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.

Riverside Herbal Forage, Workshop & Lunch with Hannah Sylvester
2026-07-04 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Tea at Lil Maggies & the Secret Barn, Tea at Lil Maggies & the Secret Barn, North Muskham, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 6HU, United Kingdom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to safely forage for plants and make simple remedies from them? Join Hannah Sylvester, Medical Herbalist, for a gentle, enlightening morning stroll along the pathway beside the River Trent, to learn how to identify, and safely and ethically forage for wild plants.
After riverside herbal forage, you’ll take your collected plants back to ‘Tea at Lil Maggies’, where you’ll create your own remedies to take home, using simple kitchen ingredients as part of the process. You’ll also make and share a herbal infusion, plus your own blend of herbal tea bags to take home.
A gentle and inspiring morning to deepen your connection with nature. Tickets include the workshop and lunch at ‘Tea at Lil Maggies’ and Secret Barn in North Muskham. To book, please email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk, indicating any dietary requirements you have.

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.

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.

Beyond the Blue - Dear Emily
2026-07-09 10:30 - 23:30 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
An evocative and poignant collection of songs inspired by the timeless poetry of Emily Dickinson. Through original music, Beyond the Blue explores the themes we all know so well: the ache of solitude, the power of hope and the courage it takes to be heard. This is a musical mirror and a letter for everyone who is still finding their voice, mixing storytelling with captivating songs.

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.

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.

Capybara Disco Dream with Frances Stickley
2026-07-10 09:30 - 10:15 | Learning Room, Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Bring your child along for a multi-sensory disco experience where we meet Colin, Frances Stickley’s latest character, and all of his friends and play a range of different music and movement games designed to shake out our sillies and wiggle our waggles away.
From the hip-hipping hippo to the boogying bear, you’ll all be dancing like you just don’t care.

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.

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.

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.

Becoming an Independent Author with J.A.C Beardmore
2026-07-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Discover the realities of going it alone in publishing in this interview with independently published and widely recognised author, J.A.C Beardmore (who’s been penning stories since the age of seven).
This session explores his journey to becoming an independent author and building a cult following in North America, alongside a look at This Way Lies Madness, the latest in the THUMBverse series, that blends horror, comedy and sharp satire. Interviewed by Alex Lewczuk.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
