A vibrant new event, Garden of Light, is poised to illuminate Newark town centre this spring, offering a captivating blend of light, art, and community engagement. Scheduled for Saturday, 7 March, from 6pm to 9pm, this large-scale spectacle will transform Newark Market Place and St Mary Magdalene’s Church into a radiant hub of creativity and shared experiences, completely free for attendees of all ages.
Celebrating Renewal and Community Spirit
The event celebrates themes of renewal, growth, and community, marking the seasonal transition from winter into spring through a dynamic fusion of colour, light, and participatory moments. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the town centre after dark, encountering a mix of awe-inspiring spectacles and hands-on activities designed to foster connection and joy.
Highlights of the Evening Programme
The programme features an array of engaging attractions, including a lantern parade curated by Lumo Workshop. This parade will showcase spring-themed lanterns crafted in collaboration with local schools, community groups, and residents, culminating in a shared moment of light and movement through the town centre later in the evening.
Additional highlights will include:
- Illuminated walkabout puppets adding a magical touch to the streets
- Live brass performances providing a lively soundtrack to the night
- Immersive installations and interactive projections that invite audience participation
- A silent disco for those looking to dance under the stars
- Family-friendly creative activities spread across the event footprint
Local businesses and town centre venues will remain open throughout the evening, offering a variety of food and drink options to enhance the experience.
Official Support and Collaborative Efforts
Councillor Claire Penny, portfolio holder for sustainable economic development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating: “Events play a key part in attracting footfall into our town centres, and The Garden of Light is set to deliver an exciting activity the whole family can enjoy. We’ve had great success in the past with ‘A Likely Story’ light show and the 18-metre-long whale, both part of the Newark Cultural Heart Initiative, funded by the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund. This event hopes to build on their success. We're thrilled to collaborate with We Are Newark and Checkmate Productions on this spectacular event, which promises to be an unforgettable experience!”
Matthew Gleadell, town clerk at Newark Town Council, added: “Newark is regarded as one of the finest historic market squares in the country. Its impressive range of historic buildings will provide the perfect canvas for the use of modern lighting projection technology to bring the buildings to life in a way not seen before. Complemented by a range of family-friendly activities, the event will be a great opportunity to come and experience the historic town centre in a very different way.”
Behind the Scenes: Funding and Community Involvement
Garden of Light is being delivered by Checkmate Productions as part of the Newark Cultural Heart Initiative, which is funded by the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund. The programme is overseen locally by the Newark Town Board and administered by Newark and Sherwood District Council. Support also comes from We Are Newark, a community platform established to help deliver, promote, and connect the work of the Newark Town Board and community groups across Newark.
Katie-Lou Green from Checkmate Productions shared: “Garden of Light brings together large-scale art, performance, and community creativity to create something joyful and unexpected in the heart of Newark. This announcement gives a first glimpse of what’s planned, with more programme details to be shared soon.”
Emma Holden from We Are Newark added: “Garden of Light is an exciting new event for Newark town centre, bringing together creativity, culture, and community participation. Events like this play an important role in encouraging people to spend time in the town centre and experience it in new and engaging ways.”
Looking Ahead: Further Details and Updates
Further programme information, precise timings, and participation opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks. Residents and businesses are encouraged to follow We Are Newark on social media for the latest updates and announcements regarding this illuminating spring event.
