Newark Festival of Food serves up a summer of flavour and fun

The festival launches with a vibrant weekend on 2 and 3 August, featuring live cooking demonstrations, free tastes and talks from local growers and food hub teams – all set against the sunny backdrop of Newark on Sea.

Local chefs, including Jason from Burnt Toast, a Leith’s trained chef over with 15 years industry experience, will showcase delicious, budget-friendly recipes, while the District Council’s own Chop and Chat team will be on hand with practical tips and inspiration.

The celebration continues throughout the fortnight with themed days such as Meat-Free Monday, make your own picnic and health snack drop-ins. Families can enjoy hands-on activities like granola bar making, seed bomb crafting and oral health games, all designed to promote healthy, affordable eating in a fun and engaging way.

For full details and daily updates, follow @NSDCouncil on social media or visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website at https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/newark-festival-of-food/. Come hungry and leave inspired!

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be launching Newark’s first Festival of Food, an event that brings our community together to celebrate local talent, healthy living, and the joy of sharing good food. This festival is about more than just eating; it’s about learning, connecting, and inspiring each other to make positive choices in our kitchens and beyond.”

Councillor Susan Crosby, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Leisure, added: “With the cost of living continuing to impact families, we wanted to create something that’s not only fun and free, but also genuinely helpful. From air fryer recipes to no-bake snacks, the Festival of Food is packed with ideas that are practical, affordable, and delicious. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be a fantastic fortnight.”

Penny Taylor MBE said, “We are delighted to see the collaborative efforts that have been made to ensure the summer holidays in Newark are fun, engaging and free. These projects bring a range of activities, new interests and excitement as well as an opportunity to bring the community together. 'We are Newark' is proud to be supporting this as it epitomises the For Your Neighbourhood plan and our aim is to work with our key partners and community groups to continue bringing a range of events to the town.”

Councillor Dawn Campbell, Leader of Newark Town Council, said: “We are pleased to be welcoming the Newark Festival of Food to the market square alongside Newark on Sea this year. With a packed schedule there should be plenty of opportunity to pop along and enjoy both events. Parents particularly will welcome the opportunity to bring along their children and help with the often-difficult task of keeping their children entertained during the school holidays. Let’s hope the good weather continues for these exciting summer events in Newark.”

As part of its Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Newark and Sherwood District Council is committed to supporting residents in making healthier lifestyle choices. The Festival of Food is just one of many initiatives aimed at helping people access nutritious, low-cost meals and build confidence in the kitchen - empowering families to eat well, even on a budget. The District Council also runs Chop and Chat sessions throughout the year, offering friendly, hands-on cooking experiences for a range of ages and abilities - from juniors to adults. These sessions are a great way to learn new skills, meet others, and enjoy healthy food in a relaxed and supportive environment. Upcoming sessions will be advertised through Newark and Sherwood District Council’s social media channels.