NOVUM SUMMER FESTIVAL TO RETURN IN 2027

NOVUM Summer Festival will return to Newcastle city centre in August 2027 following a hugely successful 2026 edition which saw more than 30,000 people enjoy three days of music, performance, creativity and play across the city centre.

Taking place from 7–9 August, #NOVUM26 transformed streets, squares, buildings and unexpected corners of Newcastle into stages, creative spaces and places to play.

More than 200 artists and freelancers helped bring the festival to life, alongside 230 volunteers and more than 50 local community groups.

From spectacular headline performances and immersive installations to hands-on family activities, live music, silent discos and colourful creative takeovers, NOVUM invited visitors to experience Newcastle in a completely different way.

And the festival will be back. Plans are already underway for another edition of NOVUM Summer Festival in August 2027, with dates to be announced this autumn.

The festival reached its spectacular finale on Sunday 9 August, when more than 15,000 people came into Newcastle city centre to witness Dominoes Newcastle by internationally acclaimed artists Station House Opera.

Thousands of breeze blocks tumbled through 2.5km of the city in one breathtaking chain reaction, beginning near Newcastle City Library before snaking through streets, buildings and public spaces.

The event culminated in an epic finale at Newcastle Helix.

Built with the help of more than 230 volunteers, Dominoes Newcastle was a completely unrepeatable moment which brought together thousands of people to experience one of the most ambitious public art events ever staged in the North East.

But NOVUM was about much more than one spectacular finale.

Across the weekend, audiences could discover everything from aerial performance and immersive installations to giant collaborative artworks, music, dance, creative workshops and playful family experiences.

Cllr Colin Ferguson, Leader of Newcastle City Council, said:

“What a fantastic weekend it was for Newcastle. NOVUM has truly stamped its mark on our city, bringing together thousands of people to enjoy an inspiring celebration of creativity, culture and community.

“The spectacular Dominoes Newcastle captured the imagination of everyone who saw it and created a real sense of excitement across the city. It was wonderful to see so many families and people of all ages coming together, having fun and enjoying something truly special in the heart of Newcastle.

“NOVUM has shown how culture can be ambitious, accessible and enjoyed by everyone. It is another great example of Newcastle’s growing reputation as a city of creativity and cultural flair, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who helped make the festival such a success.”

Commenting on the impact of NOVUM on the city, Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 Ltd, said:

“What a fantastic weekend! NOVUM was amazing and a huge success. It demonstrated, in brilliant technicolour, what Newcastle does best; bringing people together for an exceptional, large-scale event, enjoyed by all.

“Creativity, culture and the arts were all celebrated by the event, which brought thousands of people into the city, filling Newcastle with a unique energy. The event was a sensational addition to the already packed programme of free summer events in Newcastle which make it a vibrant and attractive place to live and visit.

“Events like NOVUM showcase how Newcastle can deliver world-class events which create excitement, fun and vibrancy in the city and deliver enormous business benefits. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!”

Kelly Gleadow, Director of Communications at Experience North East England, said:

“NOVUM has shown what is possible when a city puts creativity, culture and people at the heart of its offer.

“Our city was transformed into a stage, creating unforgettable experiences that everyone could be part of. It gave people another reason to come to Newcastle, stay longer and experience the city in a completely different way.

“NOVUM demonstrated the important role that cultural events play in attracting visitors, supporting our businesses and showcasing Newcastle’s identity as a vibrant, creative, welcoming and unforgettable destination.”

The festival also created paid opportunities for artists and creative professionals from across the North East.

Newcastle-based visual artist Josie Brookes commissioned by NOVUM to create one of the festival’s large-scale participatory artworks said:

“As a local artists born and bred in Newcastle, it was such an amazing experience to be part of this year’s NOVUM Summer Festival.

“I loved seeing the city come alive with creativity and the opportunity it provided for people to connect with all these different talents from our region, and beyond. I saw so many happy faces. The whole festival was such a fun weekend for everyone, like a massive treat for the city.

“Festivals like NOVUM show just how essential this type of cultural investment is and the importances of giving artists platform to present their work!”

NOVUM Summer Festival may be over, but plans are already underway for #NOVUM27

NOVUM will return to Newcastle city centre next August with another huge edition of culture, creativity, play and unexpected experiences. Dates and programme teasers will be announced this autumn.

To keep up to date with all things NOVUM Summer Festival to sign up to mailing list visit www.novumnewcastle.com