Festival of Creativity — Newark’s Narnia — saw hundreds of families across venues in Newark

Hundreds of families took part in a ‘true celebration of curiosity, creativity and community’ as a town centre’s annual festival came alive.

The Festival of Creativity — Newark’s Narnia — took place on Saturday (October 4), with a range of free family-friendly activities.

The annual event was inspired by the charm of Narnia and the warmth of Hugge, which is a Danish and Norwegian word that describes a cosy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality.

From enchanted kitchens and mythical storytelling to whimsical performances and hands-on workshops, every corner of Newark came alive with inspiration.

Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts, said: "Newark’s Narnia was nothing short of magical. On Saturday, our town was transformed into a wonderland for the annual Festival of Creativity, welcoming hundreds of families to venues across the town centre.

“From stepping through a wardrobe into a storytelling attic at the National Civil War Centre, to crafting mythical creatures at the YMCA and exploring the White Witch’s palace in the Town Hall ballroom, the day was filled with free, playful activities that sparked imagination and joy.

“It was a true celebration of curiosity, creativity and community, showing how the arts can bring people together and turn familiar places into something truly extraordinary.”

The festival is part of the Newark Creates cultural programme and has been supported by Newark Heart through the Newark Towns Fund, as well as UK Arts Council.

Newark Creates organised it in partnership with Newark Town Council and Inspire.

Newark Art Gallery on Kirkgate hosted a drop-in for arts and crafts inspiration, including Shimmer and Shine Bookbench artist Carla Dee, with have a go hand-spinning and weaving and the Storybook Emporium taking place at Newark Library, along with Lego building.

Les Reid of Newark’s Heritage Barge taught people how to tie a range of knots.

Also at the library, Rhubarb Theatre did three fun shows, making sure that, despite the windy day, everyone was in good spirits.

Sara Bullimore, the event’s project manager said: “Venues, artists and audiences alike helped to celebrate autumn in style with Hygge vibes and diving deep into the realms of Narnia.

“The day was really busy and venues all had a range of storytelling, arts, crafts, activities and theatre available for families to take part in for free.

“It was wonderful watching everyone visit all of the venues making a day of it and making crafts, writing stories and simply having a wonderful time.

“The atmosphere was full of happiness and cosiness, which is just what all the organisers wished to achieve.”

The National Civil War Centre on Appletongate hosted a range of activities, from making a mini-Newark townscape inspired by gingerbread houses and autumnal games to crafting with recycling materials, a healthy eating stall and storytelling around the ‘campfire’ with storyteller Nicky Rafferty.

Bookbench artist Nicola Mills also led some creative art workshops at the Civil War Centre.

Newark Town Hall saw the community meet the White Witch as people drew and coloured their favourite foods, as well as creating a lavish banquet.

A Mythical Creature Art Workshop took place at the YMCA Community and Activity Village, where people got to design, draw and paint their very own Narnian creature and tell its story.

The YMCA Cafe and Newark Palace Theatre hosted the Enchanted Kitchen of Narnia, where families got to sample Turkish Delight handmade by young people in Newark.

Families also got to get creative by decorating marshmallows and taking part in the Design Your Own Hot Chocolate competition.

Holly Youd, youth engagement and programmes manager at YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said: “It was fantastic to see so many children head over to the YMCA Village and get stuck in, letting their imaginations run wild.

“We had over 50 young people, more than 140 including parents, take part in the art sessions in our Studio, creating some incredible mythical creatures.

“Kzena [Fougler, youth leader] and I spent four hours surrounded by creativity and colour. It was such a brilliant day.

“Being part of the Festival of Creativity means a lot to us; it’s a great way to show what YMCA is all about, inspiring young people and helping them discover their potential.”