This Brand New Event is Bringing the Magic of the Cosmos to Newcastle
This December, a brand new event will bring the magic of the universe to Newcastle for four days in an after-dark experience where art, performance and cosmic wonder collide
The event, part of Newcastle’s Christmas, is the first of its kind in the city, and will invite would-be stargazers to be dazzled by interactive installations, out-of-this-world projections, light art and performances inspired by galaxies near and far.
Visitors will go on a family-friendly voyage of discovery through stunning artwork, dazzling light shows and gravity-defying sculptures created by regional, national and international artists.
Mind and Matter by Limbic Cinema brings light, sound and science to the event in a projection celebrating the beauty of the cosmos, while internationally acclaimed duo Studio McGuire presents Ascendance – a lifesize astronaut drifts through a magical reimagining of space amongst butterflies, flowers and dreamlike images to a haunting soundscape composed by Spesh Maloney.
Newcastle’s own Moving Parts Arts will bring two large puppets inspired by 18th-century astronomers to life in Starmongers by Judith Hope. The figures, created with local community groups, will wander through the event, with visitors invited to place reflective treasures into baskets hoisted up towards the night sky.
By And Now will transform Ellison Place’s Walled Garden into an immersive space capturing the wonder of space through firelight, sound and cosmic imagery, and Horoscope Hotel by Amy Lord and Northumbria University students, explores astrology through a series of twelve uniquely decorated doors throughout the event, each representing a zodiac sign.
North East globally renowned artists Studio Vertigo will present a duo of installations. Constellations features illuminated sculptures of a Supernova alongside three smaller novas, while Moon reimagines the Moon as a symbol of feminine mystique and a site of future possibility using 3D projections.
Newcastle’s Unfolding Theatre will encourage visitors to reflect on the emotional and cultural ‘space junk’ they carry with them in participatory installation Clear The Way, where they can write down thoughts they wish to leave behind and scrunch them into paper ‘stars’.
World-famous artist Novak, who has worked with the likes of Calvin Harris, illuminated stages at Glastonbury and Coachella and been part of Durham’s Lumiere festival, will also be bringing their unique brand of innovative light artistry to the event.
As well as stunning artworks, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of delicious food and drinks underneath the glittering night sky during their journey through the event, with a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
The event will also spark imaginations of all ages with a series of artist-led creative workshops, where visitors can create their own art inspired by the wonders of the universe. Here, participants will be able to get hands-on, taking a piece of their own cosmos-inspired artwork home with them.
Tickets are £12.50 for adults and £7.50 for children aged three and over, with under threes going free. With timed entry slots available every 15 minutes from 4.30pm until 8pm, visitors are encouraged to book early to ensure they can see all of the installations and activities on offer. Relaxed sessions are also available at 4pm on Friday and Saturday for those looking for a quieter experience.
Enchanted City is a brand new annual event delivered by Newcastle City Council, funded by Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority and part of Newcastle’s Christmas.
‘As Newcastle’s Christmas continues to expand, I am delighted that we are bringing another incredible event to the city to ensure there is a whole range of activities for everyone to enjoy,’ says Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council. ‘Enchanted City will bring thousands of people to the city centre, to experience something unique and magical together during the festive season.
‘In addition to a programme full of regional, national, and international artists and talent, several Newcastle community groups and arts students will collaborate with artists to help create some of the installations, ensuring Newcastle’s creativity is at the heart of the event.’
Dan Monnery, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs at Northumbria University, adds: ‘We’re delighted to partner with Newcastle City Council and host the Enchanted City at our City Campus for its inaugural year.
‘Northumbria University is deeply embedded in the cultural life of the North East, partnering with many of the fantastic organisations that support it. This is an important new cultural event for the region and we look forward to welcoming families and visitors to our campus to see some fantastic creative performances and installations.’
