Welcome to Newark Book Festival 2025
Events not to miss!
Deadly Secrets and Dystopian Fears
Deadly Secrets and Dystopian Fears
A thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat conversation that blurs the lines between crime, psychological thriller, and dystopian fiction.
The Best of Everything: Kit De Waal
The Best of Everything: Kit De Waal
An engaging and heartfelt interview with acclaimed author Kit De Waal, as she discusses her moving new novel, The Best of Everything.
Creating Characters
Creating Characters
Bestselling authors Caroline James and Rowan Coleman discuss creating characters in their books with BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Fee Mak, at Newark Book Festival.
An evening with Sophie Hannah
An evening with Sophie Hannah
Internationally bestselling author Sophie Hannah is back with a brand-new, unputdownable novel—No One Would Do What the Lamberts Have Done—and she’s returning to Newark Book Festival to tell all!
The Brain at Rest
The Brain at Rest
Discover the science of stillness with neuroscientist Dr Joseph Jebelli at Newark Book Festival this summer as he talks about his latest book The Brain at Rest.
Georgian Creativity & Artistry with Essie Fox and Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Georgian Creativity & Artistry with Essie Fox and Laura Shepherd-Robinson
Join historical fiction authors Essie Fox and Laura Shepherd-Robinson in an interview on Georgian Creativity & Artistry: Mad, Bad & Dangerous.
Creative Battle: Stories, Stitches & Sketches
Creative Battle: Stories, Stitches & Sketches
Four bold creatives—Chris Shepherd, Gillie Ford, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Lucy Mangan—go head-to-head in a lively battle of imagination, ideas and inspiration.
Pleasantly Disturbed – Interview with Lee Stuart Evans
Pleasantly Disturbed - Interview with Lee Stuart Evans
Join top TV comedy writer Lee Stuart Evans in conversation with Nick Quantrill as they discuss his new novel, Pleasantly Disturbed, on stage at Newark Book Festival.
Trio of Creative Criminals
Trio of Creative Criminals
Prepare for gripping tension in this thrilling panel with M.J. Arlidge, T.M. Logan, and Ian Moore on the creative criminals they write in their books.
Oaklore – Jules Acton
Oaklore - Jules Acton
Join environmentalist Jules Acton at Newark Book Festival to discover her debut book, Oaklore: Adventures in a World of Extraordinary Trees.
Love & Laughter, Tea & Cake
Love & Laughter, Tea & Cake
Join top romance authors for love, laughter, tea and cake at Newark Book Festival. A feel-good afternoon with Cathy Bramley, Cressida McLaughlin and Sue Moorcroft.
Steve’s Stage – Open Mic Finale
Steve's Stage - Open Mic Finale
Come to perform, or simply listen and be inspired– An Open Mic finale in memory of the late Steve Cawte, local spoken word artist, performance poet & playwright.
Family Friendly Events
What's on for families and kids during Newark Book Festival. View the full events programme and book your tickets for the 2025 Festival.
School & Home Ed Programme
Events perfect for schools and the home education community at Newark Book Festival 2025. All events are free! Book your school's space here.
Welcome to Newark Book Festival 2025
The ninth festival in our stunning market town, with a programme packed full of creativity - our theme for the year.
As ever, we have created a rich and diverse collection of events for anyone who loves a good story, whether it’s fantasy and fiction, crime and thriller, history, nature, music or comedy. And there are many ways in which you can get involved and be inspired too, as we showcase local and national talent in book talks, author interviews, creative workshops, performances, storytelling sessions, and more.
Over the four days, you will be introduced to over 60 writers and storytellers in 45 events, suitable for young children, families, teens, young adults, and adults alike.
And of course, our much-loved Literature Village is back under the red and white stripes of the Newark Royal Market stalls and spilling between the colonnades inside the Buttermarket - with storytelling, creative sessions and a dedicated Children’s Zone on the Sunday, to add even more vibrancy to Newark over the weekend.
FESTIVAL MEMBERSHIP
Become a Festival Friend
From as little as £20 a year, you can help support the growth of Newark Book Festival by becoming a festival friend!
Your support creates unforgettable experiences, gives people the opportunity to see and hear from fantastic authors and illustrators, and nurtures the next generation of writers.
Plus, you'll benefit from priority tickets, discounts, early access, VIP areas, gifts and more.
2025 IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
