History-inspired mystery event comes to Newark

Mind-boggling riddles and logic-solving challenges will test the brains of people in the streets of Newark.

Newark Mystery Events are hosting a live role-playing event inspired by interactive escape rooms on Saturday and Sunday.

Members of the public are being invited to become special agents to solve the mystery of a daylight robbery perpetrated on the mayor by Swift Nick Nevison, a highwayman active in the area during the 17th Century.

The event, lasting two to three hours, will act as a teaser for a proposed new escape room that could be coming to the town as early as next spring.

An escape room is an enclosed space with riddles and puzzles that must be solved within a set time limit in order for a person to escape.

Newark Mystery Events are working to secure a lease on premises within the town that would initially include one or two rooms for participants to solve.

Mr Nigel Catt, from the company, said it would be a good way to bring the history of Newark to the public’s attention in a different way.

“While we are still trying to finalise all of the details we thought we would take it outside and give Newark a taste of what we hope to offer,” he said.

“We hope participants will stop in some of the historic locations we have to appreciate the spaces and maybe have some refreshments as this is not a timed event.

“Being a family man I have found there isn’t a whole lot of things to do in Newark in terms of entertainment.

“In the past we have had to go to places like Nottingham and Lincoln and we want to provide something that brings more of a focus on Newark.

“One aspect we are focusing on, in particular, is how to use the vast history of Newark as an inspiration for the rooms.”

Mr Catt said he was grateful for the support of the National Civil War Centre, Newark Library and other businesses that had shown an interest in the venture.

The weekend event, which starts at 10am on both days, costs £10 for adults and is free for under-16s accompanied by an adult. To book a place visit www.letsxscape.co.uk

The starting location will be revealed to participants in an email before the event.