Everything You Need to Know About… Newcastle Puppetry Festival

What is Newcastle Puppetry Festival?

It's a magical celebration of the art of puppetry in its myriad form. Run by Moving Parts Arts, the first incarnation took place in 2017 and the festival is now back with its sixth edition.

Co-organiser Kerrin Tatman feels that puppetry has a wonder that appears to people of al ages and backgrounds. As he explains:

“Puppetry might seem quite unusual or niche if you haven’t come across it much before, but people quickly realise that puppetry is for everyone and is very varied in its many different forms. Being largely visual, puppetry is able to bring people together and cross barriers such as language, ages and abilities. It is hugely accessible and offers unique ways of telling stories. Newcastle Puppetry Festival does include many events for children and families, but we are also very passionate about puppetry for adults and teenagers. Puppets can do many things which human actors can’t and so can also push boundaries and invite us into unseen worlds.”

The festival has become such a success (it even won the Journal Culture Award for Best Newcomer) that it is now going to be annual and is registered as a charity, although Kerrin is keen to stress that it’s still very much a local, community organisation.

When is it taking place?

The festival is running from 19th to 27th April and at various times (the Moving Parts Arts website has all the details).

Where is it taking place?

The festival takes advantage of many of the performance and arts spaces in the city, with Northern Stage acting as the hub. There will also be shows and workshops at Great North Museum: Hancock alongside walkabout performances and a parade - Toon Underground - at Exhibition Park on 19th April.

What is happening during Newcastle Puppetry Festival? 

The programme really is packed and varied, with something for everyone. Again, the Moving Parts Arts website has a wealth of detail but expect a mixture of shows, street performances, Q&As, workshops and more. A few things caught our eye, like The Elves and the Shoemaker, a kid-friendly performance of the Brothers Grimm tales from Yorkshire's Grandly Strange Puppet Theatre happening at Northern Stage, and The Darker Side of Puppetry, a two-day course at Great North Museum: Hancock for ages 18+ run by puppeteer Gavin Glover.

The epic Toon Underground Parade, meanwhile, will bring together over 100 residents and artists and a magical array of puppets with a theme that explores the hidden nature and eco-system of Newcastle.

How much are tickets? 

Ticket prices vary by event – some are free, some cost around a tenner and the workshops mostly cost around £120 and upwards. The 2025 Newcastle Puppetry Festival brochure has details of all pricing.

Is it family friendly?

With the wide range of activities available, it is worth checking suitability in advance. Some are specifically aimed at kids or teens, others are open to all and a few have age restrictions in place, so do check before you book tickets.

The festival really is one of the most delightful happenings in the city’s cultural calendar, a series of events full of imagination and wonder, with something for every taste. We really can’t recommend it enough, so get out in the city and sample some of the awe-inspiring events and activities on offer during this fantastic local event.

Newcastle Puppetry Festival takes place from Saturday 19th April 2025 to Sunday 27th April 2025 at multiple venues and locations across the city centre. For more information, visit the Moving Parts Arts website.

Main Image: A Million Tiny Ants by Matthew Robins