Under the Stars: Festival Finale

Over four nights from Thursday 10 - Sunday 13 March 2022, witness a spectacular free, after-dark event in Newcastle city centre to round off the North of the Tyne, Under the Stars event series which takes place throughout weekends in February and March in six locations across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

The dramatic North of the Tyne, Under the Stars festival finale will take place in Newcastle city centre and weave together the stories, mythologies and magic gathered by the enchanting the Story-Weaver from her previous visits to six north east locations.

Families, night-owls and lovers of a good yarn are invited to attend the Newcastle Festival Finale in March whether or not they were able to take part in the unique series of spellbinding outdoor events which led up to this final moment.

Expect magical storytelling from the Story-Weaver who has collected her stories from across the region and is ready to share the new fable created for the north east in a dramatic four-night festival. From an enormous zoetrope powered by the inventiveness of our region to a collection of ethereal, ghostly creatures and mythical beasts; an ever-changing magic carpet of intricate patterns projected as enchanting displays across Newcastle's iconic buildings and streets to an opportunity to jump into a 70-metre long floor projection. Watch out as nocturnal creatures created from 3D light technology swoop and creep through the urban landscape.

North of the Tyne, Under the Stars is a FREE night time arts event series taking place across the North East in February and March 2022. Blending spectacular light projection, fire and music with a sprinkling of magic - North of Tyne, Under the Stars is inspired by local stories and landscapes from across Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.

Produced by Pinwheel and DAT Events. Commissioned by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and the Festival Finale in Newcastle City Centre is supported by Newcastle City Council.

What events are taking place and where?

North of the Tyne, Under the Stars - Neighbourhood Events

• Friday 18 – Saturday 19 February, 6pm – 9pm: Ridley Park, Blyth & Northumberland Park, North Shields
• Friday 25 – Saturday 26 February, 6pm – 9pm: Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend & Ballast Hills, Byker
• Friday 4 – Saturday 5 March, 6pm – 9pm: Abbey Grounds, Hexham & Nuns Moor Park, Fenham

North of the Tyne, Under the Stars - Festival Finale

• Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 March, 6.30pm – 10pm: Newcastle City Centre

The core story has been developed by a collaborative team of artists including Newcastle-based projection artists, NOVAK, and composer Roma Yagnik, as well as Director Simon Sharkey and Designer Robin Peoples. The March festival in Newcastle will have brand new commissions from companies including Illuminos, Limbic Cinema, Heinrich & Palmer and imitating the dog, all high-profile companies known for creating ambitious works for festivals in the UK and across the world. Fire and pyrotechnic effects at all the events will be delivered by LightFires.

55-56° North is supported by the North of Tyne Combined Authority