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).

The Lone Husky - Hannah Gold
2026-07-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
A brand-new Arctic adventure from the internationally bestselling author of The Last Bear and Finding Bear. In this captivating story, a lovable duo, April and her Bear are joined by a reclusive Husky who becomes their secret weapon as they volunteer to take part in the Polar Race. Hannah’s story balances urgent eco messages with heart, warmth and friendship.
Perfect for readers aged 8-12 years (KS2). To book tickets, email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk.

Own the Awkward - Simon James Green
2026-07-09 13:30 - 14:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Awkward teenage hilarity with a positive message? This interactive, laugh-out-loud event includes comedy anecdotes from Carnegie Medal nominated author Simon James Green’s own (hapless) school days, an interactive synopsis, and a reminder of the power of comedy. There’s a joyful and positive section on LGBTQ+ representation which everyone will enjoy, followed by a reading and a section about how Simon became an author, writing Alex in Wonderland, Noah Can’t Event, Heartbreak Boys and many more titles.
Perfect for readers aged 12-15 years. This event is part of the Newark Book Festival Schools and Home Educated Programme. To book tickets, email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk.

Sherwood Boys - Michael Somerville
2026-07-09 13:30 - 14:45 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Discover the unique view of the British Army at war through the lens of a single battalion and the men who served in it. Join Author and Military Historian Michael Somerville at Newark Library during the festival as he delves into his story of the 2/5th Sherwood Foresters and how ordinary men performed extraordinary feats to help win World War Two.
Drawing on over 150 personal accounts, Michael’s book, Sherwood Boys, touches the hearts of specialist readers and those looking to find out more about their families’ experience.

Great Art Explained - James Payne
2026-07-09 19:30 - 20:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
“Art should not be seen as a relic of the past, frozen in museums, but as a living, breathing conversation between generations” – James Payne
Spend the evening with gallerist, curator, and writer James Payne, reframing how we see art. With a mission to democratise art and make it more accessible and entertaining, James started a YouTube channel, Great Art Explained, which now has over 60 million viewers worldwide. Drawing on his three decades in the art world, he challenges long-held assumptions about what art is, who it is for, and how we engage with it. Expect stories of Michelangelo to Basquiat, Velázquez to Kusama, delivered with clarity, wit, and passion.
Talk hosted by Dr Tim Rideout.

Mysteries, Murder and Mayhem
2026-07-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Step inside a world of dark secrets and deadly twists. On Friday morning, join acclaimed authors Michelle Harrison, Sarah Hilary, and Alexandra Benedict on stage at Palace Theatre, in a discussion with Dr Tim Rideout about Mysteries, Murder and Mayhem.
From the tense, witchcraft-laced intrigue of Two Little Liars, to the haunting depths of The Drowning Place, and the fairy tale–twisting mystery of Little Red Death, expect chilling insights and captivating conversation.

Orbs of the Openlands
2026-07-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
As an undead sorcerer rises and the Openlands edge toward ruin, a band of unlikely heroes must race to recover five ancient Orbs of power. Join Lawrence Mahon, Clare Lawrence, and Olivia Macnab for a lively discussion on this gripping fantasy series from Badger Books, created with hi-lo readers in mind by a neurodiverse author for neurodiverse audiences. Packed with peril, magic, and high-stakes choices, this series is perfect for readers aged 11–16 years, offering an accessible gateway into richly imagined fantasy worlds.

The Gothic Revival
2026-07-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Enter a world of shadow, obsession, and simmering unease with two Gothic novelists. Join Essie Fox, Sunday Times bestselling author of Catherine, a bold, feminist reimagining of Wuthering Heights, alongside Stephanie Bramwell-Lawes, whose debut Thornby Manor channels the haunting brilliance of classic gothic fiction.
Expect atmosphere, obsession, and beautifully crafted unease as these authors explore dark romance, mystery, and the enduring power of gothic storytelling. In conversation with Dr Tim Rideout.

Now we are 10
2026-07-10 15:30 - 16:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Featuring Louise Beech, Isabelle Broom, T. M. Logan, Sarah Ward, and Michael Wood, this special event marks ten years since each first became published authors.
From gripping thrillers and crime fiction to emotionally rich contemporary stories, they’ll reflect on their journeys, the realities of writing careers, and how their work has evolved over the past decade. Chaired by Louise Beech, expect honest insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

The Walking Cure - Annabel Streets
2026-07-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
In The Walking Cure, award-winning writer Annabel Streets explores the surprising benefits of 20 everyday landscapes, from city parks and rivers to coastal paths and mountain trails, revealing how each can transform mood, mind, and overall wellbeing.
With warmth and wisdom, and using a compelling blend of anecdotal and scientific evidence, she identifies the perfect place to walk for over two dozen common states-of-mind, whether it be a canal path to spark creativity, a bustling city to allay boredom or the coastline to heal grief and worry. The Walking Cure celebrates the joy of walking and shares the extraordinary health benefits that landscape unlocks.
An inspiring interview with author Lee Stuart Evans, offering a fresh perspective on how simple walks in familiar places can become powerful tools for health and happiness.

