Di Von Essen

New Annual, the City of Newcastle's flagship arts festival, returns from 25 September to 4 October with its biggest program yet: 402 artists, 40 events and seven new commissions spread across beaches, ocean baths, laneways, parks and some of the city's most-loved landmarks.

This December, Chookas Entertainment, the local powerhouse behind sold-out hits like Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and Chicago the Musical, is bringing Priscilla Queen of the Desert: The Musical to the Civic Theatre for five shows only, from 17 to 20 December.

One of Australia's most celebrated voices is coming to Newcastle. ARIA Award-winning vocalist Anthony Callea has announced The Connection Tour, an intimate and vocally powerful concert series touring the country this October and November, with a stop at the Civic Theatre on Sunday, 1 November.