Mark Cocker
Vaseem Khan
Louie Stowell
Mike Gayle
Sarah Hilary Bookshop Band
Henry Normal Cathy Bramley
Welcome to the 7th edition of Newark Book Festival. We are delighted to welcome a fabulous range of authors, speakers, musicians, and artists to Newark for 2023. This year, we’re exploring the theme, Our World, from nature to gardens, eco-themed activities and shooting off into outer space. The festival will also feature your much-loved favourites including crime fiction, romance, and lots of fun stories for families and young people too.
We are excited to launch our Young Ambassadors Programme and continue to work with new partners and venues which we love. Our Literature Village keeps on growing so do book time off work and explore the wonderful delights of Newark this summer.
NBF is part of Newark’s Cultural Consortium and this summer we are working with the ADHD Foundation - The Neurodiversity Charity - Umbrella Project to present a vibrant display of art above our heads, and performances all summer. So, there’s an extra reason to visit Newark this year!
Special thanks to Arts Council England, Newark & Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Council, our sponsors, local businesses, venues, volunteers and Festival Friends.
Please do keep supporting the festival to ensure we are here in 2024. See you there!
Sara Bullimore Artistic Director
The Bookcase (Lowdham) will return with their brilliant festival bookstall. They’ll be in the Council Chambers at Newark Town Hall, so make sure you visit them throughout the festival, and pick up a signed book or two. The Bookcase will be running pop-up shops at author events for signings.
For 2023 we are working with Newark Town Council, The Polish Cultural Institute, London and Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature to share and celebrate creativity across our twinned towns. Look out for the exhibition of creative writing showcasing My World from our twinning partners’ schools.
“Spirit of Trent” gin is made by traditional copper pot distillation in small batches using specially selected botanicals combined only with pure water and alcohol. Newark Book Festival has partnered with Ray who will be providing a tasting experience at our Friday evening event and a Pop-Up Gin & Rum Bar in the Town Hall Ballroom events on Saturday afternoon. Spirit of Trent gin and rum will be available for sale at selected venues. www.spiritoftrent.com
Want to continue the conversation after the event? Use #NewarkBookFest Hashtag on social media or join us at the Prince Rupert (the Newark Book Festival pub) every evening!
Unless indicated by the event, all tickets are available from Newark Palace Theatre
The Box Office is open 10am-4pm, Tuesday (from May half-term) – Saturday. Many events have a limited capacity, so book early to avoid disappointment. If you have any questions, please do ask, we’re always happy to help. Please note that tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable, except in the event of a cancellation by the festival. If you have tested positive for Covid and are isolating please contact the theatre.
Latecomers will not be admitted. Most author events last 45-60 minutes, with book signings post-event. Look out for the Family Friendly Logo next to events!
Our Literature Village continues to grow with stalls open on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the festival. That’s four full days of wonderful local crafts, bookish organisations, authors and published books of all genres. Make sure you take time to visit and support the market, the more visitors, the more it grows. You will find the Festival Stall here where we’ll have our NBF merchandise, including teddies, pens, new tote bags and our brand-new Tiny Town Halls!
Want to keep up with the festival news? Join our mailing list www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk
If you’d like to support the festival, get special benefits, and ensure our work continues, you can become a Festival Friend. Annual membership starts at just £15, visit www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/friends for further information.
Aged 7-21, and love books, stories, and reading? Then sign up to be a Young Ambassador for Newark Book Festival. You’ll get free gifts, the chance to volunteer with the festival, and be part of our wonderful community! Being a Young Ambassador looks great on your CV too.
www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/get-involved/ young-ambassadors-programme/
For information on how to travel to Newark, where to park and where to stay please visit www.visitnewark.co.uk
Heritage Barge (open Sunday-Friday 8:30am-4pm; and Saturdays 8:30am-5pm)
Town Hall Museum (open Wednesday-Friday
10:30 am–1 pm; and Saturdays 10:30 am–3:30 pm)
National Civil War Centre (open Tuesday (from May half-term) -Saturday 10 am–5 pm)
Free entry for N&S residents.
