The school summer holidays will soon be upon us and there are plenty of events taking place in Newark to keep the children occupied through-out. The National Civil War Centre has a whole host of activities to entertain all the family from 23 July through to 4^th September. Did you know that Newark was besieged three times during the civil war? You can have a go at making your own diamond shaped siege coins or helmet. Try your hand at writing coded messages to smuggle in and out of Newark or build your own ‘Sconce’ fort to take home. Come and hear about some of the civil war’s famous besieged women and how Prince Rupert rescued Newark during the second siege. All activities are free with the normal admission. Please ring for details 01636 655765.

Newark Showground is playing host to Newark Comic-Con on Sunday 7^th August from 10am – 5pm. Guests include Jeremy Bulloch – Starwars – Boba Fett, Hattie Hayridge – Holly – Red Dwarf, John Challis – “Boycie” – Only Fools and Horses, Pam Rose – Starwars, Superman & Batman. The Super Heroes Cosplay team will be performing stunts and there will be trader tables featuring Comics, Toys, Collectables, Games , Lego and much more. Tickets are £5 adult and £2.50 under 16yrs on the door.

For the younger children Blunderbus will be performing Dotty the Dragon in the grounds of Newark Castle on 18^th & 19^th August and the Palace Theatre’s New Youth Theatre Summer Camp will be doing Mary Poppins from 1^st – 5^th August.

For the sporty among us the Newark Half Marathon and Fun Run will be held on 14^th August. There will be entertainment for all the family so even if you don’t want to run you can come along and support those who do!

For something a little bit different why not take a guided tour of Newark Castle? Guided tours of the Castle are conducted by the Castle Ranger every week. The tours last approximately one hour and tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children aged 3 and over, or £12.50 for a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children. The tours normally run on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Explore the Dungeons -11am (Over 5s only) the Towers and Undercroft – 1pm. These can be booked at the National Civil War Center on 01636 655765.

There is also an event taking place just for adults – the Pint & Bite Cider & Food Festival, 26 – 29 August. There will be a large selection of real ciders and perries available plus pies, sausage and cheese at various venues in Newark over the Bank Holiday weekend. Ring 01636 655765 for details.

Each Sunday over the summer there will be band concerts held in the castle grounds culminating in the Brass Explosion on Sunday 28^th August. An afternoon of family entertainment with food and drink or bring a picnic. There will be a series of brass band performances followed by a firework display at 10pm.