Dates for Newark Festival could be moved under new plans to improve the event
Next year’s Newark Festival could be moved from mid-June to the August Bank Holiday weekend under plans to improve the event.
As part of the changes due to be considered by Newark Town Council on Wednesday night, the free family fun day — traditionally held on the Sunday — would be incorporated into the annual Brass Explosion.
Uncertainty surrounds the festival after next year — the final year of the contract signed by the town council with organisers LHG Live.
Members of the council’s finance and policy committee were last night due to debate a recommendation to approve moving the festival to August.
The council asked for a review of the event — which attracts thousands of people — with a view to axing it.
They are considering withdrawing their £60,000 contribution due to poor attendance, particularly on the free Sunday family fun day, and have concern the prices were expensive for the calibre of acts, which have included Marti Pellow, Madness, The Human League and Boyzone.
The council dedicates £15,000 to the cost of entertainers on the Sunday, who have included Horrible Histories, with the remaining £45,000 to support Friday and Saturday events, and pay for the infrastructure to stay in place for the Sunday.
In his report to last night’s meeting, town clerk Alan Mellor said: “The existing contract is for a period of three years and will expire in September 2021.
“There is provision for early termination prior to this date with 12 weeks notice being given on an annual basis before the anniversary date in September each year, from either party.
“This means Newark Festival for 2020 will proceed and the council will need to give notice before June 2020 if they wish to withdraw the contract for 2021.
“I have now met with LHG and advised them of the of the council’s wish to review the current agreement.”
The Brass Explosion is the finale of summer Sunday brass band concerts in the grounds of Newark Castle that culminates on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The format is similar to Swing in the Park, which rounds off festival weekend after the family fun day.
Newark Festival attracts more than 15,000 festival-goers and tourists across the weekend.
This year’s Saturday night was headlined by Razorlight, supported by Lightning Seeds and The Feeling while the Friday night was given over to drum and bass DJs Sigma.
Changes to the format have been made over the years in an effort to turn a profit, such as opening the gates earlier on the Saturday, dispensing with the traditional Friday tribute act line-up, and changing the layout of the festival site on Riverside Park.
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