Dominoes Newcastle to transform Newcastle City Centre in spectacular large-scale domino run this August

The simple idea of a domino run will transform Newcastle on a monumental scale this summer, as Dominoes Newcastle takes over the city centre on Sunday 9 August. Presented by internationally acclaimed company Station House Opera, this spectacular large-scale artwork will sweep through the heart of the city in a breathtaking domino run – the headline finale of NOVUM Summer Festival.

Across the day, thousands of breezeblocks will form an evolving sculptural chain stretching east to west through the city centre, travelling through streets, public spaces and venues, even toppling from buildings, pausing for bold, playful large-scale structures before continuing its journey.

As the line weaves through Newcastle’s historic streets and everyday spaces, Dominoes Newcastle will connect neighbourhoods, landmarks and communities in a powerful chain reaction – a shared moment shaped by the city itself. Built by more than 300 volunteers and witnessed by thousands, it becomes a one-day, city-wide celebration of Newcastle and the people who make it.

Julian Maynard Smith, Station House Opera’s Artistic Director said:

“After touring the world with our city-wide spectacle Dominoes, we are excited to bring it to the streets and people of Newcastle.  Linking new and old, public and private; the spaces of the city centre will be brought together in a single connecting action of joyous disruption, and we invite all to witness it.”

Dominoes has been staged in more than 20 cities worldwide, with landmark presentations at iconic locations including St Paul’s Cathedral, the National Museum of Denmark, the Royal Swedish Opera House and Melbourne Town Hall. Its arrival in North East England marks a major cultural moment – bringing a globally renowned artwork to the region and offering a rare chance to experience this playful, once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

Jim Mawdsley, Principal Advisor, Events and Culture at Newcastle City Council, said:

“We’re delighted that we will be presenting NOVUM this summer, with Dominoes Newcastle as a truly spectacular centrepiece that will transform the city in a memorable and meaningful way. Events like this capture the imagination, bringing people together to experience our streets, spaces and landmarks in new and unexpected ways. Newcastle is at the heart of a bold cultural resurgence. Our ambitious 10‑year cultural events programme is helping to drive the rapid growth of the city’s creative sector, strengthening the local economy while giving artists, freelancers and communities a powerful platform to share their talent with the world. NOVUM sits at the very heart of that vision. Dominoes Newcastle is a fantastic example of how large‑scale cultural events can animate the city, celebrate local participation and create shared moments that people will remember for years to come – giving residents and visitors alike exciting new reasons to experience Newcastle.”

A city-wide invitation

Visitors are invited to experience Dominoes Newcastle throughout the day:

• Walk the route as it is built and encounter sculptural installations across the city from 2.30pm-5pm
• Explore NOVUM Summer Festival’s wider Sunday programme of performances and events
• Find a place along the route to watch the dominoes fall from 4:30pm – Route maps will be available via the NOVUM website from early June, with printed versions accessible across the festival weekend.

Ian Thomas, Chief Operating Officer at NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: 

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to see the city being animated and united in such a unique way, and this is an excellent example of the unique experiences our destination has to offer. Newcastle is teeming with personality, character and creativity, and Dominoes is the perfect moment for residents and visitors alike to be able to explore this. This event builds on the city’s growing reputation as a creative and cultural hub and showcases the fantastic energy and personality that people witness when they visit Newcastle which creates lasting memories and leaves them wanting to return time and time again.”

Get involved

Members of the public are invited to be part of this ambitious project, with 300 volunteer roles available to help build the domino route on the day. To take part/express an interest, email: novum@newcastle.gov.uk

About NOVUM

Dominoes Newcastle is part of NOVUM Summer Festival (7–9 August), a three-day takeover transforming Newcastle city centre into a vibrant playground of performance, music, creativity and unexpected moments. Dominoes is the first headline moment of the events programme to be announced, with the first round of programme announcements set for mid-May onwards.

For NOVUM festival and Dominoes Newcastle updates – sign up to NOVUM mailing list via: novumnewcastle.com

Dominoes Newcastle is programmed and funded by Newcastle City Council for NOVUM. The project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.