Newark Book Festival

Play at the Castle
2024-07-14 10:00 - 16:00 UTC | Newark Castle, Newark Castle, Castlegate, Newark, NG24 1BG
Enjoy an entire day of free family fun in the grounds of Newark Castle. Take part in arts and crafts workshops, be entertained by street theatre, relax with authors and illustrators, and have a go in the sports zone with the Open Doors team from the Palace Theatre.
And don’t forget to look out for our 2024 Trail as created by our schools – all based on play!
Full event programme…
The Book-Ends – Rhubarb Theatre
10am – 10.30am & 11am – 11.30am
The Book-Ends popup to bring their stories to life! With a rickety old book cart and some novel ideas, surprises leap off every page wherever our papery pals roam. Join the book-bonkers buddies as they act out tales of whales, bonkers bears and manic monsters. Be amazed as they twist the fantastic adventures of pathetic pirates, merry musketeers and hairy hairdressers. Full of music, comedy and general silliness!
Storybook Emporium
10am – 4pm, Drop-in crafts
Hop, skip and jump your way over to the Ally Pally Arts “World Famous Story Emporium”, back by popular demand for more story-inspired crafty fun and games!
BookBench Art with Vicky Kuhn
10am – 4pm, Drop-in crafts
A drop-in arts and crafts workshop inspired by the Newark Creates BookBench trail with picturebook illustrator and fabulous BookBench designer, Vicky Kuhn.
Play Tales with Nicky Rafferty
10am – 4pm
Join in with interactive crafty tales with storyteller Nicky Rafferty.
Family Yoga with Peaceful Possums and Emma Oldham
12pm – 12.45pm // 1.30pm – 2.15pm
With storytelling, imagination, music and games, enjoy family yoga sessions with Peaceful Possums Yoga based on The Whale Who Disappeared by Emma Oldham, who is joining in with the fun, too! There will also be a mindful area for children to chill out during the day, including colouring and sensory resources, ideal for children with neurodiversity or young children to have a break.
All events are free and suitable for all ages (including adults!)

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.

Walkabout with Daisy
2024-07-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Join Daisy for a walkabout at the Literature Village for a morning with hula hoops, skipping ropes, bean bags, and a bag full of challenges to get everyone involved, big or small playing all day!

Nicci and her Strictly Canine Dancing Dogs!
2024-07-14 12:15 - 12:45 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
We welcome Nicci and her wonderful Strictly Canine Dancing Dogs on Sunday 14th July 12.15pm – 12.45pm in Newark market place.
Nicci and her dogs have won Crufts a total of 6 times and she is currently 4th in the world in DogDance. Nicci and my dogs perform at events around the country and have been featured in various tv programmes and advert campaigns.
Nicci will be raising money with her show for the European champs at end of July, so please do support them by donating whilst watching their amazing event.
FREE

Beetlejuice! Wacky Walkabout with Rhubarb Theatre
2024-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Watch out, watch out, Beetlejuice is about. These chilling characters are rolling into town, they’ll make you spin the wheel of chance, I hope you’re ready to have a dance!
Enjoy live street performances and a Wacky Walkabout with Rhubarb Theatre at the Newark Book Festival Literature Village at Newark’s Market Place. With two performances throughout the day on Sunday.
Guaranteed entertainment for all the family (adults included!) Rhubarb Theatre’s Beetlejuice! Wacky Walkabout featured character interaction, dance, music, a lot of laughter, and even more mischief!
Beetlejuice! Wacky Walkabout Performance Times:

1pm – 1.30pm
2pm – 2.30pm

The Zone
2025-07-10 - 2025-07-13 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
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.
Open after school and across the weekend, it’s the perfect place to chill, create, and be you.
Thursday 10th July | 3pm - 6pm
Friday 11th July | 3pm - 6pm
Saturday 12th July | 11am - 5pm
Sunday 13th July | 11am - 5pm
#GetInTheZone

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!

2025 Summer Reading Challenge - Story Garden
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Newark Library Children’s Area, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW
The World Famous Story Emporium is putting on gardening gloves and wellies and loading up its wheelbarrow with pens and paper for some story-inspired green-fingered crafty fun. Join Ally Pally Arts in sowing stories and harvesting happy endings at Newark Library to launch the Summer Reading Challenge.
No need to book, drop into Newark Library and enjoy this free event.

Young Ambassadors Writing Workshop
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
An exclusive event for Newark Book Festival’s Young Ambassadors and keen writers, bursting with ideas!
Do you love writing stories or poems? Join the creative workshop with poet, performer and educator Leanne Moden and shape your ideas into your new story or poem.
It’s fun, it’s friendly, and it’s all about finding your voice and making your writing the best that it can be!
Exclusive event for Young Ambassadors. Email hello@newarkbookfestival.co.uk to book your space.
Find out more about how you can join to become a Young Ambassador next year here.