Nordic Noir
2026-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Dark, gripping, and laced with sharp wit. Antti Tuomainen, dubbed “the funniest writer in Europe,” with The Winter Job, a darkly comic thriller racing through the frozen Finnish landscape with chaos, heart, and high stakes. Katrín Júlíusdóttir presents her latest novel, Stop Dead, an international bestseller that follows a detective-in-training caught in a deadly race against time.
Expect chilling tension, unexpected humour, and thrilling insight into the Nordic noir genre. Two authors published by Orenda Books, in an interview with Newark Book Festival Artistic Director, Sara Bullimore.

Deadly Landscapes
2026-07-11 11:30 - 12:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
How does setting shape suspense? Join us for an afternoon at Tudor Hall as three leading crime writers, G.D. Wright, Ajay Chowdhury and M. J. Arlidge, explore the deadly landscapes in their own literature.
G.D. Wright draws on his experience as a retired police officer in the tightly plotted Against the Tide. Ajay Chowdhury, award-winning creator of the Kamil Rahman series, brings a speculative edge with Eden Falls. M. J. Arlidge returns with Out of the Ashes, a gripping DI Helen Grace thriller.
In conversation with Alex Hawley, this session uncovers how landscapes become characters in their own right.

Battle of the Genres
2026-07-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Four authors. Four genres. One lively literary showdown. Battle of the Genres brings together Mia Kuzniar (fantasy), Laura Purcell (gothic horror & historical fiction), Marcia Hutchinson (contemporary), and Tom Mead (golden age crime) as they go head-to-head to champion their craft.
From magical fantasy worlds and dark histories to powerful contemporary storytelling and classic crime, expect spirited debate, fascinating insights, and plenty of surprises as each author makes the case for their genre in an interview by Dr Tim Rideout.

Harriet Tyce: Witch Trial
2026-07-11 15:00 - 16:00 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Gripping, provocative, and impossible to put down, Witch Trial sees The Traitors contestant Harriet Tyce at her most compelling. A former criminal barrister and bestselling author of Blood Orange, Tyce joins us on stage with her tense new novel exploring truth, trust, and the power of public judgement.
When a murdered classmate casts a long shadow over two teenage girls, a modern-day witch trial ignites, dividing a nation. Who’s telling the truth, and what really happened? In conversation with Dr Tim Rideout.
‘Audacious, mind-bending, and brilliant. I couldn’t read it fast enough!’ LISA JEWELL
‘The absolute master of the legal thriller with a twist!’ G.D. WRIGHT
‘The best thing I’ve read this year. An absolute triumph of a book.’ ABIR MUKHERJEE

An evening with Jay McGuiness
2026-07-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
An explosive new dystopian fantasy series, perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, The Atlas Six and Leigh Bardugo.
Jay McGuiness, best known as a vocalist in the boy band The Wanted and winner of Strictly Come Dancing, joins us on stage to discuss his latest fantasy novel, Poison Tides, the sequel to his debut hit Blood Flowers. Now forging a powerful path in writing, Jay’s dystopian fantasy explores identity, power, and belonging through the journey of Bear, a small-town boy navigating a world that is as treacherous as it is transformative.
In conversation with Coco Omer, a dynamic cultural commentator and creator behind The Cult of Coco, known for championing stories across books, film, and TV, expect a lively, insightful discussion full of energy and humour.
In a small black narrowboat, Bear escapes the confined walls of his home town, Calleston, ready to help three witches find and free their captive sister. But the journey ahead is dangerous . . . Blots feast on human flesh and stalk the dark waters, and Bear discovers his best friend, Felix, is being hunted just beyond the wilderness.
Behind Calleston’s walls sits a new ruler, the Highlady Meya, who is ready to right the wrongs of her cruel father and change the Queendom for good. Meya is haunted by premonitions of Bear’s death. Though she can’t save him in her visions, she sees herself sitting by his side. But how can they reunite with vast distances between them? And if the premonitions are real … will Bear survive?
Jay McGuiness on main character Bear: “Bear is a small-town boy through and through, someone who was brought up with a keen sense of community, and of what is right and wrong, but he is naive to the wider world. To me, Bear represents the lifelong quest of holding on to your authentic self in an environment where not all influences are good. Bear has to figure out the world, and while he is doing so, his fears, and his own powers are growing. He is just beginning to venture out into a world that can be cruel, confusing, and dangerous, where it is easy to make bad choices, to lose your voice, forget who you are and the small town you came from.”
There will be a post-event meet and greet with Jay McGuiness, where he’ll be signing copies of Blood Flowers and Poison Tides. Please note that due to time constraints, Jay McGuiness will only be able to sign books purchased at the festival.

Cancer Works - Alex Kinnear-Mellor
2026-07-12 10:00 - 23:30 | 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.

The Overthinkers Club: Happy List
2026-07-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Funny, honest, and full of relatable chaos, The Overthinkers Club introduces a brilliantly anxious new heroine from Nat Luurtsema, BAFTA-nominated screenwriter and stand-up comic.
Meet Birdie, a champion worrier facing friendship changes, big life shifts, and all the awkward moments in between. Can a “Happy List” really keep her overthinking in check? Packed with humour and heart, this illustrated diary-style story is perfect for readers aged 9+. In conversation with Festival Board Member Kate Hancock.
