Newark Book Festival

An evening with Sophie Hannah
2025-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
A crime thriller so gripping, you won’t see the twist coming…
If you love razor-sharp suspense, dark humour, and stories that keep you guessing until the very last line, this is an evening you won’t want to miss. Sophie Hannah’s crime novels have captivated millions worldwide, and now’s your chance to hear from the master of psychological twists herself.
Enjoy your Friday evening with Sophie Hannah at Newark Book Festival, in an interview with Dr. Tim Rideout.
What makes a family do the unthinkable? Could you ever justify the impossible? Sophie’s latest thriller takes that question to shocking new heights. And with reviews calling it “brilliant,” “audacious,” and “wry, ingenious” – you’ll want to get your hands on a copy before everyone’s talking about it.
Book signing included! Get your copy of No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done at the festival and have it signed by Sophie Hannah after the event.
Tickets are on sale now! Secure your seat at Newark’s Palace Theatre for an unforgettable night of crime, mystery, and storytelling magic.

Creating Characters
2025-07-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
What makes a character unforgettable? How do authors breathe life into the people who live on the page long after the book is closed?
Step into the heart of the storytelling process with bestselling authors Caroline James and Rowan Coleman, as they talk to Fee Mak about the art of character creation—how their fictional favourites are born, developed, and brought vividly to life.
From romance to historical drama, Caroline and Rowan craft characters who feel real, relatable, and impossible not to root for. Caroline James brings warmth and wit to every page, with her latest novel The Cruise Club offering onboard adventures and friendship in the most fabulous of settings. Her characters sparkle with humour, heart, and second chances.
Rowan Coleman, Sunday Times bestselling author and screenwriter, delivers emotionally rich, immersive fiction. Her latest novel Never Tear Us Apart is set on the beautiful yet dangerous island of Malta during WWII—a sweeping story of love, resilience, and destiny. Writing also as Bella Ellis, Rowan reimagines the Brontë sisters as sleuths in her clever and atmospheric Bronte Mysteries series.
Together, they’ll explore how characters shape a story, how they surprise even their creators, and why readers connect so deeply to fictional lives. With Fee Mak, BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter and bookstagrammer behind High Shelf Esteem, guiding the conversation, this event promises to be as lively and engaging as the characters themselves.
Expect laughter, insight, and plenty of inspiration—plus a book signing to follow.

The Best of Everything: Kit De Waal
2025-07-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
An engaging and heartfelt interview with acclaimed author Kit De Waal, as she discusses her moving new novel, The Best of Everything. This compelling contemporary story explores love, loss, unexpected motherhood, and the quiet courage it takes to care.
‘A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity’ – Bernardine Evaristo.
‘So deeply moving: sad and beautiful and true’ – Annie MacManus
Expect an intimate, thought-provoking author interview, conducted by Leanne Moden, filled with reflections on grief, resilience, and the different forms love can take.
Kit De Waal will be book signing after the event at the pop-up bookshop at Newark Town Hall, where you can buy your own copy too.

CAT Dungeons and Dragons Workshop
2025-07-11 13:30 - 16:00 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Join Game Master Lawrence Mahon and facilitator Via Macnab for a Dungeons & Dragons adventure, a Creativity Autistic Together event. Create characters, tell your story, and shape your destiny in a fun, neuro-inclusive, and imaginative workshop. Roll the dice and see where your choices take you!
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or new to the game, you’ll have the chance to create characters, forge alliances, and shape the unfolding story with your choices. Will you save the villagers, join forces with the dragon, or battle demons—both literal and figurative? Your path is yours to forge, but remember: every decision has consequences, and the dice will decide your fate!
This session is all about creativity, teamwork, and unleashing your imagination in a supportive, inclusive environment. Organised by Creatively Autistic Together CIC (CAT), this workshop is designed with neuro-inclusivity and accessible ways of working as its heart, ensuring everyone can join in, feel welcome, and have fun.
Gather your creativity, roll the dice, and get ready to dive into a fantastical adventure where the only limit is your imagination.

