Partner Article

Dominoes set to topple through Newcastle

A spectacular city-wide event is set to transform Newcastle into a moving public artwork this summer, bringing communities together in a shared visual experience.

Dominoes Newcastle will take over the city on Sunday, August 9, as thousands of breezeblocks form a moving chain reaction weaving from east to west through streets, landmarks and public spaces.

Presented by internationally acclaimed company Station House Opera, the installation will act as the headline finale of the NOVUM Summer Festival, a three-day (7-9 August) celebration of performance, music and creativity.

Dominoes has been staged in more than 20 cities worldwide, with landmark presentations at iconic venues including St Paul’s Cathedral, the National Museum of Denmark, the Royal Swedish Opera House and Melbourne Town Hall.

Its arrival in North East England marks a significant cultural moment, bringing a globally renowned artwork to the region and offering a rare opportunity to experience the spectacle at scale.

The project will see more than 300 volunteers build the domino route across the city, creating sculptural structures that will eventually topple in sequence, forming a dynamic and evolving artwork.

Organisers expect thousands of spectators to line the route and watch the chain unfold.

Julian Maynard Smith, Station House Opera’s artistic director, said: “After touring the world with our city-wide spectacle Dominoes, we are excited to bring it to the streets and people of Newcastle.

“Linking new and old, public and private; the spaces of the city centre will be brought together in a single connecting action of joyous disruption, and we invite all to witness it.”

Jim Mawdsley, principal advisor, events and culture at Newcastle City Council, added: “We’re delighted that we will be presenting NOVUM this summer, with Dominoes Newcastle as a truly spectacular centrepiece that will transform the city in a memorable and meaningful way.

“Events like this capture the imagination, bringing people together to experience our streets, spaces and landmarks in new and unexpected ways.

“Newcastle is at the heart of a bold cultural resurgence.

“Our ambitious ten‑year cultural events programme is helping to drive the rapid growth of the city’s creative sector, strengthening the local economy while giving artists, freelancers and communities a powerful platform to share their talent with the world.

“NOVUM sits at the very heart of that vision.

“Dominoes Newcastle is a fantastic example of how large‑scale cultural events can animate the city, celebrate local participation and create shared moments that people will remember for years to come – giving residents and visitors alike exciting new reasons to experience Newcastle.”

Visitors will be able to explore the installation throughout the day, following its construction before gathering to witness the final domino run in the afternoon.

Funded by Newcastle City Council and supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, the event aims to celebrate Newcastle’s identity, connecting neighbourhoods and communities through a unique, city-wide experience.

Ian Thomas, chief operating officer at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to see the city being animated and united in such a unique way, and this is an excellent example of the unique experiences our destination has to offer.

“Newcastle is teeming with personality, character and creativity, and Dominoes is the perfect moment for residents and visitors alike to be able to explore this.

“This event builds on the city’s growing reputation as a creative and cultural hub and showcases the fantastic energy and personality that people witness when they visit Newcastle which creates lasting memories and leaves them wanting to return time and time again.”

Full details, including the wider Sunday programme and domino route maps, will be available on the NOVUM website from early June, where visitors can also sign up for updates via the mailing list.