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X-WR-CALNAME:Newark Book Festival
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Newark Book Festival
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250710
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250714
DTSTAMP:20260419T224405
CREATED:20250515T205016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250516T190743Z
UID:6293-1752105600-1752451199@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Zone
DESCRIPTION:Chill\, create\, be you at The Zone – Zest Theatre’s award-winning pop-up community space\, open after school and over the festival weekend\, and brought to you by Newark Creates. From laidback hangouts and high-energy workshops with pro artists to gaming\, book corners\, and adrenaline-pumping parties – you decide how to spend your time in The Zone. \nOpen after school and across the weekend\, it’s the perfect place to chill\, create\, and be you. \nThursday 10th July | 3pm - 6pm\nFriday 11th July | 3pm - 6pm\nSaturday 12th July | 11am - 5pm\nSunday 13th July | 11am - 5pm \n#GetInTheZone
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/the-zone/
LOCATION:Newark Market Place\, Newark Royal Market\, Market Place\, Newark\, Nottinghamshire\, NG24 1DU
CATEGORIES:Free Event,Teen & Young Adult
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Zone.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T093000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T103000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T213205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T213205Z
UID:6238-1752226200-1752229800@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:Do Lions Hate Haircuts: Storytime and Craft session
DESCRIPTION:Join children’s author Bethany Walker for a lively and laughter-filled morning inspired by her hilarious picture book\, Do Lions Hate Haircuts? This fun and interactive event is perfect for little ones who love stories\, silliness\, and getting crafty! \nMeet Leonard the Lion—an impeccably groomed feline with very strong opinions about his hair. In this engaging storytelling session\, Bethany will bring Leonard’s tale to life\, complete with audience interaction and plenty of giggles. Find out why Leonard is so fussy about his mane\, and what happens when things go a little… wild at the hair salon! \nAfter the story\, get creative with a roaringly fun craft activity. Kids will design and collage their very own fabulous hairstyle for Leonard—will it be curly\, spiky\, stripy\, rainbow-coloured\, or something entirely unexpected? All materials will be provided\, and children are encouraged to bring their imagination (and maybe a bit of sparkle too!). \nBeautifully illustrated by Steph Laberis\, Do Lions Hate Haircuts? is a joyful celebration of self-expression and the power of being yourself—perfect for children aged 3–7 and their grown-ups. \nSpaces are limited\, so book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to see your wild and wonderful lion styles!
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/do-lions-hate-haircuts-storytime-and-craft-session/
LOCATION:Newark Library Children’s Area\, Beaumond Gardens\, Balderton Gate\, Newark\, NG24 1UW
CATEGORIES:Family Friendly
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Do-Lions-Hate-Haircuts.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T101500
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T111500
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T213436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T213437Z
UID:6223-1752228900-1752232500@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:Deadly Secrets and Dystopian Fears
DESCRIPTION:Expect simmering tension\, shocking revelations\, and razor-sharp social commentary as two of Orenda Books’ most gripping voices in crime and speculative fiction—Eva Björg Ægisdóttir and Eve Smith—sit down with interviewer Dr Tim Rideout for a chillingly compelling conversation. \nWith over a million copies sold worldwide\, Eva Björg Ægisdóttir has been hailed as the Queen of Icelandic Suspense. Her latest standalone novel\, Home Before Dark\, is a haunting psychological thriller where long-buried secrets claw their way into the light. Set in 1960s Iceland\, the story unravels the consequences of a teenage girl’s deception—one that sets in motion a dangerous chain of events where no one is truly safe. \nEve Smith\, master of dystopian thrillers\, introduces The Cure—a heart-pounding\, speculative tale set in a near-future world obsessed with reversing ageing. When a scientific breakthrough is hijacked\, society spirals into chaos\, forcing one woman to risk everything to hide a discovery that could alter humanity forever. Eve’s work is known for its eerie plausibility\, weaving real-world science with a terrifying glimpse of what could come next. \nBoth authors will discuss their writing processes\, the dark themes they explore\, and how their novels reflect the moral and societal dilemmas of our time. Expect a thought-provoking\, edge-of-your-seat conversation that blurs the lines between crime\, psychological thriller\, and dystopian fiction.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/deadly-secrets-and-dystopian-fears/
LOCATION:Tudor Hall\, National Civil War Centre\, National Civil War Centre\, 14 Appleton Gate\, Newark\, Nottinghamshire\, NG24 1JY
CATEGORIES:Book Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Deadly-Secrets-Dystopian-Fears.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T120000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T213832Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T213833Z
UID:6292-1752231600-1752235200@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:Bookbench Storytime: Shimmer & Shine Bench
DESCRIPTION:Meet local Newark-based author Emma Oldham at the Shimmer and Shine Bookbench by artist Carla Dee inside Newark Art Gallery for a storytelling session of The Whale Who Disappeared. \nPerfect for ages 2-6 years.\nNo need to book just turn up and enjoy!
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/bookbench-storytime-shimmer-shine-bench/
LOCATION:Newark Art Gallery\, 42A Kirk Gate\, Newark\, NG24 1AB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Book Reading,Family Friendly,Free Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Shimmer-Shine.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T113000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T123000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T214326Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T214327Z
UID:6225-1752233400-1752237000@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:Island Spirit
DESCRIPTION:Join Derby-based songwriting duo –vocalist Nina Blaszczyk and guitarist Phil Baggaley—for a spellbinding musical performance of their latest project\, Island Spirit.  \nKnown for their soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics\, Nina and Phil combine fresh vocal emotion with seasoned musical craft to create a unique and moving live experience. \nIsland Spirit\, based on a story by Tim Harvey\, follows a young Polish woman who travels to a remote Scottish island in search of her roots. Taking a job at a local whisky distillery\, she begins to unravel the story of her mother—and discovers secrets about the father she never knew. Told through original songs and narrative\, the show explores themes of family\, belonging\, identity\, and the powerful pull of the past. \nThis special Edinburgh Fringe preview offers an intimate first look at the musical’s stunning blend of storytelling and song. Between the evocative lyrics and rich acoustic sound\, listeners are transported to windswept coastlines\, hidden histories\, and emotional revelations. With musical influences drawn from Scottish folk traditions\, Island Spirit is both grounded in place and universal in feeling. \nReturning to Newark Book Festival\, Beyond the Blue present a deeply human story with haunting melodies and lyrical beauty. A must-see for fans of folk\, acoustic music\, and poignant tales well told.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/island-spirit/
LOCATION:Newark Library Meeting Room\, Beaumond Gardens\, Balderton Gate\, Newark\, NG24 1UW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music,Performance
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Island-Spirit.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T133000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T160000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T214428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T214429Z
UID:6227-1752240600-1752249600@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:CAT Dungeons and Dragons Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join Game Master Lawrence Mahon and facilitator Via Macnab for a Dungeons & Dragons adventure\, a Creativity Autistic Together event. Create characters\, tell your story\, and shape your destiny in a fun\, neuro-inclusive\, and imaginative workshop. Roll the dice and see where your choices take you! \nWhether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the game\, you’ll have the chance to create characters\, forge alliances\, and shape the unfolding story with your choices. Will you save the villagers\, join forces with the dragon\, or battle demons—both literal and figurative? Your path is yours to forge\, but remember: every decision has consequences\, and the dice will decide your fate! \nThis session is all about creativity\, teamwork\, and unleashing your imagination in a supportive\, inclusive environment. Organised by Creatively Autistic Together CIC (CAT)\, this workshop is designed with neuro-inclusivity and accessible ways of working as its heart\, ensuring everyone can join in\, feel welcome\, and have fun.  \nGather your creativity\, roll the dice\, and get ready to dive into a fantastical adventure where the only limit is your imagination.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/cat-dungeons-and-dragons-workshop/
LOCATION:Newark Library Meeting Room\, Beaumond Gardens\, Balderton Gate\, Newark\, NG24 1UW\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Teen & Young Adult,Workshop
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/CAT-Dungeons-and-Dragons.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T150000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T214621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T214622Z
UID:6234-1752242400-1752246000@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Best of Everything: Kit De Waal
DESCRIPTION:An engaging and heartfelt interview with acclaimed author Kit De Waal\, as she discusses her moving new novel\, The Best of Everything. This compelling contemporary story explores love\, loss\, unexpected motherhood\, and the quiet courage it takes to care.  \n‘A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity’ – Bernardine Evaristo.  \n‘So deeply moving: sad and beautiful and true’ – Annie MacManus \nExpect an intimate\, thought-provoking author interview\, conducted by Leanne Moden\, filled with reflections on grief\, resilience\, and the different forms love can take.  \nKit De Waal will be book signing after the event at the pop-up bookshop at Newark Town Hall\, where you can buy your own copy too.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/the-best-of-everything-kit-de-waal/
LOCATION:Newark Town Hall\, Newark Town Hall\, Market Place\, Newark\, Nottinghamshire\, NG24 1DU
CATEGORIES:Book Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Best-of-Everything-Kit-de-Waal.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250515T214756Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T214756Z
UID:6236-1752249600-1752253200@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:Creating Characters
DESCRIPTION:What makes a character unforgettable? How do authors breathe life into the people who live on the page long after the book is closed? \nStep into the heart of the storytelling process with bestselling authors Caroline James and Rowan Coleman\, as they talk to Fee Mak about the art of character creation—how their fictional favourites are born\, developed\, and brought vividly to life. \nFrom romance to historical drama\, Caroline and Rowan craft characters who feel real\, relatable\, and impossible not to root for. Caroline James brings warmth and wit to every page\, with her latest novel The Cruise Club offering onboard adventures and friendship in the most fabulous of settings. Her characters sparkle with humour\, heart\, and second chances. \nRowan Coleman\, Sunday Times bestselling author and screenwriter\, delivers emotionally rich\, immersive fiction. Her latest novel Never Tear Us Apart is set on the beautiful yet dangerous island of Malta during WWII—a sweeping story of love\, resilience\, and destiny. Writing also as Bella Ellis\, Rowan reimagines the Brontë sisters as sleuths in her clever and atmospheric Bronte Mysteries series. \nTogether\, they’ll explore how characters shape a story\, how they surprise even their creators\, and why readers connect so deeply to fictional lives. With Fee Mak\, BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter and bookstagrammer behind High Shelf Esteem\, guiding the conversation\, this event promises to be as lively and engaging as the characters themselves. \nExpect laughter\, insight\, and plenty of inspiration—plus a book signing to follow.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/creating-characters/
LOCATION:Newark Town Hall\, Newark Town Hall\, Market Place\, Newark\, Nottinghamshire\, NG24 1DU
CATEGORIES:Book Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Creating-Characters.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250711T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250711T203000
DTSTAMP:20260419T224406
CREATED:20250317T084631Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250322T204053Z
UID:6083-1752260400-1752265800@www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
SUMMARY:An evening with Sophie Hannah
DESCRIPTION:A crime thriller so gripping\, you won’t see the twist coming… \nIf you love razor-sharp suspense\, dark humour\, and stories that keep you guessing until the very last line\, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Sophie Hannah’s crime novels have captivated millions worldwide\, and now’s your chance to hear from the master of psychological twists herself. \nEnjoy your Friday evening with Sophie Hannah at Newark Book Festival\, in an interview with Dr. Tim Rideout. \nWhat makes a family do the unthinkable? Could you ever justify the impossible? Sophie’s latest thriller takes that question to shocking new heights. And with reviews calling it “brilliant\,” “audacious\,” and “wry\, ingenious” – you’ll want to get your hands on a copy before everyone’s talking about it. \nBook signing included! Get your copy of No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done at the festival and have it signed by Sophie Hannah after the event. \nTickets are on sale now! Secure your seat at Newark’s Palace Theatre for an unforgettable night of crime\, mystery\, and storytelling magic.
URL:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/event/an-evening-with-sophie-hannah/
LOCATION:Palace Theatre\, Palace Theatre\, Appleton Gate\, Newark\, Nottinghamshire\, NG24 1JY
CATEGORIES:Book Talk
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sophie-Hannah-Website-Banner.jpg
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