Island Spirit
2025-07-11 11:30 - 12:30 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Join Derby-based songwriting duo –vocalist Nina Blaszczyk and guitarist Phil Baggaley—for a spellbinding musical performance of their latest project, Island Spirit.
Known for their soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Nina and Phil combine fresh vocal emotion with seasoned musical craft to create a unique and moving live experience.
Island Spirit, based on a story by Tim Harvey, follows a young Polish woman who travels to a remote Scottish island in search of her roots. Taking a job at a local whisky distillery, she begins to unravel the story of her mother—and discovers secrets about the father she never knew. Told through original songs and narrative, the show explores themes of family, belonging, identity, and the powerful pull of the past.
This special Edinburgh Fringe preview offers an intimate first look at the musical’s stunning blend of storytelling and song. Between the evocative lyrics and rich acoustic sound, listeners are transported to windswept coastlines, hidden histories, and emotional revelations. With musical influences drawn from Scottish folk traditions, Island Spirit is both grounded in place and universal in feeling.
Returning to Newark Book Festival, Beyond the Blue present a deeply human story with haunting melodies and lyrical beauty. A must-see for fans of folk, acoustic music, and poignant tales well told.

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!

Deadly Secrets and Dystopian Fears
2025-07-11 10:15 - 11:15 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Expect simmering tension, shocking revelations, and razor-sharp social commentary as two of Orenda Books’ most gripping voices in crime and speculative fiction—Eva Björg Ægisdóttir and Eve Smith—sit down with interviewer Dr Tim Rideout for a chillingly compelling conversation.
With over a million copies sold worldwide, Eva Björg Ægisdóttir has been hailed as the Queen of Icelandic Suspense. Her latest standalone novel, Home Before Dark, is a haunting psychological thriller where long-buried secrets claw their way into the light. Set in 1960s Iceland, the story unravels the consequences of a teenage girl’s deception—one that sets in motion a dangerous chain of events where no one is truly safe.
Eve Smith, master of dystopian thrillers, introduces The Cure—a heart-pounding, speculative tale set in a near-future world obsessed with reversing ageing. When a scientific breakthrough is hijacked, society spirals into chaos, forcing one woman to risk everything to hide a discovery that could alter humanity forever. Eve’s work is known for its eerie plausibility, weaving real-world science with a terrifying glimpse of what could come next.
Both authors will discuss their writing processes, the dark themes they explore, and how their novels reflect the moral and societal dilemmas of our time. Expect a thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat conversation that blurs the lines between crime, psychological thriller, and dystopian fiction.

Do Lions Hate Haircuts: Storytime and Craft session
2025-07-11 09:30 - 10:30 | Newark Library Children’s Area, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW
Join children’s author Bethany Walker for a lively and laughter-filled morning inspired by her hilarious picture book, Do Lions Hate Haircuts? This fun and interactive event is perfect for little ones who love stories, silliness, and getting crafty!
Meet Leonard the Lion—an impeccably groomed feline with very strong opinions about his hair. In this engaging storytelling session, Bethany will bring Leonard’s tale to life, complete with audience interaction and plenty of giggles. Find out why Leonard is so fussy about his mane, and what happens when things go a little… wild at the hair salon!
After the story, get creative with a roaringly fun craft activity. Kids will design and collage their very own fabulous hairstyle for Leonard—will it be curly, spiky, stripy, rainbow-coloured, or something entirely unexpected? All materials will be provided, and children are encouraged to bring their imagination (and maybe a bit of sparkle too!).
Beautifully illustrated by Steph Laberis, Do Lions Hate Haircuts? is a joyful celebration of self-expression and the power of being yourself—perfect for children aged 3–7 and their grown-ups.
Spaces are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. We can’t wait to see your wild and wonderful lion styles!

The North Road - Rob Cowen
2025-07-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Hear about the unforgettable exploration of Britain’s 400-mile highway in an author interview with Rob Cowen and his novel The North Road.
A captivating evening with award-winning writer Rob Cowen, as he discusses his remarkable and genre-defying book, The North Road, in conversation with Dr Tim Rideout.
At the heart of The North Road lies one of Britain’s oldest and most iconic highways—the A1. Known historically as The Great North Road, this 400-mile stretch has been many things over the last two millennia: a Roman road, a pilgrim’s path, a coaching route, and a modern motorway. But in Cowen’s hands, it becomes something much more—a living, breathing thread that connects the country’s past, present, and possible futures.
Winding through time and memory, The North Road explores the layered history of the landscape and those who have walked it. Part memoir, part travelogue, part cultural history, the book is a deeply personal exploration of belonging, movement, and the stories we build upon the land. Cowen weaves tales of ancient wayfarers and modern travellers, myth and reality, asphalt and soil, offering a profound meditation on identity and place.
In this intimate author interview during Newark Book Festival, Rob Cowen will share insights into the inspiration, research, and writing process behind The North Road, as well as reflect on the emotional and intellectual journey he undertook to write it. Expect a conversation rich in history, storytelling, and the quiet power of landscape.
Whether you’re a fan of nature writing, interested in the hidden histories of Britain, or simply love a compelling human story grounded in place, this is an evening not to miss.
There will be a book signing at the end and copies of The North Road will be available to purchase on the night or before the event at Newark Book Festival’s book shop at the Town Hall.
A dazzlingly inventive work of literature’ – Robert Macfarlane
‘A wonderful, epic braiding of history, geography and personal memoir’ – James Rebanks
‘Stunning… It will stay with me.’ – Raynor Winn

