The Festival of Creativity at the National Civil War Centre!

Looking for a fun family day out? Head to the National Civil War Centre on Saturday 3 October for a special Family Saturday EXTRA!

Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, this museum-wide event is packed with opportunities to make, build, experiment and explore. Visitors can enjoy:

• Wizard of Oz-themed arts and crafts
• Drop-in artist-led workshops
• Live woodwork demonstrations
• Hands-on science activities and challenges
• All the popular Family Saturday activities

Suitable for any age the event runs from 10am to 4pm and is included with admission. Newark and Sherwood residents can enjoy FREE entry, and there's no need to book. Simply drop in and have fun!

Looking for ways to keep the family active and entertained this October half term? Active4Today has a packed programme of affordable activities.

Children can enjoy exciting kayaks, floats and rafts sessions in the pool, tackle the popular Air-X inflatable adventure park, or build confidence in the gym through Junior Fitness sessions.

You can watch a quick video on our YouTube video find out what Air-X is all about: Get to know Air-X

For parents looking for childcare and entertainment rolled into one, the Sports Camp offers a fun-filled mix of fitness suite activities, multi-skill games and swimming sessions for children aged 8 to 13.

There are also FREE Fun Swim and Family Sports sessions available, so book fast!

Head to Clipstone Village Hall this October half-term for two lively puppet shows filled with music, storytelling, and lovable animal characters.

First up is The Three Billy Pigs! Taking place on Wednesday 21 October, this hilarious performance blends two classic fairy tales: The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Next is Anansi and the Lost Sun on Wednesday 28 October! When darkness falls across the land, the animals must work to bring back the light. Who will succeed? The powerful eagle? The clever monkey? Or Anansi the spider and his friends?

There will be two performances per show, running from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. Every performance is followed by a free artist-led workshop, where youngsters can create their own puppet to take home.

The National Civil War Centre's latest talks programme offers an exciting mix of history, heritage, folklore and entertainment.

October’s highlights include:

• Tinker Fox and the Fight for the Midlands on 9 October
• Newark Castle: Past, Present and Future on 22 October
• Monster Mayhem! with Professor Edvard von Goosechaser on 23 October

Enjoy historical music performances, Tudor revelry, medieval medicine, royal scandal and comedy!

There’s a ghost in the museum, and the only way to fight it is with the power of poetry!

Led by performance poet Leanne Moden, this fun, storytelling show is inspired by the collections at the National Civil War Centre.

Running from 6:30pm to 8:30pm on Wednesday 14 October, this work-in-progress event showcases writers from our Hidden Histories workshop series.

Can poetry and short stories help Leanne escape the ghost’s clutches? Come along and find out!

There's something for everyone this October at the Palace Theatre Newark, with an exciting programme of live music, comedy, theatre and community performances. Whether you're looking for a fun night out, a family-friendly show or world-class entertainment close to home, this month's line-up has you covered.

• Sing along to favourite hits with tributes to Phil Collins, the Eagles and Burt Bacharach
• Enjoy laugh-out-loud comedy from Murder, She Didn't Write and The Comedy Store
• Experience West End magic with Beyond the Barricade
• Celebrate local creativity at Sounds of Newark
• Discover even more music, theatre and special events throughout the month

From chart-topping classics and Hollywood soundtracks to community performances and feel-good party nights, October promises unforgettable entertainment right here in Newark.

Join Imageskool at Sherwood Avenue Park on Saturday 31 October, from 10am to 2pm, for a free creative session.

🎨 Graffiti art project with Imageskool
🛡️ Visit the Community Protection Team's safety stall for advice and information
✅ Free, fun activity for local residents

Come along, get creative, and find out more about community safety services in your area.

Looking for free family fun during October half term? Join us at Vicar Water Country Park and Sconce and Devon Park for a range of outdoor activities designed to get children exploring, creating and connecting with nature.

🌼 Wildflower seed ball sessions
Make your own wildflower seed balls with our Environmental Officers and help support bees and other pollinators with colourful blooms next spring. Sessions take place from 9.30am to 11am on 20 and 27 October at Vicar Water Country Park and 22 and 29 October at Sconce and Devon Park.

🍁 Ranger drop-in activities
Join our Rangers for hands-on outdoor activities from 1pm to 3.30pm on 20 and 27 October at Vicar Water Country Park and 22 and 29 October at Sconce and Devon Park.

🔍 Autumn I Spy trail
From 17 October to 1 November, pick up a reusable I Spy card near Rumbles Café and see how many signs of autumn wildlife you can spot around the parks. 

All activities are free, no booking is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Active4Today’s new fitness and swim timetables have launched, packed with exciting classes to help you feel stronger, fitter and energised.

Try Active Pump at Blidworth, Core Conditioning at Dukeries or Active AquaDiscs at Newark. PLUS beginner-friendly free weights, with female only sessions, Aqua Fit for parents and children, Calisthenics strength training and more.

Check out the new class additions, find your new favourite and book today!

Are you part of a sports club, community group, or a coach or activity provider? 

Join the Parkinson’s and Physical Activity Training session to help create more inclusive opportunities for our community.

• Thursday 22 October
• 5pm to 7pm
• Led by Active4Today at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre

You’ll build the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to offer safe, welcoming and accessible activities for people living with Parkinson’s. Help these individuals to maintain independence, improve their wellbeing, and manage their symptoms.

Ride for Change has already raised more than £6,500 and there’s still time to help us reach our £10,000 target! Taking place at Active4Today's Newark Sports and Fitness Centre on Saturday 10 October, this epic indoor cycling challenge brings together eight energising sessions in one unforgettable day, with proceeds supporting British Heart Foundation and Stroke Association.

You can get behind the event by spreading the word, cheering on our riders, entering our prize draw or donating. Any help will push the total closer to the finish line.

Newark will join communities around the world in celebrating World Singing Day on Saturday 17 October with a fantastic programme of free music and singing events across the town.

The day includes:

• Singing workshops led by renowned choir leaders Rhona McGregor and Anna Tabbush
• A lunchtime singalong concert at St Mary Magdalene Church
• Live performances from talented musicians and singers across Newark
• A chance to sing with the Bingham Community Big Band at Café Nineteen20

There's no need to book and no tickets are required for any of the public events. Whether you'd like to sing along, enjoy the performances or simply soak up the atmosphere, everyone is welcome to take part in this joyful celebration of music, community and togetherness.

The Heron Music Café is back for Autumn/Winter 2026!

Taking place at the Lifespring Centre, New Ollerton, these free friendly music mornings are filled with familiar tunes and friendly faces.

Sing along to performances by professional musicians, have a dance, tap your feet, or just relax in a warm, welcoming setting.

Sessions run on alternate Fridays from 10:30am to 12pm. Every event is disability and dementia-friendly and booking is not required, just drop-in and join the fun!

This autumn, the Palace Theatre Newark is proud to partner with Sounds of Newark for a heartwarming celebration of community, creativity and local talent.

Bringing together performers of all ages and abilities from across Newark and the surrounding area, these special concerts showcase the power of music to connect people, build confidence and bring communities together. From first-time performers to experienced musicians, every participant has a part to play in this uplifting afternoon of live entertainment.

Whether you're supporting a friend or family member, or simply want to celebrate the incredible talent within our community, join us for an event filled with big sounds, joyful moments and plenty of local pride.

📅 Sunday 18 October 2026
🕜 1.30pm and 4pm
🎟️ Tickets just £5

Come along, show your support and experience the wonderful Sounds of Newark.

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