Our Story

About Newark Book Festival

Starting in 2017 as a two-day event that brought authors, illustrators and readers together, Newark Book Festival is now a firm favourite and a cultural highlight in the Market Town's annual calendar!

Read more about our story and how the festival has evolved.

Matt Haig at Newark Book Festival

Book One

Read more about the very first Newark Book Festival and how it all started back in 2017.

Chris Mould, Ben Mantle, Mark Chambers, Mary Haig at Newark Book Festival

Book Two

The 2018 Festival was a three-day affair with 59 produced events across 11 venues.

Gruffalo at Newark Library, Newark Book Festival

Book Three

Now a cultural highlight in Newark, Newark Book Festival expands even further in 2019 and launches a School's Programme.

Newark Book Festival Young Journalists filming Sara Bullimore, Artistic Director

Book Four

The 2020 adapted version of Newark Book Festival. Divided into re-imagined chapters across the year.

Newark Book Festival - Newark Market Place

Book Five

The first 4-day festival and a grand return to Newark opening the Palace Theatre stage after closure.

Partner Ambulance Robin Hood Street Theatre

Book Six

The 2022 Newark Book Festival was in full force, spreading the love of literature across the county.

Greatest Show Street Performance at Newark Book Festival 2023

Book Seven

We celebrated "Our World" as the theme in 2023 and welcomed 46 Young Ambassadors to the festival.

Rhubarb Theatre Newark Castle Children

Book Eight

In 2024 we celebrated the Power of Play.