We’re pleased to be continuing our Schools’ Programme, matching authors and schools for a series of talks and workshops. Our wonderful writers will meet pupils at Orchard School, North Clifton Primary, Lake View Primary, Muskham Primary, Lowe’s Wong Primary, John Blow Primary, Priory Pembroke Academy, Suthers School, Mount C of E Primary School, Priory Ruskin Academy, King’s C of E Primary Academy, and more. We also welcome back the Young Journalist Academy. Authors taking part include Paula Rawsthorne; Thomas Taylor; Darren Simpson; Gareth Baker; Bethany Walker; Paul Cookson; and Becky Goddard-Hill.
As well as our four-day July extravaganza, we’re also getting out and about across Newark and Sherwood this year. We have a host of fab pop-up events with authors, workshops, and all manner of literary japes. Miner2Major are supporting events in Edwinstowe and Bilsthorpe Heritage Museum.
Edwinstowe Book Festival Saturday 3rd June - Free
Bilsthorpe Book Festival Sunday 11th June - Free
Cat Asylum Brewery, Collingham Saturday 16th September
We also have a programme of events at the National Holocaust Centre and Museum, which you can find on our website:
www.newarkbookfestival.org.uk/the-national-holocaust-centre/
10th June; 17th June; and 24th June (10am - 12pm)
Inspire Buttermarket, Newark
£18.00 (OR FREE IF IN RECEIPT OF CERTAIN BENEFITS)
Over this three-day course, you’ll learn the ancient and fascinating art of bookbinding, and make your own books too. To find out more email learning@inspireculture.org.uk or call 01623 677200.
Above our Heads, Below our Feet: Exhibition
1st July - 31st July // Newark Library
FREE
Newark College students will be delving into the bookshelves, and sharing a selection of books that celebrate our natural world. This exhibition will feature a range of prose, poetry, and flash fiction, as well as visual representations of our world.
Join us ahead of the festival for online events with the lovely team from I am in Print. To book tickets visit our website or email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk to register your interest. Pre-order your books via us and collect a signed copy at the main Festival.
Celebrating People & Place
4pm-5pm // www.iaminprint.co.uk
£2
We have been working with our partners to create an event that highlights some of the best Polish authors and artists. This event will include Julia Fiedorczuk, a poet, author, translator, and lecturer in American literature at the University of Warsaw. Chaired by Hannah Tretharven, Nottingham City of Literature. Suitable for our friends & audiences everywhere.
6pm-7pm // www.iaminprint.co.uk
£2
8pm-9pm // www.iaminprint.co.uk
£2
Matson Taylor’s debut novel The Miseducation of Evie Epworth was the indie hit of 2020, selected for the Radio 2 Book Club and the Richard & Judy Book Club. Now, Evie is back in the 2nd novel. Ten years older but any wiser? Let’s head back to the summer of 1972 for this joyous and uplifting read. Interviewed by Leanne Moden.
Take 5 minutes out of your day, grab a coffee and join our team of readers to listen to and discuss their favourite books. FREE
Monday 3rd July 10am Starbucks, Market Place
Join Lynn Adams from Art Smart as she talks about books that have inspired her journey to become an illustrator.
Tuesday 4th July 10am Tambo Lounge, Buttermarket
Izabela Olendzki will be reading a selection of popular English favourites, such as the Gruffalo in Polish and other rhyming stories. There will be an opportunity to find out basic Polish words, discover Polish culture, ask questions and have a chat.
Wednesday 5th July 10am Tree: Meditation Room, Stodman Street
Join Isabelle Richards, Newark’s Heritage Action Zone Project Officer as she reads from and discusses her favourite Newark, heritage, and history themed books.
Wednesday 5th July 2pm Flossie & Boo, Market Place
Owner of Flossie & Boo Carly will be reading from her favourite book The Boy with Flowers in His Hair.
Thursday 6th July 10am Newark Eco Refill shop
Roz Watkins is the author of the acclaimed DI Meg Dalton series set in the Peak District. Her first book, The Devil’s Dice, was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger award and was The Times Crime Book of the Month. Her fourth novel, The Red House, is a standalone thriller set in swampy moorland in the north of Derbyshire. She lives with two demanding cats, and likes to walk by the sea, scouting out good murder locations. Interviewed by Sarah Ward.
