YOU ARE
HERE: NOVUM
An immersive audio and live performance trail through Newcastle City Centre.
WHEN
7 - 9 August 2026
WHERE
Newcastle City Centre
HOW LONG
~45 minutes
COST
Free
PART OF
WHAT IS IT?
THE CITY IS THE STAGE.
YOU ARE THE STORY.
You Are Here: NOVUM invites you into a living, playable map of Newcastle.
Guided by a live performer and listening through silent disco headsets, you’ll wander through streets you think you know.
As you walk, stories unfold around you - voices, sounds, memories and moments from the people who live here.
You Are Here: NOVUM can be experienced in several ways…
Guided experience
Join a small group led by a live performer through the city centre. Wireless headphones provided. Around 45 minutes.
digital audio Trail
Listen at your own pace on your phone. Stories and sounds tied to specific places across the city.
Self-Led version
No guide, no group, no fixed route. Pick up the map, go where you like, and find what's waiting.
WALK. LISTEN. NOTICE. REPEAT.
WALK. LISTEN. NOTICE. REPEAT.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
2
tune in.
1
ARRIVE.
Head to Grainger Market. Collect your headset. Meet your guide.
3
walk.
Follow the route through the city centre. Stories unfold around you as you go.
The audio begins. The city shifts.
4
you are here.
The map changes. You’re part of it now
GOOD TO KNOW
the deets
|
When
7–9 August 2026
Part of NOVUM Summer Festival |
Where
Newcastle City Centre
Starting point: Grainger Market |
How Long
~45 minutes
Guided experience |
|
Cost
Free to take part
|
Who's it for
Everyone. Older children, young people, adults. Under 16s with an adult.
|
Accessibility
Routes designed to be as accessible as possible. Full access info →
|
booking opens soon.
Sign up and we'll let you know the moment it does. No spam. No faff.
don’t take our word for it.
CO-CREATED WITH YOU
HELP US BUILD THE TRAIL.
We’re gathering stories, memories and moments that make the city what it is.
From scran and favourite spots to nights out, hidden corners and things that may or may not be true…
That might look like:
» fave places and everyday icons
» scran and go-to food spots
» music, nights out and city memories
» finding your people
» hidden corners and overlooked places
» strange stories, myths and local legends
We’re looking for groups and individuals to take part. Drop Steven a message to share your story:
TAKE THIS FURTHER
BRING US TO YOU.
You Are Here is an evolving series of audio and theatre trails created with communities. The first version was developed in Sunderland with the Sunderland Youth Council and Historic England. You Are Here: NOVUM is the next step.
Each version grows from the stories of a specific community, whether that’s a city, a town, a neighbourhood or even a single street. Together, they form a growing map of places, voices and lived experience.
We’re also developing ways to experience You Are Here beyond the city itself. Including portable versions of the trail designed for schools, communities and shared spaces.
Interested in creating a trail with us?
Meet the Team
-
Melanie Rashbrooke
CREATIVE DIRECTION
-
Steven Blackshaw
PRODUCER & COMMUNITY COORDINATOR
-
Emily Toth
AUDIO & COMMUNITY COLLABORATION
-
Calum Howard
SOUND & COMPOSITION
-
TJMOV
VISUAL DESIGN & GRAPHICS
-
Merlin Mee
VIDEO & DIGITAL
-
CRAIG SPENCE
AUDIO ENGINEER
