Newark Book Festival

Inspired Anthology Launch Event
2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 UTC | Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)
Celebrate the launch of Inspired, a brand-new anthology created by a talented local writing group who first met during creative writing courses at Inspire, Newark Buttermarket.
Born from a shared love of storytelling and self-expression, Inspired is a collaborative collection of poetry, short fiction, and creative non-fiction that reflects the diverse voices and imaginative spark of its contributors. This special event offers a chance to hear selected readings from the anthology and gain insight into the creative prompts and exercises that inspired the writers’ work.
Whether you’re a writer yourself or simply enjoy discovering new talent, this is a wonderful opportunity to support local creatives and experience an afternoon of heartfelt and original writing.
During the launch, you’ll have the chance to purchase Inspired at the special launch price of £5 (usual price £6.50). Both card and cash payments will be accepted.
Refreshments will be provided, and you’re warmly invited to stay, chat, and celebrate the group’s achievement in the place where it all began. No booking required just turn up on the day.
Come along to be inspired—and maybe even inspired to write yourself!

Love & Laughter, Tea & Cake
2025-07-13 15:30 - 16:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
What better way to spend a summer afternoon than with cake, tea, and three of the UK’s most beloved romance authors?
Get your tickets for an afternoon well spent in the elegant surroundings of Newark Town Hall’s stunning ballroom for a heartwarming and laughter-filled event featuring bestselling authors Cathy Bramley, Cressida McLaughlin, and Sue Moorcroft, in conversation with festival favourite Dr Tim Rideout.
Local Nottinghamshire author Cathy Bramley brings her signature charm and humour with Somewhere Only We Know, a tender and emotional read of a mother’s journey taking literal steps in her late-daughter’s memory, on a gap year of her daughter’s dreams.
Cressida McLaughlin, queen of uplifting contemporary romance, shares her latest novel A Cornish Love Story. A second chance and forced-proximity romance with sparks flying in all directions.
Award-winning author Sue Moorcroft discusses Over the Sea to Skye, the third in her Skye Sisters Trilogy, weaving a beautifully rich and emotionally resonant story of love that will sweep you away to the wild Scottish coast.
Expect a cosy, candid chat about writing, romance, and creating stories that make readers swoon, smile, and reach for the tissues (in the best way). With an audience Q&A and book signing to follow, this is a must-attend event for fans of love stories with heart.
Come for the books, stay for the tea and cake—leave with your next favourite read.
Tickets available until 6th July or until sold out. Please give any dietary requirements.

Matt Haig 'The Midnight Train'
2026-05-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Join us for a much-anticipated evening as we welcome Matt Haig back to Newark as part of his tour for his new book, The Midnight Train – a time-travelling love story, from the world of The Midnight Library.
The Midnight Library was an instant Number 1 on the Sunday Times and New York Times Bestsellers list, remaining in the UK top ten for 10 weeks, and has now sold over 11 million copies.
When your life flashes before your eyes, where would you stop? No one can change the past, but the Midnight Train can take you there. The chance to re- live the moments that meant most. To see what kind of person you really were. For Wilbur his best days were with Maggie, the love of his life. On his honeymoon in Venice. Before he gave it all away. He wishes he could go back and live differently. But to do so risks everything. . .
Launching the Newark Book Festival’s 10th birthday year, Matt will be interviewed by Dr Tim Rideout. Book signings are available post-event (please note that books are likely to be limited to one per person).
