The Newcastle Ocean Baths will become the backdrop for two of New Annual's signature events as part of a 10-day program bringing iconic spaces to life with local stories.
City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival will return for its fifth edition in September, showcasing local people, places and performances alongside some of the best theatre, art and music from Australia and overseas.
New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon and Councillor Jenny Barrie celebrate the launch of the 2025 New Annual program at Newcastle Ocean Baths with artists and performers including trumpeter Tom Avgenicos, theatre maker Janie Gibson and cast members from Meet Me at the Baths, musician Tim Levinson and members of Newcastle band DUST.
Familiar landscapes including Camp Shortland, Nobbys Beach and The Station will be temporarily transformed into unexpected hubs of art and culture, while audiences will be invited to Meet Me at the Baths and SOAK up unique outdoor theatre and live music experiences at the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths.
New Annual Festival Director Tory Loudon said City of Newcastle was committed to investing in and celebrating the breadth of creativity and diversity of local talent.
"Supporting Newcastle's creative community has been one of the real strengths of New Annual since it was established by City of Newcastle in 2021," Ms Loudon said.
"I'm proud to continue this tradition in 2025, with over 70% of this year's program showcasing Newcastle's artistic community.
"We have commissioned new works from Newcastle artists this year, focusing on telling Newcastle stories in locations that are uniquely designed or chosen for a particular artwork or performance.
"This year's festival invites people to come and play, see their city differently and discover something new. We are taking art to the streets, parks and Baths of Newcastle. I look forward to seeing you there."
The 2025 program includes 23 signature events that span music, theatre, dance, visual arts and public art. More than 60% of the events are free and family friendly.
Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of City of Newcastle's Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said New Annual is a festival for the entire community.
"City of Newcastle is proud to support and invest in arts and cultural opportunities, community pride and local identity through events such as New Annual," Cr Barrie said.
"With a predominance of free and low-cost events, the festival provides a valuable way to make art and culture accessible to more people within our community, while also acting as a drawcard for visitors from across our region and beyond."
Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said events such as New Annual help celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity of local communities while also driving economic growth.
"New Annual continues to strengthen Newcastle's position as a centre for art, supporting around 1,500 visiting and local artists and attracting more than 121,500 visitors to the city during its first four years," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"Funding contributed by the NSW Government will create vital opportunities for local artists to display their craft, emerging artists to gain exposure, students to gain career placement in their field of study, and the local community members to engage with high calibre local art."
The festival will kick off on 26 September with a vibrant First Night Art Party in Laman Street to celebrate the community's first look at the expanded Newcastle Art Gallery and will run through until 5 October.
New Annual is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Transport for NSW Open Streets and Permit/Plug/Play Pilot programs, Multicultural NSW Stronger Together grant, Create NSW and the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
The University of Newcastle, Equip Multimedia and Newcastle Art Gallery are presenting partners of the 2025 event.
