Newark Town Council confirm that Newark Festival will return this August summer bank holiday weekend

A much-loved fixtures in a town’s summer events calendar is set to return, but will look a little different this year.

Newark Town Council have confirmed that the Newark Festival will make a triumphant return to the town over the late August bank holiday weekend, from August 24 to 26.

The news comes after doubts were raised earlier this year about whether or not the council would be able to afford to put on a festival this year, or make significant changes in order for it to go ahead.

The three day event will include a music stage in the grounds of Newark Castle on the Saturday and Sunday, as well as the ‘Newark Hustle’ on Saturday evening which will include some 60 musical acts from across the East Midlands performing in 11 venues in the town centre.

On the Bank holiday Monday, the Castle grounds will then play host to a Family Fun Day which will climax in the evening with the “Brass Explosion” finale after a day of brass band entertainment.

For the first time this final day will also be topped off by a new laser and fire show, instead of fireworks.

With the support of Newark Create and Newark and Sherwood District Council, the format of this year’s event will include a community stage on Saturday and Sunday followed by family activities and the Brass Band finale on the Monday.

Ian Harrison, one of the principle organisers, said: “This year’s festival will be different, the emphasis will be community.

“We are particularly keen to encourage and promote local talent, not just music but poetry, drama and dance, so if anyone with significant skills in these arts who might be starting out and wishes to join us and showcase our fabulously talented performers, then we would be pleased to hear from them”.

“Building on the success from the last two years, the “Newark Hustle” will provide for a fantastic trail around some superb pubs and other venues where there will be brilliant music. It promises to be a special weekend and one that Newark can be proud of.”

The organisers are particularly keen to include local acts and ask anyone interested in performing to get in touch with Ian Harrison by emails on ian.harrison@newark.gov.uk or by calling 017891 057812.

Further details will be released in the coming weeks.