Together with our friends at Nicholsons CharteredAccountants, we host the Newark Dining Network. Our next relaxed, food‑focused meetup takes place at Thai Sabai in the heart of Newark‑on‑Trent. These events are all about bringing local people together, supporting independent venues, and enjoying great food in a friendly, easy-going setting. If you enjoy trying new dishes or meeting new faces, this July gathering is a great one to join.
Newark-on-Trent is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed with festivals, fairs, shows, and family-friendly events. Whether you love literature, comedy, motors, or community celebrations, this year’s calendar is bursting with reasons to get out and explore. Here’s your snapshot of the vibrant events bringing Newark-on-Trent to life this year.
Friday 24 April – Sunday 26 April – Newark Showground bursts into colour with plants, garden accessories, expert demonstrations, and everything you need to refresh your outdoor space.
Saturday 25 April – Sunday 26 April – Running alongside the Garden Show, this canine celebration brings competitions, displays, workshops, and plenty of wagging tails to Newark Showground.
Saturday 23 May/ Saturday 10 October / Saturday 21 November – The Palace Theatre hosts three weekends of top‑tier comedy, featuring sharp wit, big laughs, and unforgettable performances from some of the UK’s best comedians.
Saturday 13 June– A much‑loved community tradition returns as hundreds of colourful rubber ducks race along the River Trent to raise funds for local causes. Simple, cheerful, and always a crowd‑pleaser.
Thursday 9 July – Sunday 12 July– A celebration of storytelling and imagination, featuring author talks, creative workshops, family activities, and themed events across Newark’s cultural venues.
Sunday 2 August– Land Rover fans unite at Newark Showground to explore vehicles, accessories, and off‑road inspiration. A brilliant day out for enthusiasts and families.
Sunday 13 September– Teams take to the River Trent in beautifully decorated boats for a thrilling day of racing, cheering, and community spirit. A late‑summer highlight for spectators and participants alike.
Saturday 3 October – Sunday 4 October – One of the Showground’s biggest annual events, showcasing impressive trucks, stunt displays, competitions, and family‑friendly entertainment.
Newark-on-Trent continues to shine as a town full of creativity, character, and community pride. With so many events to enjoy throughout 2026, there’s always something new to discover – whether you’re exploring with family, meeting friends, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Nestled on the banks of the River Trent, Newark-on-Trent is a charming market town steeped in history, brimming with character, and bursting with things to explore. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or just passing through, Newark offers a delightful blend of heritage, hospitality, and hidden gems. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit.
Things to See & Do
1. Newark Castle & Gardens Step into the past at the ruins of Newark Castle, where King John famously met his end in 1216. Wander through the beautifully maintained gardens and soak in views of the river – perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic with a view.
2. National Civil War Centre Newark played a pivotal role in the English Civil War, and this museum brings that turbulent era to life with immersive exhibits, HD cinema displays, and fascinating artifacts.
3. St Mary Magdalene Church Marvel at the fifth-tallest church spire in the UK and spot the cannonball hole left behind from the Civil War. It’s a striking piece of history right in the heart of town.
4. Newark Air Museum Newark Air Museum showcases over 70 aircrafts, including the iconic Vulcan bomber cockpit, with hands-on exhibits that bring aviation history to life.
5. Antique Shops & Market Square Lose yourself in Newark’s cobbled streets and browse antique shops, boutiques, and the bustling market square overlooked by the Georgian Town Hall.
Where to Eat
Gannets Café A cosy, independent café perfect for a relaxed breakfast or light lunch. Known for its homemade cakes, fresh salads, and hearty soups, Gannets also caters well to vegetarians and those seeking wholesome, locally sourced fare. The warm, welcoming vibe makes it a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Taylor’s An elegant dining spot offering a refined yet relaxed experience. Taylor’s is renowned for its seasonal menus, showcasing British classics with a modern twist. Whether you’re indulging in one of their popular pie or steak nights or enjoying a leisurely evening meal, the attentive service and stylish setting make it a standout.
Asha Asha delivers bold, authentic Indian flavours in a stylish, contemporary setting. With a menu spanning traditional curries, sizzling tandoori dishes, and vegetarian delights, it’s a go-to for both spice lovers and those after a comforting classic. The friendly staff and generous portions keep guests coming back.
Where to Drink
The Prince Rupert Step into history at this beautifully restored 15th-century pub, where timber beams and open fires meet a modern selection of craft ales and fine wines. The Prince Rupert boasts a lively courtyard, regular live music, and a menu of elevated pub classics – ideal for a relaxed evening with friends.
Loose Cannon A laid-back bar with a cool, industrial vibe, Loose Cannon is all about the drinks. With a rotating selection of craft beers, ciders, and creative cocktails, it’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy the buzz of Newark’s nightlife.
The Flying Circus Quirky, colourful, and full of character, The Flying Circus is a circus-themed pub with eclectic décor, craft beers, and a playful vibe that draws in locals and visitors alike. Regular live music adds to the fun, with everything from acoustic sets to lively bands keeping the atmosphere buzzing.
Where to Stay
Looking for the ideal place to stay in Newark-on-Trent? Our holiday lets offer comfort and convenience for every kind of visit.
