A taste of New Annual hit Newcastle's Wheeler Place as the city's flagship cultural festival kicks off.
A 10-Minute Dance Party took place inside a shipping container in the public square on Friday, ahead of the opening weekend of unique performances at major venues.
City Hall will be centre stage on Friday when renowned First Nations singer Mitch Tambo officially starts proceedings with the First Night Street Party, blending traditional Aboriginal sounds and language with contemporary beats and production, supported by Tower Divas and local duo Chain Daisy.
Gomeroi artist Kobie Dee, will headline Friday Night Sounds at Newcastle Art Gallery's Ngumpi Kinyingarra Oyster House on Honeysuckle Marina, supported by Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl singer/songwriter Maanyung.
Wheeler Place also has 10-Minute Dance Parties, created by performer Joseph O'Farrell (JOF), where people of all ages will attempt world records, dance-off competitions and dedications - but only for 10 minutes.
Senior producer and curator Adrian Burnett said the fourth edition of New Annual was an incredible mix of immersive dance, music, circus, visual art and theatre.
"This year we're featuring local and nationally renowned artists who'll be delivering free, ticketed and family-friendly events, offering something for everyone during the school holidays," Mr Burnett said.
Civic Theatre will be a hive of activity, starting with the internationally renowned Dancenorth Australia's performance of Wayfinder.
Dancenorth Australia has teamed up with three-time Grammy nominated Australian band Hiatus Kaiyote and sound artist Byron J. Scullin to create a show complete with physical exuberance, sonic resonance, and collective exhilaration.
On Saturday night at Newcastle City Hall world music favourites MZAZA bring a surreal voyage with The Birth and Death of Stars.
New Annual's opening weekend will also incorporate The Big Picture Fest 2024, featuring six new large-scale murals, with festival goers able to watch acclaimed street artists painting in real time.
New Annual runs until October 6.
