Newark is set to be transformed into a world of imagination and seasonal wonder as Newark’s Narnia: Festival of Creativity takes over the town on Saturday, 4th October.

This free, family-friendly event invites residents and visitors alike to embrace the spirit of autumn and step into a day filled with storytelling, crafts, performances, and culinary delights inspired by the magical world of Narnia and the comforting ethos of Hygge.

The festival spans multiple venues across Newark, each offering a unique experience designed to spark creativity and bring the community together.

At Newark Library, audiences can enjoy three performances by Rhubarb Theatre at 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm. Its imaginative show features tales of whales, bears, pirates, and musketeers, delivered with music, comedy, and theatrical flair. Visitors will experience a host other hands-on experiences including handspinning, weaving, Lego building, and knot-tying demonstrations with Les from Newark’s Heritage Barge.

The Town Hall Museum & Art Gallery hosts The Queen’s Feast Craft sessions, from 11am to 1pm and again from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Visitors can meet the White Witch and help her prepare a grand feast by drawing and colouring their favourite foods to create a banquet fit for Narnia.

At the YMCA, the Mythical Creature Art Workshop runs hourly from 11am to 3pm. Participants are invited to design and illustrate their own Narnian creature – whether a faun, centaur, ice wolf, or something entirely original – and craft a backstory to bring their creation to life. Meanwhile, the Enchanted Kitchen of Narnia will be open at both the YMCA Café and the Palace Theatre from 11am to 3pm. Guests can sample handmade Turkish Delight created by local young people, decorate marshmallows, and take part in a “Design Your Own Hot Chocolate” competition.

The National Civil War Centre will be alive with activity from 10am to 4pm, offering a wide range of creative and seasonal experiences. Visitors can build a gingerbread-inspired mini Newark townscape, enjoy autumnal games and hot chocolate, take part in wellbeing workshops, and explore crafts using recycled materials.

Storyteller Nicky Rafferty will host sessions around a cosy ‘campfire’, and artist Nicola Mills will lead creative art workshops.

Newark Art Gallery will also be open from 9am to 4pm, featuring drop-in arts and crafts activities with inspiration from Bookbench artist Carla Dee.

For full details and venue locations, visit newarkcreates.co.uk

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