NOVUM Festival 2026

7 – 9 August 2026

Newcastle City Centre

Discover the stories behind #NOVUM26's colourful community flags and bunting, then spot the giant artworks bringing the festival to life across Newcastle city centre.

About Gan Canny

Discover the stories behind #NOVUM26’s colourful community flags and bunting in this special exhibition celebrating creativity, collaboration and Newcastle’s neighbourhoods.

In the lead-up to the festival, artists Sally Southern and Nicola Lynch worked with more than 40 community groups and over 500 people from across the city to co-create the designs now flying proudly throughout Newcastle. From Scout groups and young parents to sheltered housing residents, dementia-friendly groups and people with visual impairments, the workshops brought together people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

Using collage, drawing and printmaking, participants explored everything from favourite Geordie words and local landmarks to much-loved foods, places and memories. Thousands of ideas were transformed into the vibrant flags and bunting you’ll see decorating #NOVUM26 venues and streets across the city centre.

This exhibition offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, showcasing original designs, sketches and workshop artwork before you head out to spot the finished pieces in all their full-sized glory across the festival.

Keep your eyes peeled for the giant flags and bunting flying across NOVUM Summer Festival venues and festival sites as you explore the city during #NOVUM26

WHAT TO EXPECT

A free exhibition showcasing the creative journey behind #NOVUM26’s community flags and bunting.
Original sketches, prints, collages and designs created by over 500 people from across Newcastle.
Discover how local ideas, memories, landmarks and Geordie culture inspired the final artworks.
A chance to see the creative process before spotting the finished designs across the festival.

PERFORMANCE TIMES AND LOCATIONS

11am-5pm (Friday & Saturday)
11am -4pm (Sunday)
The Arches, Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH

GOOD TO KNOW

Free to visit; drop in anytime during opening hours.
Take your time exploring at your own pace.
Suitable for all ages.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the giant flags and bunting displayed across NOVUM Summer Festival venues and festival sites throughout the city centre.
An accessible toilet is available.
Nearest parking:
- Civic Centre Car Park (NE1 8PB) – including Blue Badge parking bays.
- College Street Car Park (NE1 8JJ) – including Blue Badge parking bays.
- NCP John Dobson Street Car Park (NE1 8HL) – including Blue Badge parking bays.

CREATIVE TEAM

Nicola Lynch is a visual artist who specialises in creating playful, people-powered projects with communities.

Sally Southern is a community artist, textile designer and illustrator whose colourful, people-powered projects bring creativity into everyday spaces.

Co-creators and groups connected the following: