Newark Book Festival

Spies & Thrillers with Tammy Cohen & Nicci French
2024-07-13 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
A spies and thriller trio event bringing together internationally renowned authors and their latest chilling reads. Tammy Cohen will be introducing her film-inspiring action-thriller Argylle to the Newark Stage alongside her thriller The Wedding Party.
Argylle is a globe-trotting spy thriller that inspired the upcoming action blockbuster Argylle, featuring a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Cena, directed by Matthew Vaughn.
“Argylle is an excellent action-thriller.” – Jake Kerridge, The Sunday Telegraph
“The action never lets up for a moment.” – Geoffrey Wansell, Daily Mail
While the outstanding husband and wife writing team, Nicci French, share snippets of their latest bestseller Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec’s 50th birthday party, her kids are worried, but Alec is not. As the days pass and there’s still no word from Charlie, her daughter, Etty, and her sons, Niall, Paul and Ollie, all struggle to come to terms with her disappearance. How can anyone just vanish without a trace? She’s loved by all who meet her. But someone wants her gone . . .
‘I defy anyone to see the ending coming’ Cara Hunter, on The Unheard
‘Totally absorbing. Such great plotting and characters, but also so human and full of insights about ordinary life and relationships. That’s what always sets Nicci French’s work apart – it makes the narrative feel so real’ Sabine Durrant, on The Unheard
This event is brought together with a compelling interview by award-winning former journalist and author of All Of Us Are Broken, Fiona Cummins.
It’s been a long time since the Hardwicke family has been on holiday. But thirteen-year-old Galen has wanted to see the wild dolphins at Scotland’s Chanonry Point for as long as she can remember, and lone parent Christine is determined she gets her wish. No one deserves a break more than this family. But the much–needed trip is about to be interrupted…
‘An intelligent, different and moving novel about the causes and effects of brutality, with ravishingly described glimpses of the natural world.’ Literary Review

Teatime at Peggy’s: A Glimpse of Anglo-India. Clare Jenkins & Stephen McClarence
2024-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Enjoy a warm, humorous and evocative afternoon celebrating the eccentric, time-warped and fast-disappearing world of one of India’s most endangered communities. Travel writer Stephen McClarence and radio broadcaster (and former Newark Advertiser journalist) Clare Jenkins share their tales of visits to the Indian railway town Jhansi, and a glimpse of Anglo-India.
For 15 years, journalists Stephen and Clare made regular visits to Jhansi, the Indian railway town that inspired Bhowani Junction, John Masters’ classic 1954 tale of Anglo-Indian life during Partition. There they spent hours ‘down the rabbit hole’ with ‘Aunty Peggy’ – Peggy Cantem – and her colourful cast of friends.
In Peggy’s tiny, crowded ground-floor flat, they would reflect on Anglo-Indian life then and now: the dances (waltzes, foxtrot, jive), May Queen balls (Anglo-Indian women were famed for their beauty), and meals of Mulligatawny soup, toad-in-the-hole and ‘railway lamb curry’.
Those friends included the ladylike Gwen, Lambretta-riding Buddie, Cheryl with her ‘hotchpotch’ ancestry, Winston Churchill-reciting Pastor Rao, Peggy’s loyal maid May, her cook Sheela and auto-rickshaw driver Anish. Conversations covered Monsoon Toad Balls (to find ‘the most hideous-looking man’), moonlight picnics in the jungle, pet mongooses and the British Royal Family.
There are now only 30 Anglo-Indian families left in Jhansi, many officially below the poverty line. Their first language is English, they often dress Western-style and their homes could be in the 1950s Home Counties, were it not for the mounted tiger’s heads alongside the Sacred Heart fridge magnets; the aviaries of parakeets outside, the three plaster flying ducks inside; the pictures of Buckingham Palace embroidered on the antimacassars.
Teatime at Peggy’s, based on a half-hour Radio 4 programme – is an invaluable addition to the history and literature of this vanishing community.

Olympic Moments with John Goodbody
2024-07-13 15:30 - 16:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Dive into the thrilling world of the Olympics ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Games with John Goodbody, award winning sports journalist at The Times and Sunday Times.
John will be sharing some of the iconic Olympic Moments featured in his latest publication and joining us on stage at Newark Town Hall during Newark Book Festival 2024.
The book itself, with striking, full-colour photography, rarely seen archival images and sensational reporting on the action, The Times Olympic Moments showcases the moments of heroism, triumph and controversy that continue to make the Games the centrepiece of the global sporting calendar. Featuring the most stunning records, fiercest rivalries and most dramatic upsets, these instants have changed the course of sporting history and captivated generations of fans along the way.
John Goodbody will talk through some of the 100 iconic moments from the history of the global sporting competition, including:
• Jesse Owens defies Nazi racism, Berlin, 1936
• The ‘blood in the water’ match, Melbourne, 1956
• Cassius Clay bursts onto the scene, Rome, 1960
• The ‘Fosbury flop’ revolutionises high jump, Mexico City, 1968
• Terror and tragedy as hostages killed, Munich, 1972
• Seb Coe vs Steve Ovett in middle-distance rivalry, Moscow, 1980
• Five in a row for Redgrave, Sydney, 2000
• Ennis the star of ‘Super Saturday’, London, 2012
• Simmonds surges to victory, London, 2012
• Phelps becomes the greatest Olympian, Rio de Janeiro, 2016
Interview by author Andrew Bannister.

Orenda Historical Fiction with Essie Fox & A.J. West
2024-07-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Two bewitching and bestselling fiction writers come together to share their latest historical titles in an Orenda Historical Fiction event chaired by Dr Tim Rideout.
Victorian gothic novelist Essie Fox will be introducing her “magical, macabre masterpiece” The Fascination.

Twin sisters Keziah and Tilly Lovell are identical in every way, except that Tilly hasn’t grown a single inch since she was five. Coerced into promoting their father’s quack elixir as they tour the country fairgrounds, at the age of fifteen the girls are sold to a mysterious Italian known as ‘Captain’.

“Makes skilful use of the tropes of Victorian gothic fiction… a story of society’s outsiders seeking acceptance and redemption ” – Sunday Times Book of the Month
“Brimming with Victorian wonders! ” – Sean Lusk

She will be joined on stage by A.J. West and his fiendishly clever novel The Betrayal of Thomas True set in Georgian London.

“Fierce, funny, and fabulous; this is an important and deeply moving story. Highly recommended” – Jonathan Harvey
“Heartbreaking, beautiful, lyrical … I was captivated” – Catriona Ward

Newark BookBenches: Storytelling with Emma Oldham
2024-07-14 10:30 - 11:00 | Riverside Park, Riverside Park, Great North Road, Newark
Meet me at the Benches! Meet author Emma Oldham at the Shimmer and Shine BookBench by artist Carla Dee at Riverside Park for a storytelling session of The Whale Who Disappeared.
Dive into an ocean of adventure with Arry, the young hero who brought back the magic of the sea! Learn what special superpowers live inside you to help protect our planet too.
We’ve all heard the tale of the snail and the whale,
But it’s not the only whale tale to be told.
You see, another exists, one truly magnificent
And it starts with a clever six-year-old…
Head over the bridge and see if you can spot the shimmery BookBench from the bridge entrance, opposite Newark Castle/near Riverside Park.

5-a-Side: Young Ambassadors VS Authors and Illustrators
2024-07-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Join us at Newark Town Hall for one of our festival favourites, 5-a-side!
Five authors and illustrators in the hot seat are quizzed about their work and careers by five of Newark Book Festival’s Young Ambassadors.
Featuring crime novelist Sarah Hilary, children’s author and Patron of Reading Gareth Baker, children’s book illustrator Momoko Abe, children’s fiction author James Nicol and fantasy and sci-fi author Wilf Morgan.
Chaired by Dr Tim Rideout.

Highway Cello: Kenneth Wilson
2024-07-14 11:30 - 12:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Kenneth Wilson straps his cello to the back of a fifty-year-old Dawes Galaxy bike, and cycles from Hadrian’s Wall to Rome, performing every day en route. Highway Cello is about the 1800 mile journey, and the music and the mishaps along the way.
This delightful storytelling performance of Highway Cello combines readings from his published book and live music. Taking place at the stunning Tudor Hall at the National Civil War Centre in Newark.
“A wry perspective, an edge to his bow. Arresting.” – The Cumberland and Westmorland Herald.
“An amazing performance, great poetry. Powerful stuff” – Richard Farncombe, Music in the Wood.
“Kenneth Wilson is a truly mellow cello fellow” – Steven Isserlis, CBE, Gramophone Hall of Fame.

How to Raise a Viking & Live Danishly – Helen Russell
2024-07-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a lot…
After a decade of living in Denmark and raising a family there, Helen Russell noticed that Scandinavian children are different from UK children back home. How to Raise a Viking gives a fascinating peek behind the cultural curtain of how the Nordic nations raise their kids.
Join Helen for a book talk at Newark Book Festival, as she takes to the stage at Newark Town Hall. Refreshingly funny and unfailingly optimistic about the new generation of humans growing up in the world right now, this is a heart-warming love letter to Russell’s adopted homeland and proof that we could all use a bit more Viking in our lives.
Interviewed by Dr Tim Rideout.

