$500,000 injected into eclectic mix of night events for Newcastle CBD

More than 40 free night-time events will be delivered across Newcastle's city centre between 29th April – 21st May, to encourage the community to experience the "cultural, retail and hospitality heart of the city".

Coordinated by City of Newcastle under the banner, ‘Autumn Alive’, the eclectic mix of events has received funding support of more than $500,000 from the NSW Government’s CBDs Revitalisation Program, in response to the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality, event and arts and culture sectors.

Autumn Alive will kick off at Pacific Park on 29th April with electronic music, DJs, food trucks, a silent disco and performances by Curious Legends and Catapult Dance Artists. New interactive lightbox installations will be unveiled on the night, displaying iconic artworks from Newcastle Art Gallery's collection.

The month-long program also features an outdoor cinema experience at Museum Park, alfresco dining at Civic Theatre, pop-up drag bar at Newcastle Library, night-time walking trails to highlight the city’s restaurants, venues and boutique retailers, culminating with a final night street party on Laman Street.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Autumn Alive program will provide a much-needed economic boost to small businesses and the city's arts and cultural sector and noted “City of Newcastle is committed to delivering and supporting community programs and events like Autumn Alive, as they are critical to our city’s post-pandemic recovery.”

NSW Minister for Enterprise, Investment, and Trade Stuart Ayres said Newcastle has transformed significantly during the past two decades and is now home to cutting-edge industry and has amazing cultural offers with fantastic liveability.

“Initiatives like this one in Newcastle send a clear message that our CBDs are buzzing and back to business,” Minister Ayres said.

Newcastle Councillor and Community and Culture Advisory Committee Chair Carol Duncan said the Autumn Alive program has wide appeal and shines a spotlight on the city’s cultural venues and local businesses.

“The Autumn Alive program has reinvented the way we use our city’s cultural facilities and venues. It’s wonderful to see a venue like Newcastle Library remain open at night and transform into a drag bar featuring local performers like Timberlina & Foxxe Faux,” Cr Duncan said.

“I’d encourage Novocastrians to explore the city centre this May to rediscover Newcastle at night in support of small business and the arts and cultural sector.”

Visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/Autumn-Alive for event details, dates and times. 

Image: Councillor Duncan with performers, musicians and small business representatives at the Autumn Alive program launch