Francesca Thorscott is one of our younger published writers and will read and chat about how she is inspired by the world around her to create her poems and mini novels.
This event is sponsored by Newark & Sherwood District Council
10am - 3:30pm // Newark Market Place
FREE
Located near the Town Hall, we present our literary themed stalls full of delights – with the chance to meet local authors, organisations, museums, booksellers, publishers, crafty artisans, and many, many more. Come say hello and listen out for music too!
10.30am - 11:30am // Neverland Books, Cartergate
FREE
Join Festival Board member Mary Haig at Neverland Books for a wonderful morning of stories. Suitable for ages 2-7 (and their grown-ups too).
10am - 11am // Newark Town Hall
FREE FOR SCHOOLS/HOME EDUCATORS
We’re thrilled to invite primary schools to this special Key Stage 1 author event featuring Aisha Bushby. Aisha’s debut novel, A Pocketful of Stars, was long listed for the Carnegie medal and her current book, A Flash of Fireflies is full of heart and a sprinkling of magic. This event is sponsored by East Midlands Energy Efficiency. Suitable for ages 5-7. Home educating? You’re welcome to join us!
To book email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk
Beckett-King
12pm - 1pm // Newark Town Hall
FREE FOR SCHOOLS/HOME EDUCATORS
Are you a keen detective in the making? Do you have a sharp eye for detail and a nose for hidden clues? Author and award-winning comedian Alasdair BeckettKing invites you to meet Montgomery Bonbon, the world’s finest detective. (And Bonnie Montgomery, his ten-year-old alter ego.) Find out how to walk, talk, and detect like a world-class sleuth, and discover mystery and adventure in the world of Montgomery Bonbon. Perfect for ages 8-12/Key Stage 2. Home educating? You’re welcome to join us. To book email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk
1:45pm - 2:45pm // Newark Town Hall
FREE FOR SCHOOLS/HOME EDUCATORS
We are pleased to welcome back Sara Barnard for our YA event. Sara is the author of Fragile Like Us; A Quiet Kind of Thunder; Goodbye, Perfect; and Destination Anywhere. She lives in Brighton, with her husband and their grumpy cat. She thinks sad books are good for the soul and happy books lift the heart. She hopes to write lots of books that do both. Suitable for ages 11-14/Key Stage 3. Home educating. You’re welcome to join us.
To book email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk
2:30pm - 3:30pm // Newark Library - Meeting Room
£7 / £4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Award-winning writer Peter Ross sets out to tell the stories of our most beautiful and under-appreciated churches and, through them, a story of Britain. Steeple Chasing is a song of praise, celebrating churches for their beauty and meaning, and for the tales they tell. Peter Ross is an Orwell journalism fellow. His writing has appeared in national newspapers and magazines in the UK and US. Interviewed by Hannah Trevarthen, Nottingham City of Literature.
7PM-8pm // Newark Town Hall
£10/£8 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Drawing on a lifetime’s close observation, Naturalist Mark Cocker explores swifts, the natural world, and our place within it, in his most ambitious and wide-ranging book to date. Drawing deeply on science, history, literature and a lifetime of close observation, One Midsummer’s Day is a dazzling and wide-ranging celebration of all life on Earth by one of our greatest nature writers. Interviewed by Jane Streeter, The Bookcase.
10:30am - 11:30am // Newark Library - Meeting Room
FREE FOR SCHOOLS/HOME EDUCATORS
Literature Village
10am - 3:30pm // Newark Market Place
FREE
Located near the Town Hall, we present stalls full of literary delights – with the chance to meet local authors, organisations, museums, booksellers, publishers, crafty artisans, and many, many more. Find the NBF Information stall here too.
10am - 11am // Beanblock Café (Events space)
£2 / ADULTS FREE BUT MUST BOOK
Join picture book author Gareth Peter, as he takes you on a journey through his colourful and inclusive stories. You may go to space, visit the dinosaurs, or even build a treehouse. Come along and join the fun.
