Literature lovers flocked the town in support of this year’s Newark Book Festival which returned with plenty of stories to tell over four days.
From Thursday (July 11) until Sunday (July 14) more than 50 events suitable to all ages took place across the town.
From the literature village, featuring crafts, bookish organisations, authors and published books of all genres, the festival was considered a success.
Literature Village in Newark Market Place. Beetlejuice, Rhubarb Theatre
The cultural festival showcased more than just books and reading, focusing on sports, arts, heritage, music, word art, street theatre, and a town-wide murder mystery.
Sara Bullimore, the artistic director for the Newark Book Festival said: "The 2024 Newark Book Festival was a great success, with many of our audiences commenting that it was the best one ever, there was a great buzz about town, and we saw an increased number of people visiting our ticketed events.
“It was wonderful having schools involved in creating our Play at the Castle Enchanted Wood Trail and working with Newark Creates to launch the start of the BookBench trail.”
Author Jasper Fforde giving a talk on Red Side Story, in Newark Town Hall BallroomCastle Fun Day. James Clarke 6 of Farndon, trying archeryCastle Fun Day. Family YogaBookbench storytelling. Emma Oldham reading form her latest bookThe Book-Ends, Rhubarb Theatre, performance in Castle GroundsMusician, Kenneth Wilson giving a talk on his book, Highway CelloCastle Fun Day. L-R Gloria Beaton 6 and Olivia Beaton 9 of Newark, Hettie Dudley 9 of Southwell, Ruhi Raja 9 and Jaanvi Raja 11 of NewarkThe Book-Ends, Rhubarb Theatre, performance in Castle GroundsAuthor Jasper Fforde giving a talk on Red Side Story, in Newark Town Hall BallroomLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Beetlejuice, Rhubarb Theatre
Some of the highlights and most popular events included Michael Rosen, who discussed his latest work The Missing, a near sell-out performance at the Theatre on Thursday afternoon, following a sold-out event at Gannets on Creativity in Autism.
Other highlights and popular ones included Jack Cornish's The Lost Paths, MR James ghost stories, the Sunday Play at the Castle and the Young Ambassadors panel and their involvement in the festival.
Literature Village in Newark Market Place. Nicci Hindson dancing with her dog RoryLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Meg Kelly with Wayne Kelly, autor of Safe HandsLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Nicci Hindson dancing with her dog MyloLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Sally Dawes of Newark, author of The Vine CrossLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Leslie Feore of London, author of Antonia's PumpkinLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Urban Canvas, word art workshop. Lucy Jackson of Newark with Barney 2Musician, Kenneth Wilson giving a talk on his book, Highway CelloLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Lauren Lock of Nottingham and Oskar McIntosh of Lincoln, stamping a bookmarkLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Beetlejuice, Rhubarb TheatreLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Nicci Hindson dancing with her dog ElsaLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. L-R Tina Hall and Siobhan Hall of Lincoln, with author, JL Robinson of Hibaldstow,Author Helen Russell being interviewed by Tim Rideout, in Newark Town Hall ballroomLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Urban Canvas, word art workshop.Literature Village in Newark Market Place. L-R Kay Cowling, Jan Robinson, Lisa Tatton, Stuart Tatton, James Sparrow and Spencer Tatton 7Literature Village in Newark Market Place.Confessions of a Teletubby, Nikky Smedley at Palace TheatreLiterature Village in Newark Market Place. Urban Canvas, word art workshop. Silvan McCormack 6 of NewarkConfessions of a Teletubby, Nikky Smedley at Palace TheatreLiterature Village at Newark Market PlaceCastle Fun Day. Darrell Regler and Lilly-RoseRegler 7 of Ollerton, crafting at The Story Emporium stallMusician, Kenneth Wilson giving a talk on his book, Highway CelloThe Book-Ends, Rhubarb Theatre, performance in Castle GroundsBookbench storytelling. Emma Oldham reading form her latest book. Pictured with her daughter, Arrietty Oldham 7Castle Fun Day. Tia Devonish and Lottie Devonish 6 of Newark, making a bench with lolly sticksCastle Fun Day. L-R Story teller Nicky Rafferty of Oxton, with Becky Clift, Edith Clift 3, Isaac Frost 3, Beth Scotney and George Mounser 6
This year’s festival also included The Newark BookBench trail which includes 11 benches spread across the town, each with a different theme – from history and heritage to personal stories and wildlife.
The benches have been created by artists from across the district and East Midlands through Newark Creates in conjunction with Wild In art, which is responsible for sculpture trails across the country.
Despite the book festival having ended, the benches will remain in place until September 5.
Plans for the Newark Book Festival 2025 will be reviewed over the summer.
Sara added: “Alike everyone else costs are increasing and finding matched funding is becoming ever increasingly hard, but we do all love the festival and know that all our lovely audiences too so watch this space! So do get in touch if you want to help out with supporting the festival to ensure we can continue."
