Damien Frost's Night Flowers to Bloom at Newcastle's New Annual 2026

Photographer Damien Frost will headline the 2026 New Annual festival in Newcastle, Australia, running from 25 September to 4 October. The Sydney-born, University of Newcastle alumnus is known for his Night Flowers series, a 14-year collection of thousands of portraits documenting queer and alternative figures in London clubs and streets. For the festival, Frost will present around 100 portraits at Watt Space Gallery, alongside new commissions of Australian creative, queer, and alternative individuals captured during a recent residency. The festival will also host a one-night art party, Twisted: Night Flowers, on 26 September, featuring a performance by Justin Talplacido Shoulder (Phasmahammer) and DJs Annabelle Gasper and Harry Court. Festival Director Tory Loudon describes the party as a chance to 'celebrate who you are – or who you might become.' The Soak sunset sessions return to Newcastle Baths with free live music nights over four nights. Most events are low cost or free, with the Twisted party around $40. The full program will be announced in August.