Volunteers needed for Newcastle summer festival

A Newcastle cultural festival is seeking 300 volunteers to help deliver a programme of free events, performances and public art this summer.

Newcastle City Council’s Cultural Events Team has launched the recruitment drive during Volunteers’ Week, ahead of NOVUM Summer Festival and Dominoes Newcastle.

Running from 7 to 9 August, NOVUM Summer Festival will transform Newcastle city centre with creativity, music, performance and community celebration.

At the heart of this year’s programme will be Dominoes Newcastle, a large-scale city-wide domino run by Station House Opera, featuring thousands of breezeblocks cascading through the city centre.

Volunteers will help welcome audiences, support artists, share festival information and guide visitors around events.

They will also play a key role in delivering Dominoes Newcastle, one of the most ambitious public artworks staged in the city.

Maddie Maughan, creative programme manager at Newcastle City Council, said: “NOVUM is all about bringing people together through creativity, play and shared experiences, and volunteers will be at the heart of making that happen. 

“They help create a welcoming environment, support artists and audiences, and play an important role in bringing Dominoes Newcastle to life across the city.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with your community, and to be part of something bigger. 

“If you're passionate about culture, community and making great things happen, we'd love you to help us create an unforgettable summer for Newcastle.”

Sho Shibata, director of OutdoorArtsUK said: “Volunteering, particularly as part of large-scale projects like Dominoes Newcastle at NOVUM, plays a vital role in making the arts accessible to everyone and in strengthening social wellbeing. 

“As highlighted by Spirit of 2012’s research on The Impacts of Volunteering, there is strong evidence that volunteering enhances wellbeing, from increased happiness and life satisfaction to reduced symptoms of depression. 

“Volunteers are at the heart of what makes festivals like NOVUM successful.”

Karen Watson, project manager at Volunteer Centre Newcastle, added: “Volunteers play a vital role in bringing events to life, helping to create welcoming, vibrant experiences for residents and visitors alike. 

“Getting involved is a great opportunity to meet new people, build confidence and develop valuable skills.

“NOVUM offers a unique chance to be part of one of Newcastle's biggest cultural celebrations, helping create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike while seeing first-hand the impact creativity and culture can have on Newcastle and its communities.”

The opportunities are open to friendly and reliable people, with full training and support provided.

To find out more, click here or contact the Cultural Events Team at novum@newcastle.gov.uk.

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