Everything You Need To Know About… NOVUM
We've got the run-down on everything happening in NOVUM 2024
After a fantastically successful debut last year, NOVUM is back this August, yet again transforming Newcastle’s Civic Centre into an explosion of art, performance, music and interaction.
Bigger and bolder than the pilot festival, NOVUM 2024 is one you definitely won’t want to miss, so we’ve put together a handy guide of everything you can expect in its second year.
What is NOVUM?
NOVUM is a multi-disciplinary showcase of art and performance, with local, national and international talent contributing to an exciting programme of events over the three days of the festival. From installations and live music, to writing and creative workshops, there’ll be plenty to explore.
When is NOVUM happening?
The festival will take place from 8th to 11th August.
Where is NOVUM happening?
NOVUM is based in the iconic Civic Centre buildings and the surrounding gardens. Performances, installations and workshops will be happening throughout the centre and its lovely green surroundings. And for 2024, the festival site has expanded to include the Great North Museum too – fantastic!
Travelling to the city centre for NOVUM? The nearest metro to the Civic Centre is Haymarket, so you don’t have far to go!
What should I expect to find at NOVUM?
Okay, we know what you’re thinking - what was all that news about actually becoming a living, breathing piece of artwork? Well, you’ve got international visual artist Lawrence Malstaf’s “Shrink 01995” to thank for that. This unique installation sees Newcastle locals housed in-between two transparent plastic sheets with a device that gradually leaves them safely suspended and vacuum-sealed inside. We’re pretty sure you won’t have seen anything quite like this before.
Aside from that, there's also plenty of live music to enjoy over the weekend as well. Whether you decide to watch BBC Folk Awards finalist Amelia Coburn at the Civic Centre, catch the captivating pop/R&B melodies of Kima Otung, or dance the night away to DJ Yoda’s new and exclusive live AV show, there’s no shortage of opportunities to find your new favourite artist. Your Spotify will thank you!
Bringing the family along? Not a bother! Take the kids on an enchanting adventure around Newcastle with The League of Curiosity, or let them embrace their imagination by taking flight with All Good Ways: Swanning and Swooping. There’s plenty of ways to stay and play in the city centre thanks to NOVUM – and they’ve even got a handy family programme if you’d like to plan your weekend in advance.
Alternatively, if spoken-word is your style, then stick around for Lizzie Lovejoy’s WE ARE NORTHERN: Feel My Words, an engaging showcase of incredible stories from incredible people around the region. Brown Girls Write – a regular writing group for all women of colour – shares their poetry and stories on the Friday too.
Who can attend NOVUM?
NOVUM is open to everybody although certain events will be better suited to an older audience. Check out the full NOVUM programme for more details on each event.
How much are NOVUM tickets?
Many workshops and performances happening during NOVUM are free, but may require booking. Other events involve buying a ticket and festival passes are available to purchase for £36. We recommend checking the NOVUM website before attending the festival.
NOVUM is one of the most exciting things to happen in Newcastle this summer, a truly mind-blowing blend of music, art, ideas and performance. Make the most of it by getting involved and add a splash of colourful culture to your summer schedule. Find out more at www.novumnewcastle.com and get planning your long weekend of culture and creativity!
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Main image: Wild by Motionhouse, Photo by Dan Tucker
