Dance
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A city of many rhythms and voices, meeting in one shared pulse. A joyful explosion of music, movement and rhythm…
View EventThe Swings
NOVUM Festival 2026
7 - 9 august 2026
Newcastle City Centre
Higher. Higher! A giant swing set. Amazing aerial performers. And plenty of chances to jump on and join the fun.
About The Swings
Part performance, part installation and part giant playground.
A giant swing set. Amazing aerial performers. And a chance for you to join the fun in between performances.
Watch as aerial artists climb, soar, swing and dance high above the ground, appearing throughout the day before inviting you to take a turn; to feel the rush of air, the rise and fall, and the simple joy of swinging through the sky.
As you swing, a specially created soundscape fills the air with memories, stories and reflections inspired by the universal joy of being on a swing.
Come and play, watch, listen and fly.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- A lively festival atmosphere with crowds, outdoor activity and plenty of family fun.
- A giant five-metre-high swing set with aerial artists performing above the crowd.
- Four short outdoor performances throughout each day, with the swings open for everyone to enjoy in between.
- An immersive soundscape inspired by memories, feelings and the freedom of being on a swing.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Performance duration: approximately 15 minutes.
- The swings are open for public use between performances.
- Audiences are free to come and go throughout the day.
- Suitable for all ages.
- The soundscape contains spoken English.
- The swing set is accessible for wheelchair users and prams.
- Two accessible bucket-seat swings with harnesses are available; one adult-sized and one child-sized.
- Audio description and transcript is available via QR code on the installation.
- Audiences are welcome to watch from a range of viewpoints around the installation.
CREATIVE TEAM
The Swings are presented by All or Nothing, Scotland’s leading aerial dance company.
Concept: Jennifer Paterson
Directed: Nic Green and Jennifer Paterson
Design: Becky Minto
Sound Design: Yas Clarke
Performers: Zinnia Oberski and Tessa Stockwell
For any questions or accessibility info about The Swings 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:
The Quadrangle, Newcastle Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8QH
What3Words: ///tamed.milky.covers
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NOVUM Festival 2026
7 - 9 august 2026
Newcastle City Centre
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