FESTIVAL SPIRIT

AFter all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over as Newark gets set for its big festival weekend. Despite some early grumblings over ticket discounts depending on the buyer’s address, the event is without doubt a great opportunity to see first-class pop acts, headed by chart-toppers Scouting For Girls.

Organisers hope it will be the first of many such festivals, which will get bigger and better particularly with capacity at the Riverside Park now able to be increased to almost 10,000 people.

If the Saturday night music is not to your taste, there’s plenty of other things going on, including jazz performances, local food and drink stalls, family fun and entertainment, plus the Brass Explosion and fireworks finale.

Supporting local business is championed by retail leaders as a way to boost the economy in Newark and keep it a busy, thriving town.

Events such as the weekend’s festival are an extension of those efforts to ensure Newark remains a thriving community and sought-after destination for tourists.

The town council and Liz Hobbs Group may have been over-ambitious in their programme of events and only time will tell if the chosen acts and format will be crowd-pleasers.

Other places stage nationally-renowned festivals — so why not Newark? This weekend could be the start of something that can add yet another dimension to the town’s tourism appeal.

With the castle as the backdrop the stage is set for what should be a memorable weekend for many. If you have time to fill, why not show your support and get into the festival spirit?