Newcastle prepares for giant domino spectacle

A public art installation is set to transform Newcastle city centre this weekend as thousands of breeze blocks create what organisers say will be the North East’s biggest ever public artwork.

Dominoes Newcastle will take place this Sunday (August 9) as the headline event of the NOVUM Summer Festival, with a 2.5km domino run linking some of the city’s best-known landmarks in a large-scale moving sculpture.

Created by internationally acclaimed artists Station House Opera, the installation has previously been staged in cities including Toronto, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Rennes and Helsinki.

Newcastle will become the latest destination to host the project, with organisers expecting thousands of spectators to line the route.

Beginning near Newcastle City Library, the domino chain will travel through the city centre, passing landmarks including the Theatre Royal, Tyneside Cinema and The Assembly Rooms before finishing at Newcastle Helix outside Newcastle University’s Urban Sciences Building.

The route will also feature sculptural installations at Grey’s Monument and connect areas of historic significance, including Blackfriars and the Town Walls, with some of the city’s newest developments.

Councillor Rob Austin, Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for culture, communities and youth services, said: “Dominoes Newcastle is exactly the kind of bold, ambitious event we want to bring to our city. 

“It will transform our streets into a giant work of art, bringing together communities, volunteers, artists and audiences to create something truly unforgettable.

“As the spectacular finale to NOVUM Summer Festival, this is a chance for thousands of people to experience Newcastle in a completely new way while celebrating everything that makes our city special – our creativity, our iconic places and the people who bring them to life.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors from across the region and beyond.”

Siobhan Lightfoot, director of operations at Newcastle Theatre Royal, added: “Newcastle Theatre Royal is proud to be part of NOVUM Festival, bringing together communities and celebrating creativity across the city.

“As we continue on our mission to be open to more people, more of the time, it’s exciting to see our iconic building become part of such an ambitious event, giving us the opportunity to welcome visitors through our doors and create moments of magic off stage.”

Visitors will be able to watch hundreds of volunteers construct the installation from 2.30pm, before the first domino falls at 4.30pm.

The chain reaction is expected to last around 30 minutes as it moves across the city centre.

Professor James Annesley, lead for creative places at Newcastle University, added: “We’re delighted to be part of Dominoes Newcastle, an event that promises to bring communities together in a positive way as part of our work supporting Creative Places. 

“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the people and ambition that make our region special. 

“Newcastle Helix is a key part of the future of Newcastle, and we’re delighted to see it playing a role in an occasion that connects people and showcases the city.”

The event is being sponsored by New Tyne West Development Company (NYWDC), whose funding will support the purchase, installation and post-event redistribution of the thousands of breeze blocks used in the artwork.

After the event, the materials will be reused within the local community.

Lee McGray, director at NTWDC, added: “We’re incredibly proud to support Dominoes Newcastle and to help bring such an ambitious and memorable event to the heart of the city. 

“It’s a fantastic example of how creativity can bring people together, celebrate our local heritage and create shared experiences that people will be talking about for years to come. 

“We’re delighted to be supporting NOVUM Summer Festival and can’t wait to see thousands of people and hundreds of volunteers come together to witness this spectacular moment.”

Organisers are also seeking hundreds of volunteers to help build the installation, with opportunities open to individuals, families, community groups and workplace teams.

Volunteers will receive training, travel expenses, lunch, a volunteer T-shirt and bag, plus an invitation to post-event celebration.

If you are interested, then register your interest via email: novum@newcastle.gov.uk.

Dominoes Newcastle forms the centrepiece of the NOVUM Summer Festival, which will feature a programme of free performances, workshops, installations and family activities across the city centre throughout the day.

Plan your visit here: novumnewcastle.com.

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