Suitable for ages 0-6
10am - 11am // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Following the popular BBC series, gardener and author Phil McCann brings you the comprehensive guide to one of Europe’s largest and most ambitious gardening projects, the magnificent RHS Bridgewater. Phil is a gardening expert, and a frequent contributor to BBC Gardeners’ World and local gardening programmes on the radio. Join him to explore the rich history and dazzling beauty of the fifth RHS garden. A must for all gardeners!
Mary Auld is an award-winning writer of children’s books. How to Build an Orchestra inspires children to try music-making for themselves, by introducing them to the instruments of the orchestra. The Little Books of the Orchestra series looks in more depth at individual instruments. All the books are beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli introduced by conductor Sir Simon Rattle and come with a free soundtrack of music performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
To book email hello@newarkbookfestival.org.uk
Suitable for ages 6-8.
Families, Friendships & Summer with Cathy Bramley & Lucy Diamond
12:30pm - 1:30pm // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
We welcome back festival favourite and much-loved local literature champion Cathy Bramley with her new summer-filled book The Sunrise Sisterhood. Set in Salcombe, Devon this book is a slice of joyous escapism as well as an emotional drama about healing and the power of sisterhood. We are delighted that Cathy will be joined by best-selling author Lucy Diamond, to talk about her new book The Best Days of our Lives.
1pm - 2:30pm // Newark Library - Meeting Room
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Broken Instruments is a story of survival, made possible through the power of music. Through beautiful original songs, music and emotive storytelling, we hear the recollections of musician, violin-maker, and Holocaust survivor Ari Vander. This unique theatre experience was inspired by the book “Violins of Hope” and although told through the writings of an imagined character, it is based on true events. Limited capacity – early booking recommended.
2pm - 4pm // Tree, Stodman Street
£6 INCLUDING REFRESHMENTS
Want to develop your writing and explore ways to breathe sensory experiences into your stories? Why not join us in the calm oasis of Tree to stir the senses with Newark Creates Artist in Residence Nicky Rafferty. Props will be provided. Session includes a drink of your choice. Limited capacity.
3pm-4pm // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Join Bella Ellis (the award-winning Sunday Times bestseller Rowan Coleman) as she delights us with tales from her fabulous Bronte mystery novels. Mixing wild landscapes with literary heroes, and crime fiction, these fabulous stories will transport you back to the early 19th century. A Gift of Poison is the 4th in this popular series.
Interviewer Gerry Foley
7pm-9pm // Newark Town Hall
£12 / £10 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Join Mildred Freeman, The Lady Historian, to explore the wonderful and downright naughty history of glorious gin. Starting in the early 1100s and travelling through to our modern gin revolution allow Mildred to regale you with tales of bravery, plague, royalty, law, fuddled Georgians, and intoxicated sailors. (With one or two Music Hall songs thrown in for good measure!) Includes a Gin tasting experience and a tasting platter of nibbles. Thank you to our partners, Spirit of Trent Gin. Book early to avoid disappointment.
7pm-9pm (Please arrive at 6.30pm for 7pm start) // Grain @No.1, Castle Gate
£18 INC. ONE GLASS OF WINE PLUS NIBBLES
Grain @No. 1 again hosts this year’s Wine and Words Festival event. Local poets, Fiona Theokritoff and Jane Wyles, welcome you to a lively evening of their poetry, as well as others’ well-loved poems. Plus, the chance for everyone to contribute to an audience poem. The new book of best-loved Wine and Words poems will be on sale, celebrating the 10th birthday of Wine and Words. Limited capacity. Tickets available from Grain No. 1, 1-3 Castlegate Newark NG24 1AZ 01636 701877.
9:30am - 4pm // Newark Market Place FREE
Located near the Town Hall, there’ll be loads of literary inspiration, including local authors, organisations, museums, booksellers, publishers, crafty artisans, and many, many more. Also keep an eye out for some extra stalls as part of our family zone in Inspire Buttermarket.
Joanna Cannon, Will You Read This, Please?
10am - 11am // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Sunday Times bestselling author and ex-psychiatrist Joanna Cannon has edited a searingly honest collection of twelve real life stories of NHS mental health service users, co-written by twelve bestselling authors, including Tracy Chevalier, Catherine Cho and Kathryn Mannix. Containing moving stories from patients, covering everything from bipolar disorder to postpartum psychosis, and schizophrenia. Ex-psychiatrist, Joanna Cannon supports patients to tell their own stories in their own words. Interviewed by Tim Rideout.
