Newcastle prepares for a journey through light and space in December
Enchanted City will transform Northumbria University's city centre campus over four nights
A new large-scale light and art event will make its debut in Newcastle as Christmas time gets underway, transforming part of the city centre into a night-time trail of projections, performance and installations.
Enchanted City: From City Streets To Cosmic Skies will run from December 11-14 on Northumbria University’s City Campus. Delivered by Newcastle City Council, the four-night event will bring together artists from across the region, the UK and beyond for a series of works exploring light, space and imagination.
The programme includes Mind and Matter by Bristol-based Limbic Cinema, a projection piece blending light, sound and science, and Ascendance by internationally acclaimed duo Studio McGuire - a dreamlike installation in which a life-size astronaut drifts through a surreal vision of space accompanied by a haunting score from composer Spesh Maloney.
Newcastle’s Moving Parts Arts will present Starmongers by Judith Hope, featuring illuminated puppets inspired by 18th-century astronomers, created in collaboration with local community groups. Fire specialists And Now will reimagine Ellison Place’s Walled Garden as a glowing fire garden filled with sound and cosmic imagery, while North East-based Studio Vertigo will showcase two sculptural light works: Constellations and Moon.
Other trailed highlights include Horoscope Hotel by artist Amy Lord, made with Northumbria University students and exploring the zodiac through a series of twelve doors, and Clear The Way by Unfolding Theatre, a participatory installation inviting visitors to reflect on the “space junk” of daily life by writing down thoughts to transform into paper stars.
The line-up also features renowned Newcastle artist Novak, whose large-scale light art has appeared at Glastonbury, Coachella and Durham Lumiere.
Timed entry slots will operate every 15 minutes from 4.30pm until 8pm, with relaxed sessions at 4pm on Friday and Saturday for visitors seeking a quieter experience.
Part of Newcastle’s Christmas and supported by the North East Combined Authority, Enchanted City is intended to become an annual fixture in the city’s dark nights calendar. Tickets cost £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children aged three and over, with under-threes admitted free. More information and bookings available at www.enchanted-city.co.uk.