Newcastle’s flagship arts and cultural festival, New Annual, returns in 2024 with a 10-day celebration of unforgettable experiences.

From Friday September 27 to Sunday October 6, Newcastle will come alive with art, culture, and creativity throughout the heart of the city.

Drawing from a diverse range of talent and cultures, New Annual, now in its fourth year, has become a platform for both local and national artists to showcase their work throughout the city.

New Annual 2024 invites you to weave your way around the city’s art galleries, stunning theatres, quiet side streets, and spectacular outdoor parks.

“New Annual 2024 immerses visitors in Newcastle’s contemporary arts scene, showcasing local talent and celebrating First Nations culture and diversity in all forms.

“For ten days, Newcastle’s creative spirit takes centre stage through accessible events that inspire and unite the community and invite everyone to explore the sights, sounds, and energy that make Newcastle a uniquely creative destination,” New Annual Senior Producer and Curator, Adrian Burnett said.

The city is set to be transformed into a vibrant canvas for immersive artworks, a stage for groundbreaking performances, and for expressing local Aboriginal and diverse local cultures. So, what are some of this year’s program highlights?

First Night Street Party | 27 Sep

Join the party as New Annual takes over King Street to celebrate the first night of the 2024 festival! Headlined by proud Gamilaraay man and triple threat, Mitch Tambo, whose didgeridoo, traditional indigenous dance, and song blends traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production.

The night features two mesmerising and soul-stirring performances of Tower Divas by Corrina Bonshek and collaborators combining Yolngu songstress Gambirra Illume, Maori sonic weaver Whaia, and Korean-born vocalist Sunny Kim. PLUS, expect DJ sets, local bands, food trucks, roving performances, and more.

Where: King Street – between Auckland and Darby Streets
When: 5pm-9pm
Cost: FREE

Wayfinder: Dancenorth Australia | 27 Sep

As part of a National tour, renowned contemporary dance centre Dancenorth Australia returns to New Annual with its groundbreaking new show. Physical exuberance, sonic resonance, and collective exhilaration explode onto stage in a kaleidoscopic fusion of dance, music, and visual art.

Where: Civic Theatre | 375 Hunter St
When: 7.30pm
Cost: $49pp

Megan Cope: Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House | 27 Sep – 6 Oct

Presented by Newcastle Art Gallery and Quandamooka artist Megan Cope, you’re invited to join in a 10-day participatory project celebrating local oysters, community collaboration, and environmental stewardship at Honeysuckle Marina.

Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House will host Megan Cope’s daily Scrub Club from 10am-5pm. Audiences are invited to roll up their sleeves, pick up a brush, and prepare oyster shells to contribute to the creation of Cope’s new living oyster reef sculpture.

Friday September 27 marks the opening celebration with DJs attending for Friday Night Sounds from 6pm-8pm.

Where: Honeysuckle Marina | Cnr Workshop Way and Merewether St
When: 27 Sep, 6pm-8pm | 28 Sep – 3 Oct, 10am-5pm | 4 Oct , 10am-8pm | 5-6 Oct, 10am-5pm
Cost: FREE

Truth to Power Café: Jeremy Goldstein | 4 Oct 

Part theatrical performance, part activism – each event is told through memoir, monologue, music, film, image, poetry, and true and passionate stories from community participants of all ages, experiences, and backgrounds, speaking up in response to the question, Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?

Keen to be part of the live show? Submit your 100-word submission in response to the question, Who has power over you and what do you want to say to them?, by Friday September 6 here.

Where: Newcastle City Hall | 290 King St
When: 7.30pm
Cost: $39pp

Rising from Ashes: An Orchestral Suite by Newcastle Youth Orchestra | 28-29 Sep

Across two concerts, Newcastle Youth Orchestra will deliver a unique program integrating live musical performances, visual art, and dance, showcasing never-before-performed works by Newcastle composer, Jacob Cummins.

The performance will be enriched via accompanying dancers from the Australian National College of Dance, and a local photographer will present their images on screen, creating a truly immersive experience for the viewer.

Where: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music | Cnr Laman & Auckland Streets
When: 28 Sep, 7.30pm | 29 Sep, 1.30pm
Cost: $43pp

Birth & Death of Stars: MZAZA | 28 Sep

World music favourites MZAZA bring you The Birth and Death of Stars, a theatrical musical experience created in collaboration with some of Australia’s leading theatre-makers. An unparalleled fusion of music, history, and culture.

MZAZA, celebrated for their mesmerizing vocals in three languages, electrifying live music, and innovative collage animation, invites you to embark on an awe-inspiring cosmic voyage to explore what links us to each other and the world around us.

Where: Newcastle City Hall | 290 King St
When: 7.30pm
Cost: $49pp

The Cord: Catapult Dance Choreographic | 3-4 Oct

New Annual favourites, Catapult Dance Choreographic Hub, return in 2024 with a provocative new contemporary dance work by acclaimed First Nations choreographer, Jasmin Sheppard.

Told through diverse cross-cultural perspectives using contemporary dance, physical theatre, found and verbatim text, and First Nations performance practice, The Cord ultimately explores identity and what ties us all together.

Where: Newcastle Conservatorium of Music | Cnr Laman & Auckland Streets
When: 7.30pm
Cost: $39pp

Also returning to the festival are local favourites Curious Legends with a brand-new performance on Newcastle Beach happening on Saturday September 28, and the revered Omega Ensemble performing on Saturday October 5.

New Annual 2024 is shaping up to deliver unforgettable experiences. For the full program of events and experiences, visit New Annual and be sure to get amongst our city’s festival of art, culture, and creativity.

New Annual festival 

Where: Across Newcastle
When: 27 Sep – 6 Oct
More Info: click here