Seeking event support

A third day of summer bank holiday events could take place in Newark if organisations come forward to help.

Newark Town Council has agreed to two events, the Summer Picnic on Sunday August 24, and the Brass Explosion, on the following day, the bank holiday Monday.

Previously, both the picnic, a family fun day with arts and sports activities, and the Brass Explosion, featuring a brass band concert and fireworks display, took place on the August bank holiday Monday.

Both are free to attend and are at the Riverside Park.

This year, the environment and leisure committee has opted for the two-day format.

The town clerk, Mr Jim Hanrahan, said this was because staff had to work 16-hour days because of a volunteer shortage.

Another factor was that last year’s one-day event was affected by poor weather.

Having two days could mean that even if one day was bad the other might not be.

Last year’s event cost £12,300.

The committee also considered holding a third event on the Saturday, when marquees would already be in place.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has approved extra use of the Riverside Park.

Mr Hanrahan said the additional event would cost the town council another £1,000 for eight staff if it were to organise it. Staff would be paid £8 an hour, and overnight security guards would be needed.

He suggested organisations could be approached, and £1,000 in grants was available from Newark Town Partnership.

He suggested events linked to water, film screenings, music and sports were possibilities.

The committee chairman, Mr David Nixon, believed they should look to other organisations, such as Newark Business Club, to minimise the council’s contribution.

Mr Max Cope suggested officers approach suitable organisations. He did not think the council should organise a third day on their own.

Mrs Gill Dawn said they could approach British Waterways, who worked well with the district council to organise the Newark On Water Festival.