Newark gets set to be transformed into giant playground tomorrow as part of Newark Creates project

A staycation summer is on the cards as Newark gets set to be transformed into a giant playground this weekend.

There are a host of activities on offer in Newark Castle and the Market Place from 10am to 3pm tomorrow.

The play day is organised by Newark Creates, a new initiative led by Newark Cultural Consortium to deliver activities across the town as part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme.

“We’re so excited to kick-start our extremely exciting programme of activity over the next three years with this fantastic summer event,” said Carol Newman, director of culture at Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries.

“It will be wonderful to see Newark’s streets bustling with colour and fun and offering a brilliant way for families to stay entertained close to home this year.”

The National Civil War Centre is holding a Historical It’s A Knock-Out in the morning at Newark Castle and the afternoon in the Market Place.

Visitors can build a castle out of giant blocks, joust on hobby horses, knock the head off King Charles I and shoot tennis balls from a cannon.

Newark Book Festival is helping to host a mini-market with other organisations where families can browse the stalls, visit a pop-up museum, have their faces painted and take part in some mini-beast crafts.

Children’s authors Troy Jenkinson and Sianna Stodd will be also attend.

There will be yoga with Peaceful Possums at Newark Castle. This yoga adventure for all the family will take participants on a deep dive in to the ocean for an under the sea adventure, as well as travel back to the time of the dinosaurs for a Daring Dino Trek using storytelling, imagination, music and playful yoga poses.

Bonkers The Clown will be around the Market Place, showing off skills like stilt walking, balloon modelling, unicycling and juggling.

This family play day is the first in a series of days to include pop-up dance events, a twilight festival and a Fun Palace in October.

For more information on the event and to keep up to date with Newark Creates’ upcoming activities, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/newarkcreatesuk.

The team are also looking for people to volunteer their skills at their October Fun Palace event. If you think you have something to offer, get in touch with Donna Hall at donna.hall@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk.