Open Doors Artist-in-Residence, poet Leanne Moden, is running free creative drop-in activities for children and families during the summer holidays.

Running on select Fridays, head over to the artist’s studio on the top floor of the National Civil War Centre to get crafty.

• Mini-Magazine Making Workshop – 7 and 28 August
• Paper Fortune Tellers – 4 August
• Funky Postcards – 21 August

Hoopla! is a fun-packed day of music, performance, puppetry, and art for children under four years old and their families.

Taking place at Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone on Saturday 15 August, Hoopla! runs from 10am – 3pm and is a chance for youngsters to:

• Explore The Delights, a colourful textile world
• Play with percussion instruments
• Get messy in our printmaking workshop
• Watch a caterpillar transform in The Butterfly, a brand-new puppet show, and more!

Hoopla! is free but booking is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Looking for an activity to keep children entertained over the summer holidays? Playhem is back at the National Civil War Centre from 28 July to 1 September, inviting visitors of all ages to get creative and let their imaginations run wild with giant building blocks.

Construct castles, towers, and incredible structures before exploring the museum’s galleries. The perfect mix of creativity, play and discovery, Playhem runs Tuesday to Saturday throughout the summer holidays, and entry is FREE for Newark and Sherwood residents!

Adventurers are invited to follow the Magic Faraway Tree Trail at the National Civil War Centre for the chance to win amazing prizes!

Running from 28 July to 1 September, the trail takes families on a magical journey through the museum, completing activities inspired by Enid Blyton’s beloved story. Every completed trail entry is entered into the draw, with a fantastic LEGO® Treehouse worth over £200 up for grabs, alongside family tickets to the Palace Theatre’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk and other exciting prizes.

It’s the perfect opportunity to add a little magic to your summer.

Join for Newark-on-Sea, where the town transforms into a vibrant urban beach packed with summer fun for all ages! Who says you need the coast for a beach day?

Enjoy your favourite seaside activities in Newark:

• Golden sand
• Deckchairs and beach vibes
• Live entertainment
• Family activities
• Delicious street food
• Sweet treats and summer favourites

📍 Newark Market Place
📅 1 – 16 August
⏰ 10am – 4pm

Join our Family Cooking: Summer Holidays sessions and build your child’s confidence in the kitchen while learning delicious new recipes together! You'll work alongside our friendly tutor to create a simple two-course meal – and best of all, it's completely FREE.

📍 Thursday 13 August
⏰ 10am–12pm - William Ghent Community Centre, NG24 3EB

📍 Friday 14 August
⏰ 10am–12pm - Abbey Road Community Centre, NG21 9LQ

📍 Friday 14 August
⏰ 1pm–3pm - The Green Community Centre, NG22 8QQ

Suitable for primary-aged children, but all are welcome.

📧 To book, email: familylearning@wnc.ac.uk

Spaces are limited, so book early!

If you need some advice or support about substance misuse or would like to access support with Change Grow Live (CGL), drop in for a chat. 

📅 First Thursday of every month  
📍1pm – 4pm - Boughton Community Hub, 34 Manvers View, Boughton

Looking to build your confidence in English and meet new people in a friendly, relaxed space? Come along to the free weekly Conversation Hub for people who speak English as a second language.

• Practice your conversation skills
• Enjoy a free drink
• Discover free English learning resources
• Meet new people in your community  

📅 Every Thursday from 2 – 3pm
📍Newark Library (Beaumond Gardens, Balderton Gate, NG24 1UW)

These are free drop-in sessions, no booking is required and everyone is welcome - just come along!

There is only one session left of the Heron Music Café!

Held at the Lifespring Church and Centre in New Ollerton, these free uplifting music mornings are filled with familiar tunes and friendly faces.

• Sing along to live performances from professional musicians
• Have a dance or tap your feet
• Enjoy free tea, coffee, and biscuits on arrival
• Relax with fellow music lovers in a warm, welcoming environment

📅 Friday 21 August, 10:30am – 12pm

All Heron Music Café events are dementia and disability-friendly.

Grab your bike and get ready, Extreme Wheels are at Southwell Skatepark on Thursday nights this summer!

📅 Thursdays, 6–8pm
Dates:
⭐ 13 August
⭐ 20 August
⭐ 27 August

Whether you're into BMX, scootering or skateboarding, come and join the fun!

⚠️ Important Information
• Bring your own BMX, scooter, skateboard and helmet.
• No e-bikes or e-scooters permitted.
• Open to ages 9+.
• Riders must be competent in skatepark riding and understand skatepark etiquette.
• Helmets are mandatory for all wheeled activities.
• Wear appropriate footwear — no crocs, sandals or open toe shoes.

No need to book, just turn up!

Join our fantastic Rangers, Simon and Isaac, this summer for lots of outdoor fun!

Activities will depend on what the weather brings but could include:

• Circus skills
• Nature crafts
• Outdoor skills

⏰ All sessions take place between 1pm – 3:30pm.

📍 Vicar Water Country Park – Tuesdays: 11 August, 18 August, 25 August
📍 Sconce and Devon Park – Thursdays: 13 August, 20 August, 27 August

Free to attend. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Follow the signs at Rumbles Cafe for the location on the day.

Musicwalks, a free musical experience for all ages, is back at Vicar Water Country Park in Clipstone!

• Join a friendly Musicwalks Sound Guide and search for musicians hidden in nature
• Or, take a map and explore the scenery at your own pace, while listening out for a variety of instruments
• Once discovered, musicians will play visitors a tune, sharing the joy of live music with everyone!

📅Tuesday 4 and Tuesday 18 August
⏰ Sessions run twice a day at 10:30am – 12:15pm and 1pm – 3pm

Musicwalks are suitable for children, as well as dementia and disability-friendly.

A powerful exhibition sharing stories of Holocaust rescue is coming to Newark, highlighting acts of courage and compassion by people who helped others during one of history’s darkest periods.

Between Life and Death: Stories of Rescue during the Holocaust pays tribute to ordinary people across Europe who risked imprisonment, deportation or death to help Jewish people facing persecution during the Second World War.

📍 Newark Town Hall
📅 28 August to 29 September

Join poet and Open Doors Artist-in-Residence Leanne Moden for a series of free, friendly creative writing workshops this August.

Exploring the hidden histories of the National Civil War Centre, this is a rare opportunity to get up close with the museum's collections and reflect on both personal and national histories through creative writing. Take a trip through history, write poems and stories, and have a grand old time! 

📍 National Civil War Centre
📅 Wednesdays at 1:30pm – 3:30pm: 5 August, 12 August, 19 August, 26 August

Workshops are suitable for people aged 18+ and no previous experience is necessary - just an interest in writing stories and poems!

From festivals and outdoor cinema to family activities, live music and cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Our What’s On website has recently been enhanced and is now located within our official tourism site, www.visitnewarkandsherwood.co.uk/events, making it easy to find what’s on, alongside places to stay, eat, shop and visit.

Event organisers can still submit listings free of charge via the relevant form on the site!

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