Newcastle Hosts Two Festivals In One Weekend

Yes, we do like to poke fun at our younger brother Newcastle now and then. He's quieter than us, he thinks he has better beaches... Plus, he smells funny. But next week we have to admit he's winning big time. We were already a little bit jealous of This Is Not Art, but now he plays host to not one but two full blown festivals over the October long weekend.

This Is Not Art

Despite an intense lead-up, including an unexpected funding crisis, the show must go on. And what a show it is! Five days of performances, workshops, parties, panels and much much more. Our picks include the Word-Hurl Anti-Slam, an epic battle of Novocastrian poets, the Human Drum Machine, including a take-home starter pack, and Cy*Bent*Ity, which promises to be the latest Facebook-spread party gone wrong (or right).

Haven't really prepared? Never fret, we've got you covered. Accommodation is a breeze in Aunty Jenny's Tent City, and thanks to Newcastle's geography, it's easy to ride your way around town on a bicycle hired from the Community Bike Library (for a refundable deposit). Almost all events are free, so a limited budget is no problem.

For preview and full details, click here.

Sound Summit

So, you haunt record stores and like to buy cassettes? You prefer your music a little more noisy than most? Some of it might even be classed as a little experimental? You're not a hipster but, really, they probably wouldn't have heard of this band before?

If you haven't been already, I'd say Sound Summit is the festival for you. Held annually in Newcastle over the October long weekend, it's an innovative music extravaganza of epic proportions. This marks the first year that Sound Summit breaks away from the umbrella festival TiNA, big enough to stand on its own two feet. Luckily, the two still run at the same time so, if you're quick, you can catch events from both.

For preview and full details, click here.