Family Fun Takes Centre Stage at New Annual Festival
- intouch Magazine
- 23 hours ago
- 2 min read
Newcastle's New Annual festival is rolling out the red carpet for families this year, with two standout events that promise to captivate audiences of all ages while delivering unforgettable experiences right in the heart of the city.
The festival kicks off with the First Night Art Party on Laman Street – a free celebration that transforms Newcastle's cultural precinct into a vibrant outdoor playground. This high-energy street party features electrifying performances from acclaimed artists Haiku Hands, Kira Puru, and DEVAURA, alongside roving street performers and spectacular art projections that will illuminate the Newcastle Art Gallery's façade.
What makes this opening night truly special is its community focus. The building projections showcase animations co-created by local children working with Art Thinking, celebrating new commissions by First Nations artists. It's a beautiful fusion of culture, creativity, and community that lights up the street with shared storytelling. The four-hour celebration is designed to be accessible for all, with wheelchair-friendly venues and the Newcastle Library open for extended hours to celebrate the street party.
The festival's community spirit shines brightest at Global Gathering on Beaumont Street, Hamilton. This vibrant street party, hosted by acclaimed comedian and author Benjamin Law alongside chef Jennifer Wong, transforms one of Newcastle's liveliest precincts into a multicultural celebration. Families can enjoy live cooking demonstrations, music performances, drumming collectives, and dance across two stages, creating an immersive cultural experience that celebrates Newcastle's diversity.
Meanwhile, SOAK: Live at the Baths offers something truly magical – five nights of sunset concerts at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths. This free music series features diverse acts including local favourites Dust, beat-boxing virtuoso Tom Thum, and rising star A.Girl, with genres spanning R&B, jazz, indie rock, and pop violin. There's something special about soaking up live music while watching the sunset over the ocean from this beloved Newcastle landmark.
Families can also embark on a Public Art Trail adventure around the city's foreshore and historic East End. This self-guided journey features interactive installations housed in converted shipping containers, creating a "choose your own adventure" style exploration. From fantastical mini golf at The Station to sensory experiences along the waterfront, the trail encourages families to discover Newcastle's creative heart at their own pace.
Renowned Theatre Company The Last Great Hunt are bringing two much-loved shows to Newcastle for the first time. Night Night and Alvin Sputnik are two groundbreaking theatre shows that have won hearts all over the world and are sure to capture the hearts of Novocastrians.
All of these events exemplify New Annual's commitment to making quality arts accessible to Newcastle families, combining worldclass performances with genuine community engagement. Whether you're dancing in the street at Global Gathering, enjoying sunset music at the Ocean Baths, or discovering interactive art along the foreshore trail, these experiences promise to create lasting memories for families exploring the arts together.
