Newark Market Place was flocked by hundreds of people for ‘Ignite: Fire, Flame and Frenzy’ organised by Newark Creates
Hundreds of people flocked to a town centre for an event filled with fire displays, live performances, and interactive activities.
The Ignite: Fire, Flame and Frenzy event, organised by Newark Creates saw Newark Market Place transformed into a spectacle of light and flame with shows, performances, activities and workshops on Saturday (March 1).
The free events saw light and fire shows as well as performances bring an evening full of entertainment dedicated to all ages, with family-friendly events.
Olivia Walton said: “It is amazing to see something like this come to Newark.
“We need more unique things like this and more things for families that are free, it is incredible that something of this size is free.”
The main attraction was Doctor Kronovator’s Fire Laboratory where visitors were able to explore the combination of fire and science in a family-friendly setting by helping to prepare flame and steam-powered contraptions, try their luck at a test of strength machine, and create chemical reactions.
There were complementary activities spread across the Market Place and surrounding streets, from a roaming LED hoop show to an acrobat that will spin, twist, and turn multiple hoops to create trails of light.
Plenty of shops across town, especially restaurants and coffee shops were open later than usual which helped not only entertain the people visiting the event but also the business sales.
“Absolutely superb, hands off to Sarah, the team, Newark Creates, Inspire, the Newark and Sherwood District Council who put the money in,” said David Moore.
He added: “It is brilliant, I have never seen so many people in the market square in March in forever.”
Sally Reed said: “It is something different so it is great and the fact that it brings people out is amazing.”
There were Living Lamp Posts on the streets surrounding the Market Place which were a big success for visitors as they were excitedly queueing for photos.
Clare Maydew, who was attending the event with her children said: “It is really good and interesting.
“I think is really something really good for the town and we have seen a lot of people that we know as we just got here.
“The children are a bit scared of the fire but it is really good fun and they should do it more often.”
A lot of people that the Newark Advertiser spoke to praised the event, highlighting the number of people attending the event on a cold evening of March, which was a ‘success for the town’.
Lucas Esteves, a visitor from Nottingham added: “It is very interesting, very family friendly. We see a lot of families with their children having a lot of fun, it is very engaging and fun.
“I think it is a good event to have because it brings a lot of life to the town and it is always good to see people enjoying themselves in Newark.”
The event was designed for all age groups, however, the fire activities, which were very engaging and family-friendly seemed to be the most popular event of the evening, with people queueing for over 20 minutes for the experience.
At Newark’s Civil War Centre there was a workshop where people could create their own puppets and designs which was full from beginning to end, with families sharing laughs and their creativity.
Sara Bullimore, of Newark Creates, Cultural Consortium said: “It is such a lovely atmosphere, there are so many people out here enjoying themselves and it’s just so lovely to see it come to life on a Saturday evening in March.
“We are here to hopefully celebrate the soon beginning of spring with friends and family and I hope that everyone is having such a great evening as it seems.”
