PROGRAMME CHANGE: Due to the necessary roadworks on Northumberland Street, there have been a couple of changes to the printed programme. On Saturday 19th April two events that were planned for Northumberland Street will now move to new locations elsewhere in the City Centre.

‘BEASTS ON THE STREET’ will now become ‘Beasts on the Green’ and will move to the gardens of the GREAT NORTH MUSEUM: HANCOCK. The event will run 11am - 4pm on Saturday 19th April (apart from when the parade is on).

The TOON UNDERGROUND PARADE will still run at 2pm on Saturday 19th April, but it will now move to EXHIBITION PARK.

‘Toon’
Geordie: ‘town’, specifically Newcastle.

Over 100 local residents and artists will come together to perform ‘Toon Underground’ community parade to open Newcastle Puppetry Festival 2025. The parade theme explores the unseen and undiscovered places of Newcastle, its hidden nature and eco-system, and the ways in which we connect. Expect a menagerie of burrowing woodland creatures, (including a very famous badger) driving a Metro train, coupled with fantastical earthy creatures and toe-tapping live music. Don’t miss ‘Beasts on the Street’ also taking place this day 11am-4pm, where giant creatures will roam Great North Museum: Hancock. ‘Toon Underground’ has been made possible through support and funding from the National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All and Nexus (Metro).

STARTING LOCATION OF PARADE: Exhibition Park

Lead artists: Chloe Rodham, Judith Hope, Rosie Bristow, William Steele. Illustration by Becky Musgrove