Rhubarb Theatre: A Very Hungry Caterpillar
10am - 10:45am // 11:15am - 12noon // Newark Community Gardens FREE
Take a trip to the new community garden next to the library, and meet a very hungry caterpillar! Join Rhubarb Theatre for an interactive storytelling adventure, suitable for families with children of all ages.
10:30am - 11:30am // Library Meeting Room
Grace is a nine-year-old author, who was inspired by the Newark Book Festival to write her own story in 2022. Dogtopia was inspired by Sugar, her ball of furry love, who flew her to “Suggy Bug Land” and showed her all its wonderful secrets one holiday when she was missing her. The book is a beautifully illustrated guide to another multiverse for children, aged from early childhood to late primary, and dog lovers of all ages. Interviewed by Keziah Rideout.
Under the Bed Theatre: The Odd Fish
10:45am for 11am sail - 12.15pm // River Cruises (Behind Newark Castle)
£3 CHILDREN/ADULTS FREE BUT MUST BOOK TICKETS
Under The Bed Theatre invites you and your family on this storytelling underwater adventure. Inspired by The Odd Fish by Naomi Jones, this session is full of interactive moments and exciting musical numbers that will have you bob, bob, bobbing along. A wonderful story with an important environmental message. Free books included!
11.15am-12.15pm // Newark Library Children’s Area
FREE
To launch the Summer Reading Challenge, award-winning authorillustrator JARVIS and his friends Bear and Bird are off on a picnic adventure. In this interactive session, experience giggles, games, and storytelling from several of Jarvis’ picture book creations. You’ll also have the chance to draw your very own Bear and Bird characters and there might even be some prizes on offer!
Sponsored by Karrot Entertainment
11:30am - 12pm // 1pm - 1:30pm // Newark Market Place
FREE
Hurrah Hurray oh fabulous day, the Ugly Bugs Wingding has flown into town! Come into a magical miniature world to meet an array of enticing insects and colourful creatures on their way to an un-bee-lievable party! The Ugly Bugs Wingding is an entrancing short puppet show by Enter Edem, featuring beautiful puppets, musical big Ugly Bug, and a tale inspired by the fantastical book, The Butterflies Ball and Grasshoppers Feast.
Sponsored by Inspire Buttermarket
The joys and perils of creating older neurodiverse female characters with Lucy Atkins
11:30am - 12:30pm // Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, Appletongate £7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
From Vivian in The Night Visitor to Dee in Magpie Lane, and now Astrid, the ‘scatty’ 82-year-old heroine of her latest novel, Windmill Hill, Lucy Atkins has long been fascinated by what it is to be an undiagnosed older woman. Having raised three neurodiverse children, and with a rich family history of neurodiversity, this is a subject close to Lucy’s heart that lies at the very centre of her creative work. Interviewed by crime fiction author Sarah Ward.
12pm - 4pm // Inspire Buttermarket (Upstairs above Tambo) FREE
Drop in and join the Inspire team for some make and take activities including dragonfly, bee, butterfly and bookworm puppet-making and fun with ladybird spots. You’ll also meet the hilarious Mother Nature and her trusty sidekick Squirrel Walnutkins, who are on a mission to save the planet. A free, fun afternoon for families, all ages and abilities.
12pm - 12:45pm // St Mary Magdalene Church
A special organ recital given by Jeffrey Makinson, including the music of J.S.Bach, Mozart, Jongen, Saint-Saens and Vierne. Jeffrey Makinson is Organist and Assistant Director of Music at Lincoln Cathedral, and Music Director of Beverley Chamber Choir. He has worked extensively for the BBC, Radio 4 Daily Service, and contributed to television and radio shows such as ‘Songs of Praise’ and the Radio 4 ‘Pilgrimage to Rome’. A chance to hear a consummate musician in the beautiful calm surrounding of St Mary Magdalene Church.
Another great weekend in Newark. A big shout out to the Newark Book Festival team for organising another successful event. Thank you for all your hard work.
