Volunteers invited to play starring role in NOVUM 2026
Hundreds of people will be offered hands-on festival experience while helping deliver an ambitious three-day cultural event in Newcastle... including the biggest domino run the city has ever seen
A call has gone out for more than 300 volunteers to help bring a summer festival in Newcastle to life.
Launched as part of Volunteers’ Week, the recruitment drive is seeking people to support the return of the NOVUM Festival and its headline event, Dominoes Newcastle, which will take across the city centre from August 7-9.
Delivered by the city council’s cultural events team, NOVUM promises a packed programme of free performances, music, creativity and family-friendly activities, transforming the city into what organisers describe as a “bold, joyful playground” of culture and community celebration.
Dominoes Newcastle will be at the heart of proceedings - a large-scale public artwork from internationally acclaimed artists Station House Opera.
The ambitious project will see thousands of breezeblocks cascade through the city centre in a giant domino run connecting streets, landmarks and communities.
Volunteers will play a key role across the weekend, helping to welcome audiences, support artists, provide information and assist with the delivery of events throughout the city.
Maddie Maughan, creative programme manager at Newcastle City Council, said: “NOVUM is all about bringing people together through creativity, play and shared experiences, and volunteers will be at the heart of making that happen.
“They help create a welcoming environment, support artists and audiences, and play an important role in bringing Dominoes Newcastle to life across the city.”
Karen Watson, project manager at Volunteer Centre Newcastle, added: “NOVUM offers a unique chance to be part of one of Newcastle’s biggest cultural celebrations, helping create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike while seeing first-hand the impact creativity and culture can have on Newcastle and its communities.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more and register their interest via the NOVUM website.