NOVUM Festival to transform Newcastle into city centre playground once more
Save-the-date notice for the return of the summer event featuring free outdoor performances, large-scale artworks and family activities
A summer festival that turns Newcastle city centre into a stage for large-scale outdoor performance and creative spectacle will return this August after a year-long pause.
NOVUM Summer Festival will take place from August 7-9, bringing three days of free events to streets, squares and public spaces across the city. Organisers say the programme will feature live music, walkabout performances, installations and interactive experiences designed to surprise audiences and encourage people to see the city in new ways.
Among the elements planned for 2026 are a large participatory artwork spanning the city centre, outdoor performances from national and international artists, and a Creative Family Zone offering hands-on activities for children, young people and families. The programme will also include pop-up moments and events staged in unusual spaces throughout the city.
NOVUM first launched in 2023 as a pilot project delivered by Curated Place, but paused after the 2024 event. It now returns under the direction of Newcastle City Council’s newly formed Cultural Events Team and forms part of the authority’s wider 10-year cultural events programme aimed at strengthening the city’s cultural offer.
Cllr Abdul Samad, cabinet member for culture, music and arts at Newcastle City Council, said: “I’m delighted that Newcastle will be welcoming back NOVUM this summer, bringing a fun, lively and accessible cultural event for both local people and visitors to enjoy.
“Newcastle’s creative sector is growing rapidly, with the council’s ambitious 10-year cultural events programme playing a key role in driving that momentum. The sector is making an increasingly important contribution to the city’s economy while also providing a valuable platform for local artists and creatives to share their work with wider audiences.”
Ahead of the festival, artists will also lead creative workshops in all 26 Newcastle wards, working with community groups and appearing at local events. The programme will include paid commissions and opportunities for North East artists, freelancers and creative organisations.
Ben Whitfield, director of communications at NE1, said: “We are thrilled to see NOVUM return to Newcastle City centre, adding an interesting and creative festival to the city’s packed summer calendar of free, family-friendly things to do. Events give people more reasons to visit the city and to keep coming back throughout this key time of the year.”
Further details, including artist announcements and the festival’s refreshed branding, are expected to be revealed from April.