You Are Here: NOVUM

NOVUM Festival 2026

7 - 9 august 2026

Newcastle City Centre

Pop on a headset. Step into the story. See your city differently. You Are Here: NOVUM is a playful audio and live performance trail where Newcastle city centre becomes a living map of stories, secrets and unexpected moments, shaped by the voices of the people who know it best.

About You Are Here: NOVUM

You Are Here: NOVUM is an interactive audio experience through Newcastle city centre, guided by a live performer and experienced through silent disco headsets. Blending storytelling, sound, performance and place, you’re invited to step inside a living, playable map of the city.

As you wander through streets you think you know, you’ll uncover the voices, memories and hidden moments woven into everyday spaces. A voice in your ear. A moment you didn’t expect. A place you’ve passed a hundred times, suddenly feeling different.

Along the way, you’ll encounter local stories, live interactions and fragments of Newcastle life unfolding around you as you move through the city.

Beginning in Grainger Market, you’ll set off in a small group guided by theatre company The Six Twenty to follow a trail through the city centre, before returning to reflect, share your own stories, or simply stay a little longer.

Come curious. Explore, discover, and experience Newcastle differently.

Your Starting Point: Grainger Market

Before the Festival

Your city. Your stories. Your map.

Keep an eye out for The Six Twenty popping up at locations including Grainger Market and Eldon Square. Swing by the You Are Here pop-up space; explore the project, share your memories and help shape the trail experience.

Add your own stories, favourite spots and city moments to our ever-growing map of Newcastle and help tell the story of the places that matter most.

Come say hello, get involved and leave your mark on the map.

During the Festival

The Audio Experience

Your starting point will be revealed before your journey begins. After booking your ticket, you’ll receive details of where to meet your performer-guide and begin your adventure.

You’ll check in, collect your silent disco headphones and set off in a small group through Newcastle city centre guided by theatre company The Six Twenty.

Where capacity allows, walk ups will be allowed on the day.

You Are Here: NOVUM Festival Pop Up

Across NOVUM Summer Festival, you can also drop into the You Are Here hub (location TBC) to add your own stories, memories and moments to our ever-growing map of the city. Pop in to share a favourite local spot, discover the self-guided version of the trail, or book onto the You Are Here: NOVUM live city adventure with The Six Twenty.

After the Festival

Launching during NOVUM Festival, You Are Here: NOVUM will also become a free self-guided audio adventure that you can explore whenever you like using your own headphones and smartphone long after #NOVUM26 – watch this space for more info.

What to Expect

An interactive audio journey through Newcastle city centre experienced through silent disco headsets.
A guided walk blending storytelling, sound, performance and exploration.
Hidden stories, local voices and unexpected moments woven into familiar streets and everyday spaces.
Small group journeys led by theatre company The Six Twenty, with live interactions and moments of discovery along the route.
A relaxed, immersive experience encouraging curiosity, reflection and playful exploration of the city.

Good to Know

Check-in location in Newcastle city centre. Full details shared with ticket holders ahead of the event.
Audiences will travel through the city in small groups wearing silent disco headphones.
Duration: approximately 1hr.
Suitable for a wide range of ages; younger audiences should attend with an adult.
This is a walking experience, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
We’re currently shaping the route to be relaxed, welcoming and largely step-free, with moments of pause and seating/rest points along the way. The experience will move through city-centre streets and public spaces and is being created to be wheelchair-accessible.
The experience includes recorded audio, music, live performance and spoken English through headphones.
Some parts of the route include busy public spaces and uneven pavements.
Arriving early is recommended to allow time for check-in and headphone collection.
A detailed “What to Expect” guide will be available to download ahead of the event.

The Creative Team

The Six Twenty create live experiences you step inside, making playful, immersive theatre designed to be experienced together in theatres, streets, community spaces and unexpected places.

For any questions or accessibility about NOVUM: You Are Here or any NOVUM programmed events or performances email: novum@newcastle.gov.uk