Explore your own backyard at New Annual

We love a bit of art, culture, and creativity in Newcastle, which is why we are thrilled to be presenting partner of the Civic Park stage at this year’s New Annual festival - a ten day event that kicks off on Friday 23 September.

There are over 40 events happening across the ten days, so we thought we’d make your life easy by sharing our top five picks for the festival.

Hot tip – receive 20% off when you book three or more events!

Colossus: Stephanie Lake Company

Friday 23 – Saturday 24 September, Civic Theatre

Described as thrilling, frightening and entirely unforgettable, Colossus features a cast of 55 dancers performing as one. Witness riveting and hypnotic dance work as complex patterns ripple through a flood of figures - a single movement triggers a chain reaction wheeling the fragile whole from chaos to order. It needs to be seen to be believed!

Lightyears from Home – The Sci Fi Spectacular Extended Universe Pt III

Thursday 29 – Friday 30 September, Civic Park Stage

If you love a good dress up party, this one’s for you! Part park party, part cabaret, and part epic multimedia spectacular, this is a fun event not to be missed. Get dressed up in your finest Sci Fi Party gear and join in on the fun with silent disco sets, physical performance acts, and a life sized space ship.

Menagerie: Curious Legends

Saturday 24 September – Sunday 2 October, Civic Park Stage

If you’ve not yet witnessed the giant puppets by Curious Legends, this is your chance. Menagerie is a new and interactive community performance from Curious Legends where festivalgoers are invited to help create the gentle giant – a towering, illuminated puppet with a pulsating heart. This is an all-ages event the whole family will love.

The Big Picture Fest

Friday 30 September – Sunday 2 October, Newcastle CBD

Put on your walking shoes and watch in awe as world class artists showcase their work alongside exceptional local talent. The city will come to life as 20 prominent sites across the city become a canvas – come and see artworks in the making and stick around for artist talks, graffiti jams, walking and cycling tours, and more.

Van Gogh Alive

Thursday 22 September – Sunday 23 October, Foreshore Park

You’ve probably heard people rave about this event, and now’s your chance to see it right here in Newcastle! The large-scale, multi-sensory experience has visited 80+ cities around the world and will call Foreshore Park home for the next two months. The digital spectacular gives visitors the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s artistry and truly venture into his world. Don’t miss the chance to see Van Gogh’s work like you’ve never seen it before.

There’s plenty more happening at New Annual - make sure you check out the festival website and make the most of this amazing event happening right here in our own backyard!