Posted on 25th Aug
After two successful weeks, Newark on Sea ended on Sunday when the beach, located in the Market Place, closed.
As well as sand to play in, the beach offered deck chairs, buckets and spades, street food, entertainment, live music, children’s workshops, storytelling, and Punch and Judy shows.
Ian Harrison, of Newark Town Council, said: “I don’t think anyone, including myself, expected that the beach would be the enormous success that it has been. Over the 15 days of operation, we attracted 3,000 adults and children and provided 47 musicians and entertainment acts.”
“The feedback has been massively positive, and the visible enjoyment of the children has lifted the atmosphere of the town centre. We wanted to attract young families back into town, and we did. The weather has played its part, but even on the odd cloudy day, the beach has been well attended, and I thank everyone for the part they played in making it such a success.”
Newark On Sea was part of the Cultural Heart of Newark Project, one of the eight priority projects identified within the Town Investment Plan developed by Newark Towns Fund Board, and being progressed by Newark and Sherwood District Council using part of the £25m Town Deal funding.
Ian added: “This is the first significant event in the programme of events that we are compiling. Our mission is for Newark Town centre to become a place of destination for those that live near and far; a place with a reputation of being welcoming and where there is vibrancy and vitality. This has been an important step towards that.”
Coun David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and co-chair of Newark Towns Board, said: “Newark On Sea has been a brilliant summer attraction! It was absolutely fantastic to see so many smiling faces of all generations, enjoying the sun and sand in our town centre.
“Events such as Newark on Sea are brilliant ways to support our local businesses and help the local economy recover after the pandemic. We remain committed to bringing exciting events and attractions to our local town centres to encourage as many people to visit as possible.”
The Newark Festival, which is part funded by the Cultural Heart of Newark project, in collaboration with Newark Town Council, follows from 26 – 29 August. Over the bank holiday weekend, visitors to the town can enjoy music and entertainment in the Market Place on Friday and Saturday, a concert in the Castle grounds on Sunday with the vocal harmony group, The Overtones, and ending with the annual Fun Day and Brass Explosion with fireworks on Monday.
