Newcastle set for NOVUM festival return

A summer arts festival is set to return to Newcastle city centre, bringing a weekend of large-scale performances, creative installations and family-friendly entertainment to the heart of the city.

NOVUM Summer Festival will take place from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August, transforming streets, squares and venues across Newcastle into a lively programme of outdoor culture and performance.

Originally piloted by cultural production company Curated Place, the festival now enters a new chapter under the leadership of Newcastle City Council’s cultural events team. 

The event forms part of the council’s wider ten-year cultural events programme, which aims to strengthen the city’s reputation as a leading cultural destination.

Councillor 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 ten-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.

“NOVUM is a fantastic example of how cultural events can animate our city, celebrate local talent and give people new and exciting reasons to experience Newcastle.”

The free festival will feature a mix of live music, outdoor theatre, interactive art and large-scale spectacles from national and international artists. 

Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities through a Creative Family Zone designed for children, young people and families.

Community participation is central to the programme. 

Artists will lead workshops across all 26 Newcastle wards in the lead-up to the festival, working with local groups and community organisations to develop new creative projects.

The festival will also create paid opportunities for North East artists, freelancers and creative organisations, alongside a volunteer programme offering skills development and hands-on experience in event delivery.

Ben Whitfield, director of communications at NE1, added: “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. 

“We can’t wait to see what the festival has in store and we’re sure people will love it.”

The 2026 edition will introduce a refreshed visual identity, developed with Gateshead-based OGRE Studio, alongside a new website created by Newcastle-based Vida Creative.

Organisers plan to grow NOVUM into a longer city-wide celebration in future years, with ambitions to expand the festival to a ten-day programme showcasing creativity across Newcastle.

Samantha Rickleton, North East Family Fun, added: “I’m really looking forward to NOVUM this summer. 

“It’s fantastic to see Newcastle City Council investing in fun, free creative experiences that families can enjoy together.

“I’m especially excited about the Creative Zone outside the Newcastle Civic Centre – I’ve no doubt it’ll have a brilliant, super-friendly and inclusive atmosphere with loads to get stuck into.”

Further programme announcements and artist details are expected from April.

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