New event brings magic of the cosmos to city

This December, an unmissable 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.

Tickets are on sale for Enchanted City: From City Streets To Cosmic Skies, which will take place each evening from 4.30pm on Northumbria University’s City Campus, from Thursday, December 11, to Sunday, December 14.

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 showstopping interactive installations, out-of-this-world projections, light art and live performances inspired by galaxies near and far.

Visitors will be welcomed to go on a family-friendly voyage of discovery through stunning artwork, dazzling light shows and gravity-defying sculptures created and developed by regional, national and international artists.

Mind and Matter, by Limbic Cinema, will bring a blend of light, sound and science to the event in a projection spectacle that celebrates the beauty of the cosmos.

Internationally-acclaimed artistic duo Studio McGuire will present Ascendance, a dazzling piece where a life-size astronaut drifts through a magical reimagining of space among butterflies, flowers and dreamlike images to a haunting soundscape composed by Spesh Maloney.

Newcastle’s Moving Parts Arts will bring two large illuminated puppets, inspired by 18th century astronomers, to life in the form of Starmongers by Judith Hope.

The figures, created in collaboration with local community groups, will wander through the event, with visitors invited to place reflective treasures into baskets hoisted up towards the night’s sky.

By And Now will see Ellison Place’s Walled Garden transformed into an immersive fire garden, capturing the wonder of space through firelight, sound and cosmic imagery, and Horoscope Hotel by Amy Lord, working with Northumbria University students, will invite visitors to explore astrology through a series of 12 uniquely decorated doors throughout the event, each representing a zodiac sign.

North East-based globally renowned artists Studio Vertigo will bring a duo of installations to the event.

Constellations will feature sculptures of a Supernova alongside three smaller novas brought alive by dynamic lighting, while Moon is a visually arresting installation reimagining the moon as a symbol of feminine mystique and a site of future possibility using 3D projections.

Newcastle arts group Unfolding Theatre will encourage visitors to reflect on the emotional and cultural ‘space junk’ they carry with them through their participatory installation Clear The Way, in which participants will be invited to 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 the stunning artworks on display, visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of delicious food and drink underneath the glittering night sky at the beginning and end of 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 make their own art inspired by the wonders of the universe.

Participants will be able to get hands-on and create their very own cosmos-inspired artwork, taking a piece of Enchanted City home with them.

Tickets are priced at £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 new annual event delivered by Newcastle City Council, funded by Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority, and part of Newcastle’s Christmas.

Councillor Abdul Samad, cabinet member for culture, music and arts at Newcastle City Council, says: “As Newcastle’s Christmas continues to expand, I am delighted we are bringing another incredible event to the city to ensure there is a whole range of activities for everyone to enjoy.

“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, added: “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.”

 

Newcastle City Council – Enchanted City

For more information about Enchanted City and to buy tickets for the event, see www.enchanted-city.co.uk