Open Doors Poetry with Leanne Moden
2026-07-09 10:00 - 2026-07-12 16:00 UTC | 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.

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.

Literature Village
2026-07-12 10:00 - 15:00 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
We’re taking over the Market Place! Find local crafts, bookish organisations, authors and published books of all genres at the Newark Book Festival Literature Village. You’ll also find the festival’s Storybook Emporium by Ally Pally Arts hosting our very special Birthday Party Zone with free children’s crafts, with some of your favourite picture book characters and stories.
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!