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.

Bookbench Storytime: Castles in the Air Bench
2025-07-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)
Continuing the Dragons and Fairytale theme from Inspired Learning and Music teams’ event, Dragons & Fairytale Fun. Join storyteller Nicky Rafferty (at 12pm and 1pm) and our festival’s Young Ambassadors (at 2pm) for some mythical, magical, made-up storytime fun at the Castle in the Air Bookbench found inside Buttermarket.
Ideal for story-lovers aged 2 – 10 years

Dragons and Fairytale Fun
2025-07-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)
Join the Inspire Learning and Music teams in a Dragons and Fairytale themed afternoon, with drop-in arts and crafts, have-a-go music sessions and meet Sapphire the Dragon and her friend Sparky.
Make a fire-breathing paper dragon, fold your own origami frog prince, and sit down with local picture book illustrator Vicky Kuhn for some fairytale colouring in. Create some dragon cartoons with the Doodling Poet Chris White. Write a funny, happy or sad poem about, ‘What a Dragon would say’, and make your dragon puppets and fairytale tower or castle to take home.
Perfect for any aged creative!

En Plein Aire - Paint Club with Urban Canvas
2025-07-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Paint what you see and explore the joy of creating art in the open air—just like the French Impressionists! Materials provided, no experience needed. Just drop in and get creative.

One Step Ahead - C.L. Peache
2025-07-13 12:30 - 13:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Jersey, this twist-filled story follows a group of friends reunited for a charity walk—only to be confronted by the unresolved death of one of their own.
In conversation with fellow author Maria Dziedzan, Clair will share her journey from self-published writer to securing a three-book publishing deal, and reflect on writing across genres, crafting layered characters, and the challenges (and joys!) of working from her narrowboat.
Expect a lively and insightful discussion about how place, memory, and mystery weave together in her work, as well as behind-the-scenes stories of what it takes to bring a suspenseful novel like One Step Ahead to life.
Perfect for lovers of psychological thrillers, gripping whodunnits, and those curious about the writing and publishing process, this free event is a wonderful opportunity to meet a rising name in mystery fiction.
Book signing to follow – copies of One Step Ahead available to purchase on the day. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this page-turning conversation at Newark Book Festival.
Free event to book, email clpeache@gmail.com

Stokes Coffee Roasting
2025-07-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Stokes Tea & Coffee, Robin Hood Walk, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1HX, United Kingdom
Watch beans roast to perfection and explore the craft, care, and creativity behind every fresh cup!

Inspired Anthology Launch Event
2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 | 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!

Celebrate 10 Exhibition
2026-07-01 - 2026-07-31 | Newark Library, Newark Library, Beaumond Gardens, Baldertongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
To celebrate Newark Book Festival turning 10 this summer, our 2026 exhibition looks back at the last decade with a month-long exhibition at Newark Library. Exhibition Curator Chelsea Buckthorpe has put together some of our favourite memories, sharing photographs from the festival archives, recalling the highlights and challenges of putting on an all-inclusive literary celebration for audiences of all ages.
Newark Library is centred in Newark town, close to the Market Place, and the lovely, bright library enjoys green views of the surrounding park. It’s a great place to read, learn and take part in a host of activities and is well stocked with a wide range of books.
You’ll find the Celebrate 10 Exhibition near the computer corner of Newark Library. Feel free to wander around at your leisure throughout July, and visit the library to take out a book or two while you’re there, too! The café area has a coffee machine and comfy seats with lovely views, perfect if you’d like to sit quietly and relax with a book.
Newark Library Opening Times:
Monday 9am – 6.30pm, Tuesday 9am – 6pm, Wednesday 9am – 6.30pm, Thursday 9am – 6pm, Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday Closed.

Open Doors Poetry with Leanne Moden
2026-07-09 10:00 - 2026-07-12 16:00 | National Civil War Centre (Upstairs), National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Visit the studio on the top floor of the National Civil War Centre where Open Doors artist-in-residence, Leanne Moden, has been writing poems, stories and scripts based on the museum’s collections.
While you’re there, try your hand at Leanne’s self-led wordy arts and crafts.
Open Doors is a programme of arts activity that is part of the heritage and culture offer in Newark and Sherwood. In 2023, the Palace Theatre and the National Civil War Centre were awarded funding from Arts Council England to become National Portfolio Organisations. The three-year programme, Open Doors, increases creative opportunities for young people and underserved groups, and helps us support the needs and interests of our communities.
Leanne has also written Newark Book Festival a beautiful 10th Birthday Poem, I Know You. You can read and watch a reading of the full poem here.
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult during their visit.