Wine and Words
2025-07-10 15:30 - 18:00 | Gannets Bistro, Gannets Bistro, 35 Castle Gate, Newark, NG24 1AZ, United Kingdom
Enjoy an afternoon of wine and words at Newark Book Festival with local poets Fiona Theokritoff and Jane Wyles.
Book your tickets to one of the most popular Newark Book Festival events, Wine and Words – an early evening of poetry with Fiona and Jane.
You’ll hear their entertaining mix of poems, as well as some well-loved works, before adding your own words to the event poem.
Fiona and Jane launched Wine and Words in Newark in 2013 as part of the Nottingham Poetry Festival, and it has evolved into the regular and popular event it is today, with audience participation and their own unique poetry too.
Book your tickets by calling Fiona directly on 07553 928099. All tickets include a welcome glass of prosecco or soft drink, plus light refreshments throughout the event.
Held upstairs at Gannets Café, this venue unfortunately does not have step-free access.

From the Stars to Electric Cars
2025-07-10 13:30 - 15:00 | Inspire, Newark Buttermarket (upstairs)
Join local Newark poet and tutor Fiona Theokritoff at Inspire in the Buttermarket for a creative writing workshop themed on the wonders of the natural world.
Whether you’re picking up a pen for the first time or returning to writing with years of experience under your belt, this creative writing workshop is your invitation to connect with nature through words.
Led by local poet and experienced tutor Fiona Theokritoff, this inspiring session invites you to explore the beauty of the natural world and imagine sustainable futures—on the page and beyond.
Fiona’s From the Stars to Electric Cars workshop will guide you through a range writing exercises using visual prompts, poetry, and thought-provoking themes to spark your creativity. Bring a notebook, a pen, and your imagination.
This small group workshop offers a taste of Fiona’s upcoming course on the Inspire programme, launching in Autumn 2025. The full course will delve deeper into writing inspired by our environment and the urgent need to care for it—with weekly sessions designed to help you grow in confidence, develop your writing voice, and explore how creativity can contribute to conversations around climate, sustainability, and our relationship with the planet.
Whether you’re curious about writing poetry for the first time, seeking fresh inspiration, or interested in how the natural world can shape our stories, this relaxed and welcoming workshop will give you the tools to begin.
Come along to discover the joy of writing in community, and leave with new ideas, new words, and perhaps a new perspective on the world around you.

Grow, Play & Live with Luke Palmer
2025-07-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Carnegie and Branford Boase-shortlisted author and poet, Luke Palmer, is taking to the stage at Newark Book Festival in a powerful and inspiring book talk about his latest YA novel, Live—a stunning coming-of-age story that hits all the right notes.
A coming-of-age novel about music, friendship, and grief. Perfect for teens aged 13+, Luke’s book talk explores creativity, resilience, and what it means to grow up.
Set in the emotional whirlwind of Year Twelve, Live follows George, a passionate young musician who dreams of making it big with his band. But when tragedy strikes, George and his classmates are forced to face grief, friendship, and growing up in a story filled with heart, hope, and the healing power of music.
Perfect for readers who love the work of James Goodhand, Lisa Williamson, and Bali Rai, Live combines vivid storytelling with raw emotion and musical energy. The book also includes original song lyrics—and possibly even a playlist—bringing George’s world to life in an immersive, relatable way for young readers.
Luke Palmer, also an award-winning poet, will discuss his writing process, the themes of creativity and resilience that shape his work, and what it means to tell stories that help young people navigate life’s toughest moments.
This is a brilliant session for students, teachers, and home educators looking to spark discussion about friendship, ambition, grief, self-expression, and what it truly means to live.
FREE FOR SCHOOLS AND HOME EDUCATION COMMUNITY
EMAIL hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk to book your place

