Festival brings joy to thousands over the weekend
Thousands of people enjoyed the entertainment on Riverside Park at this years' Newark Festival.
Liz Doogan-Hobbs, of LHG Live said she felt the weekend had been a success.
"This year’s Newark Festival was a joy," she said. "More site improvements meant yet again an improved experience for everyone.
"The extended Water’s Edge Premier area was really well received and the introduction of a Golden Circle meant those wishing to get up close and personal with the artists were able to.
"Feedback from the artists about our amazing town and Riverside Park, with the views of the Castle, were lovely to hear and those of us who were there heard Marti Pellow praising the professional and welcoming delivery of the festival.
"For the team at Liz Hobbs Group to hear that makes it all worthwhile and as a town we can feel confident in spreading the word.
"Newark Festival is here with something for everyone."
The entertainment struck all the right chords with an appreciative crowd enjoying an electric evening of music on Saturday night.
The night was headlined by former Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow, who shone with a crowd-pleasing set, which stretched well over an hour in the setting sun.
Thousands of people packed into the festival, and were left delighted with a confident performance from Pellow, who delivered his songs with a self-assured swagger
Performances at the festival started earlier than ever before, at 1pm, with The Fizz the first act.
Limahl kept the Eighties theme alive and was followed by Go West and the brilliant Nick Heyward who provided a fitting summer sound to match the occasion with a number of impressive guitar riffs throughout.
Kim Wilde strutted around the stage with purpose to breathe new life into the early evening with a show full of sass.
Irish Rockers Hothouse Flowers were the penultimate act, and gave the spectators an opportunity to catch their breath with some soulful material.
Sunday saw the return of the free family fun day to Riverside Park and it proved as popular as ever.
Radio Newark and the Mayor of Newark, Tony Roberts, got proceedings under way.
Rhubarb Theatre Productions performed two shows — the Bookworm Show and the 3 Suitcases Show.
BBC Radio Nottingham’s Dean Jackson was there with BBC Introducing, which showcased new talent in the form of youngster Oliver Keane, and Don’t Forget Rupert, who are from the Newark area.
There was a Spitfire flypast.
The stage version of television’s Brainiac had the children marvelling at science.
Newark Amateur Operatic Society took to the stage, as did the Rockin Beats Party Band.
Sunday evening was Swing in the Park.
Newark duo Swing Nouveau got the evening’s entertainment going, followed by Tessa Smith and the Applejacks, the Vernon Sisters and Mr Swing’s Dance Orchestra.
The traditional fireworks finale brought the curtain down on another special weekend.
Friday night was Riverside Rocks with tributes to some of truly iconic bands.
The Who, The Stone Roses, The Rolling Stones and Queen were represented through — Who’s Next, The Ultimate Stone Roses, The Rollin’ Clones and Magic Queen.
For more reaction and to see yourself in the crowd read this weeks' Advertiser.