Gathered Leaves, Exhibition at Vibrant Matter
2026-07-09 10:00 - 2026-07-12 17:00 | Vibrant Matter, Vibrant Matter, 4 Stodman Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DE, United Kingdom
Visit local art gallery Vibrant Matter to see their beautifully curated selection of art books published by Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire artists in an exhibition called ‘Gathered Leaves’. Celebrate the high standards of published creative practitioners and academics working across the region.
Vibrant Matter is Newark’s newest contemporary art gallery and museum, which provides picture framing services as well as hosting creative workshops and selling art books.

The Kingdom of Tigers - Felicity Yeoh
2026-07-09 11:00 - 12:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Walk, Newark, NG24 1JS
A heartwarming new picture book by Felicity Yeoh about the environment, family and the search for a home, set in the Malaysian rainforest and inspired by UN Goodwill Ambassador and actress Michelle Yeoh. Perfect for little ones, join Felicity for a morning reading and musical production of The Kingdom of Tigers.
Tiger cub Hari lives in the jungle. As deforestation threatens his home and separates him from his mother, Hari must brave the wild with the friends he meets along the way, to find his mother and the sanctuary of his dreams.

The Flight of Millicent Stanley
2026-07-10 12:00 - 19:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
The Flight of Millicent Stanley is an immersive animated projection, sound and light installation created for an indoor space by Electric Egg. Step into “Stanley’s Horologists” shop and be transported to the high street of Georgian Lincoln, where you will encounter Millicent Stanley, the young clockmaker’s apprentice. Millicent dreams of inventing wild and wonderful machines. One day, when the renowned aeronaut Mr Green comes to town, an excited Millicent wins the chance to take flight with him in his balloon, an experience which sparks an obsession. Eager to fly again, Millicent dreams of the heavens and embarks on her very own adventure to invent and construct her very own magnificent flying machine.
The Flight of Millicent Stanley is a 13-minute multidimensional show that combines multiple animated projection-mapped works, lighting design and spatial sound design within a physical “theatrical set” of Stanley’s Horologists shop, where the clocks, the drawing board and the set come to life. This all combines to immerse the audience in Milicent’s world of wonder and tell Millicent’s inspiring tale of flight, invention and a touch of fantasy.

Meet Peter Rabbit at Waterstones Newark
2026-07-11 - 2026-07-12 | Waterstones Newark, Waterstones Newark, 36 Stodman Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1AW, United Kingdom
Join the team at Waterstones Newark for a weekend of hopping good fun! Meet Peter Rabbit and join the hunt to find the squad of cute and cool characters who have escaped and hidden around the store. Can you find them all to win a sweet treat? A family-friendly activity with appearances from the childhood classic character.
Peter Rabbit will be spotted at intervals throughout the weekend:

Saturday 11th July: 10am, 2pm and 4pm
Sunday 12th July: 11am, 1pm and 3pm

The Singing Mermaid - Rhubarb Theatre
2026-07-11 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-11 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-11 12:00 - 13:00 | St Mary Magdalene Church, Church Walk, Newark, NG24 1JS
Dive into a magical undersea adventure with professional actor Kirsty Baker from Rhubarb Theatre. The Singing Mermaid will captivate you with her lively interactive storytelling before you get hands-on in a creative workshop, perfect for sparking young imaginations.
There are three free sessions to join, but booking is required:

Book Tickets: 9am – 10am
Book Tickets: 10.30am – 11.30am
Book Tickets: 12pm – 1pm

Meet the Fosseway Writers
2026-07-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Newark Book Shop, Newark Book Shop, 12 Queen's Head Court, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1EL, United Kingdom
Head to Newark Book Shop for an informal and friendly opportunity to chat with local authors part of the Fosseway Writers, explore their books, and learn more about this long-established group.
Fosseway Writers offers a welcoming, supportive space for writers at every stage, whether you’re just starting or looking to develop your craft. Discover how their workshops, socials, and community spirit help bring stories to life.

The Doodling Poet
2026-07-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Newark Library, Newark Library, Beaumond Gardens, Baldertongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Expect laughter, creativity, and a whirlwind of imagination with Chris White, writer, illustrator, and performance poet from Derby. Known as The Doodling Poet, Chris brings his books, including The A–Z of Completely Made-Up Dinosaurs and Don’t Put Dave in the Microwave!, to life.
Packed with doodles and poems, you’re invited to draw, write, and let your imagination run wild. Find The Doodling Poet pop-up in and around Newark Library.

Literature Village
2026-07-11 09:30 - 16:00 | Colonnades, Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Find the Literature Village inside the entrance of Newark Town Hall, spreading through the Lobby, Colonnades and Prison Cells on the Saturday of the festival.
It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up a new stash to add to your TBR pile from independent and local authors and publishers. You’ll also find bookish accessories and homewares, such as beautifully crafted bookmarks, booksleeves, writing stationery, booklovers’ gifts, and much more.
Meet all the stallholders joining us this year here!

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.
