Looking ahead to Newark Christmas lights switch-on

One of the stars of Newark Festival is returning to the town to headline the entertainment at the Christmas lights switch-on.

Pianist and composer Okiem proved so popular during his Sunday festival slot in June that he was invited back.

Okiem will take to the stage just before the lights are switched on in Newark Market Place on Sunday, November 26.

The event line-up was revealed at a meeting of the town council’s finance and general purposes committee.

About 5,000 people attended the switch-on last year — a record attendance for the event in its current format.

This year’s entertainment starts at 11am, when the market and fun fair opens, and finishes on stage at about 5pm, although the fair is open until 5.30pm.

School choirs will perform for 30 minutes from 11am.

Those taking part are Mount Church of England primary, Christ Church, Lover’s Lane, William Gladstone, Coddington and Sir Donald Bailey.

They will be followed by Newark Town Band who are due to perform for 30 minutes from 11.40am.

'Okiem was the star'

The school choirs then return at 12.20pm, before Dance Mania, who won Newark’s Got Talent in 2014, appear for the first of two five-minute performances at 12.50pm.

Nottingham Indie rock band Don’t Forget Rupert appear for 20 minutes from 1pm. Dance Mania return at 1.35pm.

A rock choir will take to the stage at 1.50pm for a 20-minute performance, giving way to Big Stuff at 2.20pm and Celtic ceilidh band Govannen at 3pm.

From 3.35pm to 4.05pm it will be the turn of Uncovered, a rock and pop covers band from Nottingham, who will be followed by Okiem at 4.20pm.

Fireworks will accompany the lights switch-on, which will be carried out by the Mayor of Newark, Mrs Rita Crowe, at about 4.45pm.

Times and line-ups may be subject to change.

At 5.15pm, there is a carol service in the parish church.

Speaking at the finance committee meeting, Mr Mellor said: “For those of you who attended Newark Festival Sunday, Okiem was the star.

“He was really good and we are delighted to have been able to get him again.”

Mrs Crowe, a committee member, described him as brilliant.

All of Okiem’s music on his debut album, Xiro, is original and he has composed, recorded and mixed all of it himself.

To listen go to www.okiemofficial.com/