NOVUM 2024 - The Lake Poets
Join us at NOVUM 2024 - live music in the Council Chamber
Date and time
Location
Civic Centre
Civic Centre Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7PF United KingdomAbout this event
- 45 minutes
Event start 12.30pm
Newcastle Civic Centre, Council Chamber
The Lake Poets
The Lake Poets is Martin Longstaff, a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Sunderland, England - Inspired by artists such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, Villagers, Feist, John Martyn, Wilco, Damien Rice, & Bright Eyes, Martin aims and enjoys to write classic, engaging and relatable songs in an expanded band or solo singer-songwriter style.
Described as 'Quietly Devastating', 'Accomplished and Intelligent and 'Spellbinding and Heart-breaking, Martin's music regularly silences audiences and turns heads. Lead single 'Your Face' from The Lake Poets’ debut album has received over 8 million+ Spotify plays as well steady daytime airplay on BBC Radio 2, Radio X, and BBC 6 Music, with follow up single ‘Edinburgh’ not far behind.
“Honeyed voice and beautiful intricate guitar riffs create a sound that soothes, understated like watercolours of an idyllic landscape. This sound, coupled with lyrics of love and heartbreak that rival Damien Rice's as a laureate of loss and despair, has situated Martin and The Lake Poets as a jewel in the crown of northern song writing”
Recorded at Blackbird Studio, Nashville USA and mixed in Los Angeles The Lake Poets’ debut album comes as special edition double gatefold 12" vinyl including a bonus Live recording captured over two sold out launch nights in Martin’s hometown Minster using equipment and personnel direct from Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios.
In 2019 album track ‘Shipyards’ was chosen to be the theme tune of internationally popular Netflix documentary ‘Sunderland Til’ I Die’ leading to to a top 3 UK Christmas chart position and National TV performances. As a result of the success of the series Martin played The Royal Albert Hall as well as to 49,000 SAFC fans in the centre circle of the Stadium of Light Boxing Day 2019.
Martin also writes and records for, and with other acts, most notably London Trance Act ‘Above & Beyond’. Martin has co-written and performed vocals on four songs to date, two being lead singles, as well as recorded an acoustic live album with the band which featured the London Philharmonic recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Martin continues to collaborate on songs with other songwriters in the North East, London, Nashville and L.A and runs a youth group in Sunderland that promotes original songwriting and performance opportunities.
"Somewhere between Bright Eyes and John Martyn. Something Special" - Mojo ****
"Stunning Debut from Sunderland Troubadour. Quietly Brilliant" - Uncut 8/10
“Martin’s rich, spacious sound, his room-filling guitar style and soft, clear, sweet voice are so shockingly note perfect. The tracks he play ripple with wistful sadness and sharply observed lyrics and the images and lives he creates feel immensely personal” - For Folk’s Sake
"For decades the sound of the acoustic guitar has pulled at the heartstrings of so many. Now Longstaff is carrying on that tradition with his beautiful, thought provoking, honest acoustic music. When I first heard The Lake Poets I was blown away" - The Guardian
"Stunningly heart-breaking music, beautiful and quietly devastating“ - BBC 6 Music
About the Festival
After a fantastic first year, NOVUM is back on 8th-11th August 2024.
Incredible installations, free performances, local and internationally acclaimed live music acts, free workshops for families - there is something for everyone!
Also NEW for this year - Secret Cities, exploring the hidden and forgotten spaces of Newcastle via photography and poetry; and Thriple Threat, an original Breaking (breakdance) competition premiering as part of NOVUM 2024, celebrating Hip-Hop culture, community, and dance.
No tickets needed for installations, free performances and free family workshops - explore the full programme on our website at www.novumnewcastle.com
Frequently asked questions
NOVUM Festival starts on Thursday 8th August at 4pm and ends on Sunday 11th August at 8pm. Check each event in the agenda for details, or see the full programme at www.novumnewcastle.com
NOVUM will take place in various venues, mainly at Newcastle Civic Centre. Check your ticket info for details.
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult, unless otherwise specified on each gig ticket description.
We encourage you to use public car parks, or alternative transport. Blue Badge parking is available in the Civic Centre and Sandyford Square car parks. More info on parking and access can be found at www.novumnewcastle.com/access
Tickets will be sold on the door if there is availability - we encourage you to buy tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment!
Yes, please find more info on access at www.novumnewcastle.com/access
A bar will be operating on site, but please note no food or drinks are allowed in the Council Chambers.
No professional cameras or recording equipment are allowed at the gigs unless previously agreed with the organisers.
This is a non smoking site.
Tickets are non refundable unless the event is cancelled by the organisers.
No - but be aware of the weather as some performances and workshops take place outdoors. Bring sunscreen, but also an umbrella - summer weather can be unpredictable!
Yes, the events in the Banqueting Hall and Council Chambers might have strobe lights and loud noises.
Yes, a quiet room is provided in the Civic Centre in collaboration with Percy Hedley Foundation. The room is located on the first floor, please ask festival staff on site for directions if needed.
https://bit.ly/NovumEnquiry2024
Organised by
CURATED PLACE is a multi-award-winning creative consultancy and producer specialising in cultural strategy, creative economy mapping, cross-sector leadership development and community driven site-specific arts experiences & festivals.