Newark Book Festival

An Interview with Joseph Knox
2024-07-13 11:15 - 12:15 UTC | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Launching his brand new title Imposter Syndrome, Bestseller Joseph Knox brings his scandalously entertaining true crime story to the Newark Town Hall Ballroom stage in an interview with Dr Tim Rideout.
Lynch, a burned out con-artist, arrives, broke, in London, trying not to dwell on the mistakes that got him there. When he bumps into Bobbie, a rehab-bound heiress – and when she briefly mistakes him for her missing brother – Lynch senses the opportunity, as well as the danger…
Hailed a ‘‘truly immersive: complex, disturbing, unexpectedly funny and very smart’ read by Laura Wilson, from The Guardian.
‘One of the most unafraid contemporary crime writers.’ – Helen Fields
‘You always get beautiful prose and a crackling plot from Mr Knox.’ – Imran Mahmood

Saving Hanno Reading & Workshop - Miriam Halahmy
2024-07-13 11:30 - 14:00 | Byron Room, Upstairs, Newark Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, NG24 1JY., United Kingdom
Join Miriam Halahmy’s beautiful interactive storytelling of a German Jewish boy who comes to London in 1939 on the Kindertransport and has to save his dog’s life.
This event is split into two: a reading of Miriam’s beautiful story, Saving Hanno, and after a short break, a writing, drama and discussion workshop – where everyone will be given a pet! Suitable for ages 7+.
Saving Hanno Reading
11.30am – 12.30pm
Bring a cash donation and pay what you can for the reading of Saving Hanno.
Writing, Drama & Discussion Workshop
1pm – 2pm

Play in an Inspiring way!
2024-07-13 12:00 - 16:00 | Newark Buttermarket, Inspire Buttermarket, First Floor, The Buttermarket, Middlegate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1AL, United Kingdom
Join the Inspire Learning and Music teams throughout the day and have a go at playing a musical instrument you’ve never tried before, create your own curious peg doll characters, make your own dressing-up props, and dress up for a sensational selfie in a giant, Inspire photo frame.
You’ll also have the chance to design your own mathematical game or puzzle with their Multiply team and try your hand at balloon modelling with the Joker entertainers, plus choose from bountiful book stalls filling the mezzanine floor.
Location: Inspire Buttermarket, First Floor (above Tambo Lounge)

Spies & Thrillers with Tammy Cohen & Nicci French
2024-07-13 13:30 - 14:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
A spies and thriller trio event bringing together internationally renowned authors and their latest chilling reads. Tammy Cohen will be introducing her film-inspiring action-thriller Argylle to the Newark Stage alongside her thriller The Wedding Party.
Argylle is a globe-trotting spy thriller that inspired the upcoming action blockbuster Argylle, featuring a star-studded cast including Henry Cavill, Dua Lipa, Sam Rockwell, Bryce Dallas Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, and John Cena, directed by Matthew Vaughn.
“Argylle is an excellent action-thriller.” – Jake Kerridge, The Sunday Telegraph
“The action never lets up for a moment.” – Geoffrey Wansell, Daily Mail
While the outstanding husband and wife writing team, Nicci French, share snippets of their latest bestseller Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?
When beautiful and vivacious Charlotte Salter fails to turn up to her husband Alec’s 50th birthday party, her kids are worried, but Alec is not. As the days pass and there’s still no word from Charlie, her daughter, Etty, and her sons, Niall, Paul and Ollie, all struggle to come to terms with her disappearance. How can anyone just vanish without a trace? She’s loved by all who meet her. But someone wants her gone . . .
‘I defy anyone to see the ending coming’ Cara Hunter, on The Unheard
‘Totally absorbing. Such great plotting and characters, but also so human and full of insights about ordinary life and relationships. That’s what always sets Nicci French’s work apart – it makes the narrative feel so real’ Sabine Durrant, on The Unheard
This event is brought together with a compelling interview by award-winning former journalist and author of All Of Us Are Broken, Fiona Cummins.
It’s been a long time since the Hardwicke family has been on holiday. But thirteen-year-old Galen has wanted to see the wild dolphins at Scotland’s Chanonry Point for as long as she can remember, and lone parent Christine is determined she gets her wish. No one deserves a break more than this family. But the much–needed trip is about to be interrupted…
‘An intelligent, different and moving novel about the causes and effects of brutality, with ravishingly described glimpses of the natural world.’ Literary Review

Teatime at Peggy’s: A Glimpse of Anglo-India. Clare Jenkins & Stephen McClarence
2024-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Enjoy a warm, humorous and evocative afternoon celebrating the eccentric, time-warped and fast-disappearing world of one of India’s most endangered communities. Travel writer Stephen McClarence and radio broadcaster (and former Newark Advertiser journalist) Clare Jenkins share their tales of visits to the Indian railway town Jhansi, and a glimpse of Anglo-India.
For 15 years, journalists Stephen and Clare made regular visits to Jhansi, the Indian railway town that inspired Bhowani Junction, John Masters’ classic 1954 tale of Anglo-Indian life during Partition. There they spent hours ‘down the rabbit hole’ with ‘Aunty Peggy’ – Peggy Cantem – and her colourful cast of friends.
In Peggy’s tiny, crowded ground-floor flat, they would reflect on Anglo-Indian life then and now: the dances (waltzes, foxtrot, jive), May Queen balls (Anglo-Indian women were famed for their beauty), and meals of Mulligatawny soup, toad-in-the-hole and ‘railway lamb curry’.
Those friends included the ladylike Gwen, Lambretta-riding Buddie, Cheryl with her ‘hotchpotch’ ancestry, Winston Churchill-reciting Pastor Rao, Peggy’s loyal maid May, her cook Sheela and auto-rickshaw driver Anish. Conversations covered Monsoon Toad Balls (to find ‘the most hideous-looking man’), moonlight picnics in the jungle, pet mongooses and the British Royal Family.
There are now only 30 Anglo-Indian families left in Jhansi, many officially below the poverty line. Their first language is English, they often dress Western-style and their homes could be in the 1950s Home Counties, were it not for the mounted tiger’s heads alongside the Sacred Heart fridge magnets; the aviaries of parakeets outside, the three plaster flying ducks inside; the pictures of Buckingham Palace embroidered on the antimacassars.
Teatime at Peggy’s, based on a half-hour Radio 4 programme – is an invaluable addition to the history and literature of this vanishing community.