Festival Attendee, 2022
1pm - 2pm // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Travel around ‘Our World’ to experience a variety of places, times and perspectives with a panel of crime writers chaired by Nick Quantrill. Vaseem Khan takes us to post-colonial India with The Lost Man of Bombay, Steph Broadbribb explores contemporary America in Death at Paradise Palms whilst Tim Glister’s A Game of Deceit considers the murky world of espionage.
1:30pm - 2:30pm // St Mary Magdalene Church Gardens
FREE
Join Festival favourites Rhubarb Theatre for some eco-themed storytelling & crafts, suitable for all ages!
2pm-4pm // Newark Library - Meeting Room
Speak Easy is a youth-led spoken word collective for emerging poets aged 15-25yrs. Based at Nottingham Playhouse, the Speak Easy collective hosts a series of open mic nights throughout the year and performs across the region. Hear some of their latest work and join them for a super-welcoming open mic session afterwards. Supported by Writing East Midlands and Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature.
3pm - 4pm // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Two of our favourite types of crime fiction - Cosy Crime and Noir go headto-head in this friendly battle. Tom Mead is a highly acclaimed short-story writer, who brings us his stunning debut, an enthralling locked-room murder mystery inspired by crime fiction of the Golden Age, Death and the Conjuror is an international best-seller, and the sequel, The Murder Wheel, is coming in 2023. Luca Veste is the author of several police procedurals and standalone crime novels including The Bone Keeper and The Six. He hosts the Two Crime Writers and a Microphone podcast and is co-founder of the Locked In festival. His latest title, Trust in Me, is published in 2023. Interviewed by Tim Rideout.
7.30pm-8.45pm // Newark Palace Theatre, Appletongate
£12/£10 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Poet, screenwriter and all-round creative, Henry Normal tells Adrian Goldberg how his Nottingham roots have flavoured his artistic career. One of the brains behind Nottingham Poetry Festival and The Royle Family, Henry records a live edition of the Made in the Midlands podcast which features the region’s stars. Henry is a writer, poet, TV and film producer. He was born in St Ann’s in Nottingham and fell in love with writing after a teacher encouraged him to look for poetry in the lyrics of Bob Dylan and John Lennon. He published his first book of poems at nineteen. He’s toured with Pulp, published over twelve collections of poetry, and he co-wrote all your favourite comedy TV shows, including the Mrs Merton Show and The Royle Family. He’s written radio shows for BBC Radio 4 and, in June 2017, he was honoured with a special BAFTA for services to television.
The Newark Book Festival was one of the best I’ve ever attended. It is impeccably organised, has the most welcoming and friendliest of staff, and takes place in splendid venues. Everything about it felt right.
Festival Author, 2022
Thank you very much again, this has been a really worthwhile, inspiring, and well-organised experience for our students.
Long live the Newark Book Festival! Teacher, Schools Programme, 2022
Thank you and your team so much for a wonderful weekend! It was such a triumph of organisation and a weekend full of activities that suited everyone!
Festival Author, 2022
10am - 3:30pm // Newark Market Place
FREE
Join us as we take over Newark Market Place for the day, expect over 50 stalls, family fun and many surprises, including The Teenage Market. You’ll find a treasure trove of all things literary including crafts, books, poetry, authors and more. Don’t forget to visit the Festival Stall – last chance to pick up your festival goodies. As usual we are theming our Sunday around Our World – so expect a full programme of music, singing, dancing in the streets – including Scottish Country Dancing between 2-3.15pm, crafts and more.
Haig
10am - 11am // Gannets, Castle Gate
£10 INCLUDING DRINK & CAKE
Mary & Richard invite you to spend an hour debating the morning’s news over coffee and cake, in the beautiful surroundings of Gannets. Richard and Mary are Festival Board members, and they love debating politics and current affairs. This event marks the launch of a monthly NBF Morning News Event at Gannets (from September onwards).
Reading -
Cathy Grindrod
10am - 10.45am // Inspire
Buttermarket
FREE BUT MUST BOOK TICKET
Join poet Cathy who will read from her recent sixth collection, Surrender, and talk about her writing life. Surrender is about what we learn as we follow our own path through gain and loss; when to fight and when to surrender, and above all, how to be ourselves, to speak out for what we most believe in and to ensure we are heard.
