Moving Parts: Newcastle Puppetry Festival brings the best of puppetry from around the world to Newcastle upon Tyne.

 

Taking place across a week in the Spring Holidays, the annual Festival presents a dynamic programme of puppet theatre and outdoor arts for adults and children. A community parade kicks off the week in the heart of the city, followed by a packed programme of shows, workshops, talks, films and participatory events. The Festival celebrates the wide breadth of what puppetry can offer, and presents international premieres alongside supporting local and emerging artists to experiment, collaborate and imagine. 

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Homegrown in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the grassroots Festival is driven by our local community. Run by a tiny team with limited resources, the ambitious event relies on volunteers and supporters. Participation and inclusion is at the heart of Newcastle Puppetry Festival, with many events free to attend, and opportunities offered to get involved in our community parade and workshops. 

 

Founded in 2017, the debut festival won The Journal Culture Award for 'Best Newcomer'. In 2026 we expanded the festival offer to include Moving Parts Puppet Film Fest at Tyneside Cinema.