Newark Book Festival hosts extra events for young bookworms

Children’s authors are set to visit Newark’s schools as Newark Book Festival aims to provide a bigger programme of events for youngsters.

This year’s theme, Home and Away, will be brought to life with tales from Newark and beyond, circus and carnival-themed entertainment at Newark Castle, seaside fun, Paddington Bear crafts, stories from the moon and back, plus The Greatest Show in the centre of Newark to launch the festival, which takes place from July12 to 14.

Festival organiser Sara Bullimore said: “We had an incredible turnout and response last year from local people and visitors from across the country. This year, we are building on that momentum to create a rich tapestry of events woven across the lovely town of Newark.

“We are partnering with more authors, local businesses and artists than ever before to make sure that happens.

“From lively performances and spectacular children’s authors to calming craft workshops and storytelling, the festival is set to be an incredible celebration of the concept of home and away ­— no matter what that means to each individual person.”

This year’s expanded children’s programme will see even more authors and workshops take place across the three-day event.

Peter And The Wolf is set to be performed at the popular Music For Market concert in the parish church, and an 8ft tall living fruit and vegetable man named Foojamaflip and his friend, Fred the gardener, will be sharing stories of the spring-time garden.

Meanwhile, Adambara and Zhim, an elephant and mouse duo, will tell the enchanting Indian Panchtantra tale of the Elephant and the Mouse in a puppet show for all ages. Both imaginative acts are the work of Lincoln-based theatre production company, Curious Creations.

The stories of people who have passed through Newark throughout history will be unpacked in a suitcase-themed show from Can Do Theatre at Newark Castle.

Roll Up, Roll Up tells the tales of the Ringling Bros. Circus, once billed as the greatest show on earth, which came to the town from America during its travels. Visitors of all ages can also take part in a circus skills workshop.

Craft workshops dedicated to Darkest Peru’s most famous bear will be available, and a panel highlighting the golden age of children’s literature will also give visitors a chance to hear more about the rise in popular fiction for younger audiences.

Helen Cresswell, the Nottinghamshire author who wrote more than a hundred children’s books including Moondial and The Bongleweed, will be one of many authors to be celebrated at the festival.

For the first time, Newark Book Festival will hit the road ahead of the event.

Popular authors Gareth Baker, Chris White, Ian Douglas, James Nicol and Thomas Taylor plus many more will be visiting schools to work with the children through writing and art workshops, readings and inspiring a love of books and reading to all.

Last year, more than 3,500 visitors come to the town as more than 30 authors, poets and illustrators hosted talks and workshops.

This year, the festival will take over 12 venues across three packed days, including Newark Parish Church and The Buttermarket for the first time.