Red Side Story - Jasper Fforde
2024-07-14 14:45 - 15:45 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Jasper Fforde, the acclaimed SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER, invites you to imagine a world where your position in society depended on what bit of the colour spectrum you could see…
Red Side Story delves into the limitations of a society imposed on itself by itself, immovable dogma and the spirit of humans trying to love, survive and make sense of a world that makes no sense at all. Only it does, of course – you just have to look harder and forget everything you’ve ever been told.
Following the mishaps and adventures of Eddie and Jane, and the residents of East Carmine, as they navigate the Rules, finding loopholes and trying to avoid being sent to the Green Room. Expect an entertaining afternoon of meandering through the various absurd and surreal Ffordian worlds, as Jasper gives us a glimpse into his inventive and mischievous mind.

Bookbench Storytime: Shimmer & Shine Bench
2025-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Newark Art Gallery, 42A Kirk Gate, Newark, NG24 1AB, United Kingdom
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.
Perfect for ages 2-6 years.
No need to book just turn up and enjoy!

Bookbench Storytime: Newark By Day/Night Bench
2025-07-12 11:30 - 12:00 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Join Newark Book Festival’s Young Ambassadors for a free storytime session at the Newark By Day/Night Bookbench.
You’ll find our magical Young Ambassador storytellers and the BookBench opposite Letsxcape inside Newark Town Hall. Go through the Market Place entrance and you won’t miss it!
It’s a FREE event! Just pop along on the day to enjoy our stories.

Newark Book Festival's Book Club
2026-07-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
We’ll be reading One Thousand Stars and You by Isabelle Broom, and everyone is welcome – whether you’re a seasoned book club regular or someone who’s always wanted to try one but felt a little unsure. Come along on your own or with friends and enjoy a relaxed, friendly couple of hours of good conversation and a chance to connect with others who love books.

The Storm Cloud - Frances Stickley
2026-07-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Newark Library Children’s Area, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW
Listen to the story of The Storm Cloud, read by children’s book author Frances Stickley, before having some fun with arts and crafts to make your own Storm Cloud dreamcatcher to take home and finish.
Perfect for children aged 5+, join us for a free family-friendly event as part of Newark Book Festival in the children’s section of Newark Library. No need to book! Just turn up for the start time to catch the start of the story.

Cancer Works - Alex Kinnear-Mellor
2026-07-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Gannets Bistro, Gannets Bistro, 35 Castle Gate, Newark, NG24 1AZ, United Kingdom
How do you balance a career with not dying? Join Alex Kinnear-Mellor in a refreshingly real and unexpectedly uplifting conversation about cancer.
In a world where cancer diagnoses are increasingly common among the working-age population, Alex Kinnear-Mellor delivers an unconventional yet profoundly necessary narrative. ‘Cancer Works’ is not just a book; it’s a lifeline for anyone seeking to balance the colossal weight of cancer with the demands of their career.
With heartfelt honesty, wit, and unflinching courage, Alex shares her journey through cancer treatments while keeping her career afloat. This book challenges the traditional narratives surrounding cancer, offering insights, advice, and practical tips on how to navigate the treacherous waters of working life during
and after a cancer diagnosis.
Enjoy a short reading of Alex’s book Cancer Works: Balancing your career with not dying, followed by an informal “ask me anything” discussion, where no question is off limits, from the practical to the deeply personal. A relaxed, no-judgement space to explore the realities of cancer in a way we rarely get to, and with delicious coffee and cake.
Please note that while we strive to be inclusive and accessible to all, unfortunately, this venue does not have step-free access.

I really want to be a cat
2026-07-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Have you ever wanted to be a cat? Helen has, and she wrote a book about why. Join her as she reads the book, and then you will get to create your very own book about what animal you would love to be.

Maybe you want to be a cat too, or maybe an elephant is more your thing. Join Helen to get your creativity flowing.

This event is perfect for children aged 3 years + and their parents.

Pilgrim Cello
2026-07-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Pilgrim Cello is a unique account of a unique journey. Travelling with his cello strapped to the front of a heavy cargo bike, Kenneth Wilson pedals 1,900 miles on a pilgrimage to all forty-two English cathedrals.
In these sacred and historic buildings, Kenneth unpacks his cello and fills the holy place with the solo music of Bach. He’s offering a Meditation on the last hours and the last words of Christ. His performance of music and poetry connects with people, with ancient stones, with history and humanity, and – perhaps obliquely – with the faith he once had but no longer has.
Join him, and enjoy the ride!
‘Elegiac, thoughtful, and filled with warmth. I loved following his extraordinary journey.’ Ava Glass, author of Alias Emma and The Traitor.