Exploring the Universe with Fantastic Numbers
2024-07-13 14:45 - 15:45 | Byron Room, Upstairs, Newark Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, NG24 1JY., United Kingdom
Leading theoretical physicist Antonio Padilla and astrophysicist Emma Chapman take us on a cosmic tour of the subjects that inspired their popular science books and YouTube videos: the most extraordinary numbers in physics, and how they help us explore the universe in both time and space.

Olympic Moments with John Goodbody
2024-07-13 15:30 - 16:30 | Newark Town Hall, Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1DU
Dive into the thrilling world of the Olympics ahead of the Paris 2024 Summer Games with John Goodbody, award winning sports journalist at The Times and Sunday Times.
John will be sharing some of the iconic Olympic Moments featured in his latest publication and joining us on stage at Newark Town Hall during Newark Book Festival 2024.
The book itself, with striking, full-colour photography, rarely seen archival images and sensational reporting on the action, The Times Olympic Moments showcases the moments of heroism, triumph and controversy that continue to make the Games the centrepiece of the global sporting calendar. Featuring the most stunning records, fiercest rivalries and most dramatic upsets, these instants have changed the course of sporting history and captivated generations of fans along the way.
John Goodbody will talk through some of the 100 iconic moments from the history of the global sporting competition, including:
• Jesse Owens defies Nazi racism, Berlin, 1936
• The ‘blood in the water’ match, Melbourne, 1956
• Cassius Clay bursts onto the scene, Rome, 1960
• The ‘Fosbury flop’ revolutionises high jump, Mexico City, 1968
• Terror and tragedy as hostages killed, Munich, 1972
• Seb Coe vs Steve Ovett in middle-distance rivalry, Moscow, 1980
• Five in a row for Redgrave, Sydney, 2000
• Ennis the star of ‘Super Saturday’, London, 2012
• Simmonds surges to victory, London, 2012
• Phelps becomes the greatest Olympian, Rio de Janeiro, 2016
Interview by author Andrew Bannister.

Orenda Historical Fiction with Essie Fox & A.J. West
2024-07-13 16:00 - 17:00 | Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, National Civil War Centre, 14 Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
Two bewitching and bestselling fiction writers come together to share their latest historical titles in an Orenda Historical Fiction event chaired by Dr Tim Rideout.
Victorian gothic novelist Essie Fox will be introducing her “magical, macabre masterpiece” The Fascination.

Twin sisters Keziah and Tilly Lovell are identical in every way, except that Tilly hasn’t grown a single inch since she was five. Coerced into promoting their father’s quack elixir as they tour the country fairgrounds, at the age of fifteen the girls are sold to a mysterious Italian known as ‘Captain’.

“Makes skilful use of the tropes of Victorian gothic fiction… a story of society’s outsiders seeking acceptance and redemption ” – Sunday Times Book of the Month
“Brimming with Victorian wonders! ” – Sean Lusk

She will be joined on stage by A.J. West and his fiendishly clever novel The Betrayal of Thomas True set in Georgian London.

“Fierce, funny, and fabulous; this is an important and deeply moving story. Highly recommended” – Jonathan Harvey
“Heartbreaking, beautiful, lyrical … I was captivated” – Catriona Ward

Count Magnus - Two Ghost Stories by M R James
2024-07-13 19:30 - 21:10 | Palace Theatre, Palace Theatre, Appleton Gate, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 1JY
An unmissable evening at Newark’s Palace Theatre with an atmospheric performance based on the supernatural tales by Montague Rhodes James (1862 – 1936), the Master of the English Ghost Story, performed by Robert Lloyd Parry.
The ghost stories of M.R James amuse and terrify as powerfully today as when they were first written over a century ago. Nunkie Theatre Company brings two of these classic spinechillers to life, in this thrilling one-man show of the Count Magnus Ghost Stories.
In Count Magnus, a travel writer’s over-inquisitiveness leads to a diabolical chase from darkest Sweden to rural Essex. Denmark is the setting for Number 13, where a hotel room with the famously unlucky number, conceals a ghastly, baffling secret.
“At first they hear nothing at all. Then they hear someone scream, just as if the most inside part of his soul was twisted out of him.”

Morning News
2024-07-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Gannets Bistro, Gannets Bistro, 35 Castle Gate, Newark, NG24 1AZ, United Kingdom
Spend an hour debating the morning’s news over coffee and cake at Gannets Café. Richard and Mary, Festival Board Members and book and news lovers meet monthly to discuss topics from politics to current affairs.
This month, join the Morning News team during the festival dates on Sunday 14th July! This is a favourite regular fringe event for Newark Book Festival locals and all are welcome to join in the debates.
To book your space at the upcoming Morning News events, please email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk.

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!

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.
