Displays lure 1,000

The third annual Newark Day attracted more than 1,000 people on Sunday.

Town councillor Mr David Nixon suggested the idea when he was the Mayor of Newark because he wanted to give groups a chance to showcase their activities and encourage others to join.

Mr Nixon, now chairman of the town council’s environment and leisure committee, was pleased the event had continued.

“This day is all about showing exactly what goes on in Newark. It is great that so many clubs come along and show what they do,” he said.

“I feel we should be proud of what happens in Newark and we should be able to celebrate it.”

The whole of the Market Place was used for the event. Mr Nixon said it showed that the area was an ideal venue and hoped it could be used more in the future to make it a more vibrant place.

He was particularly impressed with the demonstrations in the arena.

The programme started with the Bujinkan Brian Dojo, who meet at the 6th Newark Sea Scout Headquarters at Farndon under the leadership of Mr Kiyth Fotitt.

They were followed by the Ice Diamond Cheerleaders, a display by Newark area gymnasts, a drill display by Newark Air Cadets, music from Newark Town Band and dancing by Kids and Co.

Mr Nixon said: “There was a great atmosphere and it was amazing how the children rose to the occasion and gave some super performances.”

Presenters from Newark radio station Boundary Sound compered the arena events.

The town clerk, Mr Jim Hanrahan, thought it had been the most successful Newark Day so far with a constant flow of visitors.