Traditions festival returns to Newark

The second Newark Traditions Festival takes place from tomorrow until Sunday.

There will be the chance to join in music and singing sessions in some of the town’s pubs; take part in a guitar workshop; learn Scottish country or morris dancing; and find out more about Newark’s history and the true story of the Rufford Park Poachers.

The festival begins tonight with sword dancers touring the pubs, and a singing session at the Castle Barge.

On Saturday there will be a display by 16 morris dance sides in the Market Place.

The castle gardens host singing by the mother and toddler group, Mi and Bambini, displays of spinning and weaving and craft activities for children, plus morris dancing.

On Saturday night there is singing with Hanging Johnny at Just Beer; a ceilidh in the Town Hall ballroom with local band Malt Whiskers and caller Chris Rose; and a concert in the Town Hall council chambers with singing duo Paul and Liz Davenport.

They will be supported by Vic Shepherd and John Bowden.

Sunday’s programme includes talks and dance workshops in the Town Hall; dance displays at the castle and in the Market Place; more singing in pubs; and a Scottish country dance in the Town Hall ballroom hosted by Newark Scottish Country Dance Society.

Tickets for the Saturday ceilidh are £5 on the door. All other events are free but donations are appreciated.

Full details can be found on the festival’s website at www.newarktraditions.org.uk and on Facebook and Twitter.