This year’s festival runs from Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 July 2024, and is themed on The Power of Play. The cultural highlight of the town features more than just books and reading, focusing on sports, arts, heritage, music, word art, street theatre, and a town-wide murder mystery, with events and activities suitable for all ages.
The festival team is delighted to announce that one of Britain’s best-loved writers and performance poets for children and adults is joining the festival this year. Michael Rosen will open the event as the Thursday afternoon headliner, sponsored by The National Holocaust Centre and Museum.
In conversation with one of the festival’s board members, Dr Tim Rideout, former Children’s Laureate Mr Rosen, will be reading extracts of his moving title, The Missing on the Palace Theatre stage.
Among the award-winners and best-sellers on the agenda for this year’s book festival are Mark Billingham, Holly Smale, Helen Russell, Nicci French, John Goodbody, Jasper Fforde, Frances Stickley and Joseph Coelho.
“This year the festival will bring over 70 authors, writers, storytellers and artists to Newark, our eighth festival and the biggest one yet!” says Festival Director, Sara Bullimore.
“You’ll see the theme of joy and playfulness run through the programme this year. With the likes of Olympic sporting journalism legend, John Goodbody, Season One Traitors contestant and screen-free games masters Ivan Brett, and even a real live Tellytubby, Nikky Smedley who confesses what it was like to play LaaLaa. It is going to be a fun-fuelled four days this July!”
Tickets will be released at 10 am on Saturday 11 May through the festival’s website newarkbookfestival.org.uk or Newark Palace Theatre’s box office.
The book festival prides itself on being accessible and affordable, with tickets to headline events costing no more than £12 for full-paying adults, and a wonderful selection of free family-friendly events across the four days.
Festival Friends can save money by benefitting from discounted tickets and VIP upgrades, while also supporting the ongoing running of the festival. Membership starts at as little as £20 for the whole year, and you can sign up directly through the festival website: newarkbookfestival.org.uk/friends
Discover the world of words coming to Newark this summer and book your tickets now!