Fabulous line up for Newark Book Festival

Newark Book Festival returns with treats for all ages from 7th – 10th July.

The Festival delves into the wonderful world of music and writing, with West End stars, Beatles biographers and classical music superstars, showcasing the best of Nottinghamshire talent and highlighting the region’s literary history alongside award winning authors.

This year Nottinghamshire’s Cathy Bramley tells us about her latest feel-good read; BBC broadcaster and producer John Holmes MBE brings stories from his life on radio and TV; and Newark writer Louise Blyth shares her very own story of grief and gratitude.

Local historian Kevin Winter leads two Heritage Literary Walks – a chance to explore Newark’s historic town centre and Sconce and Devon Park with time to reflect, write and draw.
There are events for all ages but younger bookworms are certainly never far from the heart of the annual festival. Preschoolers are invited to join author Jonathan Emmett at the Beanblock Café on the Friday afternoon (8th July) to discover the amazing inhabitants of Alphabet Street.

And Emmet is back to help get the weekend festivities underway introducing his latest title, The Book Family Robinson, to Newark Library visitors on Saturday 9th July. The Beaumond Gardens venue will also be introducing this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, which has a Gadgeteers theme for 2022, and hosting stories and music with author Addy Farmer and soundLINCS. Elsewhere in the town Under the Bed Theatre will be performing outdoor story times at St Mary Magdalene Church Gardens, Special Delivery puppet theatre will take place in the Market Place and mini readers are invited to dress as their favourite book characters to take a riverboat cruise on the Trent with storyteller Gareth Baker.
And what better backdrop can there be to host children’s literature events than Newark’s own fairytale castle? The 12th century monument will become the site for the festival’s Storyland on Sunday 10th July where lots of free family fun can be found. Readings and craft from authors including Gareth Baker and Vicky Kuhn, The Faraway Tree craft workshops with Nottinghamshire artist Kerry O’Brien, family yoga sessions, a trail and the chance to compete at Ferdle – a real world version the virtual Wordle – will all be taking place in front of the historic stone walls.

Young Castle goers can also collect an activity book from the Festival Stall to complete their Discover in a Day Arts Award.

And everyone is invited to visit 12ft tall George the Dragon and have a go at operating his handles – but the festival team are keeping him well away from what remains of the castle walls and showing him off in the Market Place instead where festival goers will also be able to find more children’s books to buy at the Literature Village and a performance programme and crafts.

But if it’s smaller four-legged creature fun you’d prefer then don’t miss the dogtastic detective escapades on offer from Indiana Bones and the Lost Library author Harry Heape just around the corner at the Tudor Hall. Will they find the Avenger’s lost treasure or will the slippery Serpent or stinky Ringo thwart their every move? You’ll have to book your tickets to find out!

To view the full programme and to book tickets visit www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk. Tickets are also available via Newark Palace Theatre. Call 01636 655755 or visit www.palacenewarktickets.com to book.

Published June 2022