Whether you’re into history, great food, or simply soaking up scenic views, Newark-on-Trent offers charm at every turn. Pack your curiosity – and maybe a camera – and let this market town surprise you.
On Friday 20th March 2026, the Big Newark Sleep Out returns to the YMCA Village in Newark – and you’re invited to be part of something powerful. For one night only, swap your bed for a sleeping bag under the stars and help raise vital funds to support young people facing homelessness in our community.
Hosted by YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust, this event brings together individuals, local businesses, and organisations with one shared mission: to create safe spaces, build confidence, and equip vulnerable young people with the life skills they need to thrive.
Why It Matters Right now, more than 354,000 people in England are without a home – and that number continues to rise. Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, at any time. The fear, uncertainty, and isolation that come with having nowhere safe to stay are unimaginable. Facing cold nights, unpredictable weather, and not always knowing where your next meal will come from – these are everyday realities for many. Through events like the Big Newark Sleep Out, we can come together and make a difference.
How You Can Help Whether you’re sleeping out, sponsoring a friend, or simply spreading the word, your support matters. Every contribution – big or small – helps change lives.
We can’t promise clear skies, but we can promise a night of connection, compassion, and community spirit. Let’s stand together – and sleep out – so others don’t have to.
Proceeds will be shared between Newark Emmaus Trust & YMCA Newark and Sherwood.
Newark-on-Trent is bursting with energy in 2025, offering a wide range of events that cater to every interest. From lively music festivals and vintage celebrations to family-friendly fairs and literary gatherings, the town has something special for everyone. This year’s line-up not only highlights Newark’s rich heritage but also its vibrant community spirit, making it the perfect destination to connect, celebrate, and explore. Let’s dive into the exciting events ahead!
Charity Events
Newark Duck Race(Sunday 22 Jun, 11:00): A cheerful community event where rubber ducks race along the River Trent to raise funds for local causes.
Community Festivals
Newark Dragon Boat Festival(Sun 14 Sep): Features thrilling team races in decorative boats, celebrating teamwork and charity.
Literature & Creativity
Newark Book Festival (Thu 10 Jul – Sun 13 Jul): A celebration of storytelling and literature, featuring authors, workshops, and book-themed activities. This event is taking place across multiple venues in Newark’s town centre. These include the Town Hall, Market Square, Civil War Centre, and the Palace Theatre, among others.
Vintage Charm
Kelham Hall Vintage Festival (Fri 11 Apr, 19:00–22:30): Immerse yourself in nostalgia at Kelham Hall with vintage clothing, crafts, and live entertainment.
Gardening & Pets
Newark Garden Show (Fri 25 Apr – Sun 27 Apr): A haven for green thumbs at Newark Showground, showcasing plants, garden accessories, and horticultural delights.
All About Dogs Show (Sat 26 Apr – Sun 27 Apr): Perfect for dog lovers, this show at Newark Showground features competitions, workshops, and fun activities.
Festival for Music Lovers
Newark Steampunk May Festival (Fri 23 May, 16:00–19:00): A quirky event at Newark Royal Market filled with steampunk fashion, music, and imaginative fun.
On the evening of March 7th, 2025, The Big Newark Sleep Out returned for another year, uniting the community for an incredible night of fundraising under the stars. This event aimed to support young homeless individuals, local businesses, and organisations in a shared mission to provide safe spaces, build confidence, and equip vulnerable young individuals with life skills.
Over fifty individuals braved the cold and joined in on this eye-opening experience. The night was filled with activities such as shelter building, a campfire, as well as a lively quiz. Despite the long hours and little sleep, the event left an impact on all who took part, and we were very lucky to have had a fairly mild and dry weather considering the time of year.
Daniel and Katie, representing Buttercross Estates, took very different approaches in their shelter building, as seen below, however both immersed themselves in this experience.
Daniel shared “I went simple with my setup this year, to really immerse myself within the experience as much as possible. It was a cold and uncomfortable with only a sleeping bag as a shelter, and I only managed to get a few hours of sleep. However, it gave me a small glimpse into the lives of those who face these challenges daily”.
Katie also shared her experience – “This year was the first time I joined the sleep out, myself and my daughter were supporting both Team Buttercross and Team YMCA. The evening totally surpassed our expectations! The weather was kind to us and we enjoyed building our shelter for the evening. The time flew by, spending time round the camp fire and racking our brains during the quiz and then settling down in our sleeping bags and thanking our lucky stars it was mild and dry. I have found myself reflecting on the evening a lot over the last couple of weeks when the temperature has dropped again and thinking of those who are unable to cosy up in a warm, dry house for the night. We will definitely be supporting the Big Newark Sleep Out in the future!! To anyone who is even slightly tempted to come along – do it!! Thank you to all the organisers; it was an incredible experience!!!”
Thank you to the individuals who took part and to everyone who donated to this cause. So far an incredible £11,907 has been raised, in which proceeds go towards the Newark Emmaus Trust and YMCA Newark and Sherwood, helping to make a real difference to the lives of young people. Donations remain open until the End of March, so there’s still time to contribute to this vital cause, and any donations are greatly appreciated.
Daniel’s Setup
Katie and Minnie’s Setup
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