Your First Novel - Writing Workshop
2025-07-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Newark Library Meeting Room, Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, Newark, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Get the essential tools and confidence you need to begin your first novel in a writing workshop with The Coffeehouse Writer, Mandi Allen, during Newark Book Festival.
Shape your unique narrative voice in this 2-hour group writing workshop with creative exercises to help turn your abstract dream into a more refined work in progress, in a process that breaks the writing journey down into manageable steps.
Discover how to develop compelling ideas, craft memorable characters, and structure your story effectively, alongside learning how to navigate common first-draft challenges.
Scripting Master Mandi Allen brings her knowledge, wit and creativity to the workshop, learnt from her extensive experience of writing for plays, film, journalism, and even business!
In this workshop, you’ll gain the confidence, momentum and a set of concrete strategies to start writing your first novel from the moment you get home. Overcome the obstacles that prevent many aspiring novelists from finishing their manuscripts, and turn your novel into a workable reality.
Whether you’ve been contemplating writing a novel for years or just recently felt the creative urge to write, this workshop provides the perfect launching pad for your literary adventure.
Join Mandi Allen at Newark Book Festival this summer for her spark-inducing workshop to help you write your very first novel.

Fantasy and Adventure Panel
2025-07-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Step into a world of magical tattoos, time-stopping twins, glittering cities, and centuries-old secrets in this unforgettable event for young fantasy lovers. Acclaimed authors Michelle Harrison and Philippa Leathley take the stage for a spellbinding book talk and Q&A, exploring the power of storytelling, the joy of writing fantasy, and what it takes to create unforgettable adventures.
Philippa Leathley introduces her gripping new book Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo, the second in her magical middle-grade series. When Metty receives a fate-marking tattoo of a skull, her life changes forever. With danger lurking and her father missing, Metty must journey to New London to uncover the truth—and find out who she really is.
Michelle Harrison, bestselling author of A Pinch of Magic and The Thirteen Treasures, shares a first look at her brand new novel Twice Upon a Time—a deliciously twisty mystery about twin sisters who can stop time. What begins as a quiet holiday quickly turns into a time-bending investigation involving missing people, locked rooms, and family secrets.
In conversation with Kate Hancock, this event is packed with fantasy world-building, thrilling plot twists, and plenty of writerly wisdom to inspire young readers and budding authors alike.
Early copies of Michelle Harrison’s Twice Upon a Time will be available to purchase and sign on the day!
Ideal for students aged 8–13, this lively, magical event will leave imaginations racing and pens ready to write.
FREE FOR SCHOOL GROUPS AND HOME EDUCATED COMMUNITY
Contact hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk to book your tickets.

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 Art Exhibition
2024-07-20 10:00 - 2024-09-05 11:00 | Newark Library, Newark Library, Beaumond Gardens, Baldertongate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1UW, United Kingdom
Local Nottinghamshire schools have been busy designing their own poster creations of the Newark
Creates Wild in Art BookBenches – you can find these on display at Newark Library from 20th July – 5th September.
FREE

Reggie Houser Has The Power - Helen Rutter
2024-07-14 16:30 - 17:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Join us for the last festival event of the season at the National Civil War Centre, for a laugh-out-loud book talk and reading by Helen Rutter and her latest story, Reggie Houser Has The Power.
Learn all about Reggie, a boy with ADHD who goes on a mission to learn mind control. Will Reggie’s incredible talent solve all his problems or just get him into deep trouble? Interviewed by Kate Hancock.
Suitable for 8-12 year olds.

Red Side Story - Jasper Fforde
2024-07-14 14:45 - 15:45 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Jasper Fforde, the acclaimed SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER, invites you to imagine a world where your position in society depended on what bit of the colour spectrum you could see…
Red Side Story delves into the limitations of a society imposed on itself by itself, immovable dogma and the spirit of humans trying to love, survive and make sense of a world that makes no sense at all. Only it does, of course – you just have to look harder and forget everything you’ve ever been told.
Following the mishaps and adventures of Eddie and Jane, and the residents of East Carmine, as they navigate the Rules, finding loopholes and trying to avoid being sent to the Green Room. Expect an entertaining afternoon of meandering through the various absurd and surreal Ffordian worlds, as Jasper gives us a glimpse into his inventive and mischievous mind.

Historic Building Mythbusting - Dr James Wright
2024-07-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Go to any ancient building and there will be interesting, exciting, and romantic stories presented to the visitor. Uncovering folklore, history and archaeology, award-winning buildings archaeologist Dr James Wright introduces his new mythbusting publication centred around Historical Buildings.
Learn about the development of such myths and investigate the underlying truths behind them in this captivating talk at Newark Book Festival this summer at the National Civil War Centre.

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

How to Raise a Viking & Live Danishly – Helen Russell
2024-07-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a lot…
After a decade of living in Denmark and raising a family there, Helen Russell noticed that Scandinavian children are different from UK children back home. How to Raise a Viking gives a fascinating peek behind the cultural curtain of how the Nordic nations raise their kids.
Join Helen for a book talk at Newark Book Festival, as she takes to the stage at Newark Town Hall. Refreshingly funny and unfailingly optimistic about the new generation of humans growing up in the world right now, this is a heart-warming love letter to Russell’s adopted homeland and proof that we could all use a bit more Viking in our lives.
Interviewed by Dr Tim Rideout.

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

Confessions of a Teletubby - Nikky Smedley
2024-07-14 11:30 - 12:40 | Byron Room, Upstairs, Newark Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, NG24 1JY., United Kingdom
Tinky Winky, Dispy, LaaLaa, Po! The tune that many lates millenials grew up singing as they watched Teletubbies. And now, just as that generation reach their late 20s, LaaLaa is back! But maybe not quite as you remember the cute yellow character…
Dancer, singer, actor, writer and producer Nikky Smedley takes us on the journey of her fascinating career. Divulging the tales of how she went from creating shows about Quantum Physics to famously becoming LaaLaa from Teletubbies. Be warned, this is not a kids event!
A “hilarious, gossipy and nostalgic” one-woman stage show, with extracts from her memoir Over the Hills and Far Away. Join us at Palace Theatre during Newark Book Festival to hear more about Nikky Smedley’s fascinating story, and a hopeful appearance of LaaLaa herself!
Suitable for 16+
Please note: There will be some swearing in this performance.

Highway Cello: Kenneth Wilson
2024-07-14 11:30 - 12:30 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Kenneth Wilson straps his cello to the back of a fifty-year-old Dawes Galaxy bike, and cycles from Hadrian’s Wall to Rome, performing every day en route. Highway Cello is about the 1800 mile journey, and the music and the mishaps along the way.
This delightful storytelling performance of Highway Cello combines readings from his published book and live music. Taking place at the stunning Tudor Hall at the National Civil War Centre in Newark.
“A wry perspective, an edge to his bow. Arresting.” – The Cumberland and Westmorland Herald.
“An amazing performance, great poetry. Powerful stuff” – Richard Farncombe, Music in the Wood.
“Kenneth Wilson is a truly mellow cello fellow” – Steven Isserlis, CBE, Gramophone Hall of Fame.

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!

5-a-Side: Young Ambassadors VS Authors and Illustrators
2024-07-14 10:30 - 11:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Join us at Newark Town Hall for one of our festival favourites, 5-a-side!
Five authors and illustrators in the hot seat are quizzed about their work and careers by five of Newark Book Festival’s Young Ambassadors.
Featuring crime novelist Sarah Hilary, children’s author and Patron of Reading Gareth Baker, children’s book illustrator Momoko Abe, children’s fiction author James Nicol and fantasy and sci-fi author Wilf Morgan.
Chaired by Dr Tim Rideout.

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.

Play at the Castle
2024-07-14 10:00 - 16:00 | 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!)

Urban Canvas Word Art
2024-07-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Newark Market Place, Newark Royal Market, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Urban Canvas is bringing more interactive and live pavement art to the streets of Newark during the festival this year.
Following their visit to Newark for Rainbow Road, Historical Street Games and 3D Pavement Art in 2023, UK-based pavement artists Philip Battle and Catherine McMahon are back.
Find them at the Literature Village to discover what they are creating for Newark Book Festival and join in with some street art yourself.

New Uses for a Wand - Five Leaves New Poets
2024-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Newark Buttermarket, Inspire Buttermarket, First Floor, The Buttermarket, Middlegate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1AL, United Kingdom
Fiona Theokritoff’s book New Uses for a Wand is one of two new titles joining the Five Leaves New Poets series this summer.
The poems highlight how we grow and transform ourselves in life, whatever happens to us. Enjoy hearing Fiona share poems about making pots and maps, even blackberry vinegar at Newark’s Inspire Buttermarket.
Fiona is joined by three other poets from the series, who will also read: Nathan Fidler, Julie Burke and Teresa Forrest. A feast of poetry from Five Leaves!
