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Welcome to February's edition of
What's on in our District
Last year, many of you told us that local events and activities are one of the things you most want to hear about. To make it easier to find out what’s happening across Newark and Sherwood, we’ve created a dedicated monthly events newsletter.
What’s on in our district, sent on the first Friday of each month, brings you a round-up of upcoming events and activities right across the district. From family-friendly days out and community celebrations to exhibitions, performances and seasonal highlights, this is your go-to guide for planning the month ahead.
Thank you for sharing your feedback and helping shape our new email updates. We hope this new format makes it even easier to get involved in what’s happening locally.
Now, here's what's coming up in February:
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Ready for the Rebel Rangers Challenge?
From 13 February to 19 April, families can take on an interactive trail across six amazing attractions in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Each location features a different historical rebel and a simple, family‑friendly challenge to complete.
🌟 Why take part?
- Explore great local days out
- Learn fascinating stories
- Keep the family entertained
- Collect digital badges
- You could win a £1,000 Center Parcs voucher and other incredible prizes! 🎉
Visit all six attractions to become an official Rebel Ranger and join the prize draw.
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Family Saturdays at the National Civil War Centre
Head to the National Civil War Centre on the first Saturday of every month for Family Saturdays - a fantastic day out packed with hands‑on activities, creative fun and inspiring history! Families can dive into interactive games and trails, get crafty, explore our immersive galleries, dress up in replica costumes, and even handle replica objects. Plus, don’t miss our exciting Family Saturday EXTRA events, offering all the regular fun plus unique themed activities on these dates:
- 7 February – Cardboard Coronation
- 2 May – Country Beats & Dancing Feet
- 3 October – Festival of Creativity
- 5 December – St Nicholas Christmas
Free for all Newark and Sherwood residents.
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Explore the LEGO® Trail in Newark this spring!
From 14 February to 18 April, families can discover history in a whole new way with the National Civil War Centre’s brand‑new LEGO® Trail! Pick up a free trail sheet and set off on an exciting journey through both the National Civil War Centre and Newark Town Hall Museum and Art Gallery, searching for LEGO® Minifigures cleverly hidden among the exhibits. Each character links to a real story from Newark’s past, helping young explorers learn as they go.
Along the way, uncover fascinating artefacts, explore the galleries, and piece together the dramatic history of Newark during the British Civil Wars. Complete the trail at either venue and submit your sheet for the chance to WIN a LEGO® Natural History Museum set!
The trail continues through the Easter holidays, with prize entry closing on 18 April.
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Iconic Knife Angel sculpture set to visit Newark
We’re incredibly proud to announce that the iconic Knife Angel sculpture is coming to Newark town centre in April this year! This powerful monument, made from over 100,000 seized blades, stands as a moving symbol against violence and knife crime.
Together with We Are Newark and You Can Do Sport, we’ll be supporting a month of inspiring community events, educational activities, and meaningful conversations while the Knife Angel is here. The Sculpture is currently on a tour of more than 50 cities and towns around the UK, and will be in Newark from 21 April 2026 until 20 May 2026, with the exact location announced soon. Keep an eye out here for more updates!
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February Theatre Highlights
February brings a brilliant mix of live entertainment to the Palace Theatre, and these are our top picks for the month.
🌟 The Wonder of Stevie offers a soulful tribute packed with Motown favourites, perfect for music lovers.
🌟 Families can enjoy half‑term fun with The Sooty Show, full of magic, laughter, and classic characters.
🌟 For nostalgia fans, That’ll Be the Day returns with hits from the 50s-80s, blending music and comedy in a feel‑good evening.
🌟 K‑Pop Live brings stunning choreography, bold visuals, and the kind of “up, up, up” hype that’s made K‑pop a global phenomenon. With nods to chart‑topping groups and even the hit film K‑Pop: Demon Hunters, it’s a vibrant celebration that you’ll love!
Whether you're planning a night out, a family treat or a nostalgic trip through the decades, there’s a show for every taste this month.
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12 Objects in 12 Months
New for 2026, each month the National Civil War Centre is uncovering the hidden stories behind some of its extraordinary treasures in a captivating series of short films curated by its expert Civil War and Newark historians. From a mysterious Bellarmine jug once believed to ward off witchcraft, to the chilling scold’s bridle designed for punishment, and from a colossal mammoth tooth to Newark’s legendary Torc – these objects will surprise, fascinate, and challenge what you think you know about history.
January’s story is one of courage and ingenuity in the face of despair and tells the story of The Siege Piece. Watch the video here.
The Centre is free for Newark and Sherwood residents, so visit today to view more fascinating objects!
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Feel‑Good Mornings at The Heron Café
If you’re looking for a warm, welcoming place to lift your spirits this winter, The Heron Café is the perfect spot. Set in the cosy surroundings of the Lifespring Centre in Ollerton (NG22 9PP), these friendly, music‑filled mornings are designed to bring people together through song, conversation, and connection.
Enjoy free entry, complimentary tea and coffee, and live performances from talented local musicians. Whether you love to sing along, tap your feet or simply sit back and soak up the atmosphere, everyone is welcome — including those living with dementia or disabilities.
Upcoming sessions (10.30am – 12pm):
- Wednesday 4 February
- Friday 20 February
- Wednesday 4 March
- Friday 20 March
No booking needed, just drop in and enjoy a heart‑warming start to your day.
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Free February half-term photography walk
Are you looking for a fun, free family activity for the February half-term?
Vision West Nottinghamshire College are hosting a relaxed family photography walk, focusing on the local area and nature. This fun, hands-on activity is designed for parents and children to enjoy together while learning photography skills 📸
📅 Monday 16 February 2026, 1pm to 3pm
📍 Beaumont Walk Community Centre, Newark
You can sign-up for the walk by emailing familylearning@wnc.ac.uk
We hope to see you there!
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Get hands on with nature this February!
Looking for something fun and FREE to do this February? Come along to our parks Seedball Making Sessions and help support local pollinators!
🎨 Make your own wildflower seed bombs 🌱 Perfect for gardens, window boxes or plant pots 🙌 Drop‑in sessions, no booking needed 💚 Great for kids and adults alike!
📍 Sconce and Devon Park
Tue 17 Feb, 11am–1.30pm
📍 Vicar Water Country Park
Thu 19 Feb, 11am–1.30pm
Come get your hands muddy and help our wildlife thrive this spring!
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Keep up to date!
We have over 9,000 people signed up to our newsletters, so please share this newsletter with friends and family to ensure they stay up to date.
Each month we share important updates for residents, ways to get involved, and what's on!
They can also sign up to receive the newsletter here.
Missed any of our past newsletters? You can find them here.
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