Cathy Grindrod
11am-12.30pm // Inspire Buttermarket
£5
10am - 4:30pm // Newark Castle FREE
We’re looking forward to a Sunday filled with adventure. Not only will the Castle be filled with authors, free workshops, and street theatre, but you can also get crafty, and check out Barry’s Eco World trail too. Don’t forget free Arts Awards are back! Visit the NBF stall for info.
10.15am-11.15am // 11.45am-12.45pm
1.15am-2.15pm // 3pm-4.30pm
Street Theatre Performances 10.15am-10.30am
11.45am-12noon // 1.15pm-1.30pm
Join Rhubarb Theatre for a wonderland experience as you shrink into the gardens of the Queen of Hearts and find yourself amongst her large lawn games. Wonderland of Games is an interactive experience combining street theatre, family games, and weird and wonderful walkabout characters.
Get creative with reclaimed materials! Join the National Civil War Centre team getting crafty with a range of reclaimed materials to make some truly unique art.
Cathy will run a fun, friendly workshop. Participants will look at poems by other poets for inspiration, write their own pieces, and share and talk about the poems they create. Limited capacity
Join our Trail and collect your passport badge at the NBF stall as part of our Arts Award. Can you help Barry the Bookworm and find all the items as part of our Eco-world? Made by members of Newark’s community.
We welcome back our wonderful creative artists in residence who will be joining us to make some fabulous crafts at Newark, Bilsthorpe and Edwinstowe.
Head across the world with author Lia Ginno, and make your very own traditional mask. Take inspiration from different cultures and make masks, necklaces, and hair accessories to take home with you.
10.30AM-11.15am // 12 noon-12.45pm
Peaceful Possums Yoga is teaming up with NBF favourite children’s author Gareth Baker to bring you two exciting storytelling experiences. Fun for the whole family, we will use storytelling, imaginations, music, games, singing, dancing, and of course lots of playful yoga poses to bring stories to life. After all the action and excitement there will be a nice rest at the end for you all during a special relaxation time. Come along and join us for a fabulous family yoga session!
2:30pm - 4:30pm
Sit back and listen to Newark Town Council’s Summer in the Castle bandstand programme.
10:15am - 10:45am // 11:15am - 11:45am
12:30pm - 1pm // 1:30pm - 2pm // 2:30pm - 3pm //
3:30pm - 4pm // Palace Theatre Stage, Appletongate
£3 PER PERSON
Join StarLincs for an amazing tour of space and beyond. Enter our planetarium dome through the tunnel and prepare to be WOWed with a tour of our solar system and the night sky. Our skilled presenter will take you on a journey with words and images and transport you from the surface of the sun to the outer reaches of galaxies. Please note that our dome is fully accessible, but with some limitations – if you have additional access needs, please contact us to confirm. Limited capacity per showing
Sponsored by Newark & Sherwood District Council.
10:15am - 11:55am // Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, Appletongate FREE
The story of Irena Sendler, starring Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin as a social worker who was part of the Polish underground during World War II. She was arrested by the Nazis for saving the lives of nearly 2,500 Jewish children by smuggling them out of the Warsaw ghetto. This event is free, but you must book tickets in advance.
10:30am - 11:30am // Newark Town Hall
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Louise Beech joins us in conversation with Tim Rideout about her life in books. Louise’s latest thriller, End of Story, is set in a dystopia in which fiction has been banned by the government, writing novels is a crime and reading fairytales to children is punishable by law. Her memoir, Eighteen Seconds is a gripping memoir of horror and forgiveness that explores how family can be the best thing in your life, and the worst.
1pm - 2pm // Newark Town Hall
£7 / £4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Join our panel of four brilliant authors to talk about the process of writing, what it takes to be an author, and which genre is best! Featuring: crime & gothic fiction novelist Sarah Hilary (winner of the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year award); children’s author Thomas Taylor (author of the incredibly popular “Eerie-on-Sea’’ series of mystery books for younger readers); romance novelist Mike Gayle (Sunday Times bestselling author and winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Romantic Novelists’ Association) and historical non-fiction author, Sharon Bennett Connolly (Fellow of the Royal Historical Society) Interviewed by Tim Rideout.
2.30PM-3.30pm // Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre, Appletongate
£7/£4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
In her book First Light: Switching on Stars at the Dawn of Time, Emma offers a first-hand look at the immense telescopes of observational astronomy, which allow scientists to search for the echoes and footprints of stars from the past, and explains how the chaos of the Big Bang first began to yield to the order of galaxies, black holes and stars, kick-starting the pathway to planets, to comets, to moons, and to life itself. Emma is a Royal Society research fellow and fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. She is among the world’s leading researchers in search of the first stars to exist in our Universe, 13 billion years ago.
3pm - 4pm // Newark Town Hall
£7 / £4 FESTIVAL FRIENDS
Leslie Cavendish left school at 15 years old, without any artistic qualifications, and became a hairdresser, working for the iconic ‘60s hair stylist Vidal Sassoon. He styled the barnets of many famous clients, but none more famous than The Beatles. Leslie became part of the Fab Four’s inner circle, attending Beatles recording sessions and joining the band on the Magical Mystery Tour. Leslie was also in the building at 3 Saville Row for that famous roof-top concert. Expect stories galore and loads of fascinating insider secrets.
Interviewed by Nick Quantrill.
We are so grateful to you and the team for organising such an amazing literary Festival. It is a real highlight of the year!
Festival Author, 2022
4:30pm -5:30pm // Tudor Hall, National Civil War Centre
£4/£3 FESTIVAL FAMILY FRIENDS
Are you a fan of Norse myths? Have you ever wondered what Loki, the mischievous shape-shifter and cunning trickster god would be like if they were banished to Earth in the form of an eleven-year-old? Well, look no further – this is the event for you! Join author and Norse myth super fan Louie Stowell in this interactive event to hear all about her bestselling series Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to…, and discover how to draw Loki and even create your own Norse gods! Louie will be joined by our Festival favourite potty poet Chris White. Chris is an author, illustrator, and performance poet. His shows have been seen across the world in places such as in Dubai, China, The Congo, Vietnam, and NEWARK! Packed full of humour and cool facts, this event will be perfect for ages 9+ Chaired by Kate Hancock
7:30pm - 9:30pm // Palace Theatre
£12/£10 FESTIVAL FRIE1NDS
The Bookshop Band is the offspring of an artistic love-affair between two English folk singer-songwriters, and a multi-award-winning independent UK bookshop, Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights. The Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books, inspired by hundreds of authors from Shakespeare to Philip Pullman, and have released thirteen studio albums featuring many of the authors they have worked with. Join us for a fantastic finale celebration! This event is sponsored by Bookwise
The Neurodiversity Umbrella Project
17th May — 30th September
Newark Vegan and Ethical Market
20th May; 15th July; 16th September; 18th November
Newark Food & Drink & Steampunk Festival
27th May – 29th May
Newark Artisan and Craft Market
28th May; 25th June; 30th July; 4th August;
24th September; 29th October; and 26th November.
Edwinstowe Book Festival 3rd June
Bilsthorpe Book Festival 11th June
The Major Oak Woodland Festival
17th–18th June
Newark Armed Forces Day 18th June
Newark Creates presents Street Theatre from SO Festival 17th-18th June
Brass Band Concerts at Newark Castle
2nd; 9th; 16th; 23rd; 30th July and 6th; 13th and 20th August
Newark Traditions 21st July
Newark On Sea 4th – 13th August
Newark Festival 25th – 28th August
Heritage Open Days – Creativity Unwrapped
8th-17th September
Cat Asylum Brewery, Collingham –Book Festival Pop up 16th September
Newark’s Fun Palace 6-8th October
NBF Winter wonderland & Newark’s Steampunk & Dickensian Christmas Market
9th-10th December
We would like to thank all our sponsors, funders, Festival Friends, and lottery buyers for their support of the Newark Book Festival.
Children and Young Persons Sponsor Design Festival Bookseller
The programme is correct at the time of going to print. However, Newark Book Festival reserves the right to alter the programme or to substitute participants at events if circumstances make it necessary.
