Uncanny Carnival

Chilli Studios will present a variety show on stage at Uncanny Carnival. Set up in 2004, Chilli Studios is a registered charity that delivers services to those who are or are at risk of experiencing diagnosed mental health problems, and those who experience other forms of social exclusion within their communities.

The Comfrey Project are hosting a Communi-tea session with community champions, alongside an interactive composting game. The Comfrey Project provide spaces where refugees and people who are seeking asylum can come to learn new skills, share what they know with others, and start to build a better life. Their approach is based on the use of horticulture-based activities including gardening, beekeeping, cooking, crafts, and construction, to improve people’s lives.

David Hall (Nostalgia Kid) is a documentary photographer known for capturing urban landscapes and human experiences, and a former member of Create/Disrupt.

Elaine Robertson is an award-winning comedian from County Durham. She was a finalist in the BBC New Comedy Awards and The Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Awards and winner of the ISH Comedy Awards Panel Prize.

Eleanor is a transformative face paint artist who uses the power of paint to bring out your truest self—whether that’s a tiger, a clown, or someone with a spectacular handlebar moustache. Come and get fabulously transformed!

Ellie Armon Azoulay is a cultural historian, curator and DJ. She is a resident at Slack's Radio with her monthly show, Diasporic Connections.

Kaltouma Hassaballah local chef, community organiser and Dwellbeing Community Bee hosts a henna stall.

Silly Billies present a reimagined Punch and Judy show. Jack & Sam are Chester-le-Street's best double act and runners of Silly Billies Comedy. They are fans of the uncanny and bizarre corners of English culture and can be found at various comedy clubs across the North East and beyond.

Lee Kyle (Felt Nowt) is one of the UK’s most inventive (and kid-friendly) comedians. Felt Nowt is a comedy company run by a group of passionate comedians who love making people laugh.

NewBridge Books offers a diverse selection of original, national, and international contemporary publications, books, zines, and magazines. The NewBridge team will be on hand to discuss all things print and publishing.

North Tyneside Art Studio present an interactive painting activity. North Tyneside Art Studio is a specialist art for mental health service in North Tyneside. They provide a safe, supportive environment where people can discover how creativity can aid their mental health and personal recovery, helping to build the tools and social connections that empower people to achieve long term change.

Open Drag will be hosting a stage take over and judging the catwalk at the Carnival close. All attendees are invited to come in fancy dress or put together an outfit from the Uncanny fancy dress box, provided on the day and take part in the Uncanny catwalk. Open Drag is a community for up-and-coming drag artists across the North East. It's a community of artists who help and champion each other in their art and performance.

The Recovery College Collective, better known as ReCoCo, is a radical mental health recovery college based in Newcastle upon Tyne, set up to provide support for and by those with experiences of mental health and addictions. At the Uncanny Carnival take your own photo amidst the ReCoCo flower frame.

Seymour Mace is a local comedian, creative mischief-maker and programme committee member. He has performed across Europe, Japan, China, Canada, Australia and The Phillipines!

Shieldfield Youth Programme is a space for young people developed by Dwellbeing Shieldfield and The NewBridge Project.

Sound Games is a peer-led group, regularly performing research, founded by Emily Toth, Gus Beamish, Peter Bourne, and Tim Stein. The group explores forms of autonomy, collectivity, and collective decision-making through sound.

Unfolding Theatre share their pop-up stage for the Uncanny Carnival. Built in 2021 from reclaimed wood, it’s been used, repurposed and remimagined for community shows ever since – keeping things fun and sustainable. Unfolding Theatre makes big-hearted theatre that delights in bringing people together in the North East.