Newark’s first-ever Festival of Food is landing this summer and it’s bursting with flavour, fun and fresh ideas! Running from 2 – 15 August 2025, this exciting new event, hosted in partnership by Newark and Sherwood District Council and We Are Newark, promises something for everyone.
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.
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.
Saturday 2 August
10.30am – Jason from Burnt Toast will be cooking one of his delicious dishes. Jason runs monthly supper clubs as well as private dining using locally grown and seasonal produce.
11am – Chop and Chat. Come and see the team from Newark and Sherwood District Council modelling some of the dishes they cook with local community groups. Plenty of free tasters and a chance to enquire about cooking with your community group!
11.30am – Simon from Ember Catering will be encouraging you to get back in the kitchen and cook one of his delicious dishes. Simon runs a number of pop-up events locally and private dining, with enthusiasm for foraging and cooking with seasonal and local produce.
12noon – Come and meet Simon our Park Ranger and hear about all the growing going on at Sconce and Devon Park. You will also have the opportunity to learn all about the local charity Lew’s Roots.
1.14pm – Damian, our compare for the day, has owned three award winning restaurants and will be sharing his passion for cooking by creating a delicious dish with some of Lew’s Roots chilis.
2pm – Crop Drop: Feeding our families. Come and meet one of our growers and volunteers at Newark Food and Wellbeing Hub. Learn about how you can support both brilliant groups and the work they do in Newark.
2.30pm – The Caribbean Queen, Dawn, will come and share her passion for healthy home cooked food, with a delicious Caribbean flavour. With a stall in the market square, come and have a taste of the Caribbean in Newark.
3pm – Crop Drop Challenge! Can Damian cook a dish made from locally grown crop drop ingredients and a few store cupboard staples? Come and see what he puts together having raided the fridge.
3.30pm – Saturday Night Fakeaway. Come and see some of our Chop and Chat teens cooking up a Chinese Feast. It is never too soon to get your families involved in cooking.
Sunday 3 August
10.30am – Jason from Burnt Toast will be cooking one of his delicious dishes. Jason runs monthly supper clubs as well as private dining using locally grown and seasonal produce.
11am – Chop and Chat. Come and see the team from Newark and Sherwood District Council modelling some of the dishes they cook with local community groups. Plenty of free tasters and a chance to enquire about cooking with your community group!
12noon – Come and meet Simon our Park Ranger and hear about all the growing going on at Sconce and Devon Park. You will also have the opportunity to learn all about the local charity Lew’s Roots.
1.15pm – Eva, our compare for the day, is a nutritionist but not as you know them! She’s full of ideas for what to do for better sleep or shortcuts to having more energy and will be creating a delicious dish with some of Lew’s Roots chilis.
2pm – Crop Drop: Feeding our families. Come and meet one of our growers and volunteers at Newark Food and Wellbeing Hub. Learn about how you can support both brilliant groups and the work they do in Newark.
2.30pm – Crop Drop Challenge! Can Eva cook a dish made from locally grown crop drop ingredients and a few store cupboard staples? Come and see what he puts together having raided the fridge.
3pm – Alisa is originally from Hong Kong and believes that food brings friends and families together. Having attended a Chop and Chat course she is now sharing her passion for food with two of her favourite dishes.
Monday 4 August
Meat Free Monday!
Food demonstrations of meet free recipes from the team at Newark and Sherwood District Council.
10am, noon and 12pm – no need to book, just turn up and watch the team in action!
With lots of free tasting pots.
Wednesday 6 August
Join the team from Newark and Sherwood District Council to make your own healthy picnic for a day at the beach!
Sessions will run at 10am, 12noon and 2pm.
Booking is essential. Please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk to book your space.
Thursday 7 August
Your Health Notts are here to give some nutritional advice and plenty of games for the children.
No need to book – just turn up!
Friday 8 August
Urban Worm will be making worm poo tea bags for you to take home to make a brew for your favourite plants! Newark and Sherwood District Councill’s Environmental team will also be there making seed bombs.
No need to book – just turn up!
Monday 11 August
Community Dental Services will be visiting today!
They will have an information stall featuring a wealth of oral health information and free resources. Join them for fun oral health activities, including arts and crafts and food experiments.
Tuesday 12 August
The team from Newark and Sherwood District Council will be running a No-Bake Granola Bar workshop!
Join us to create a healthy snack at 10am, 12noon and 2pm.
Booking is essential. Please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk to book your space.
Wednesday 13 August
Join the team from Newark and Sherwood District Council to make your own healthy picnic for a day at the beach!
Sessions will run at 10am, 12noon and 2pm.
Booking is essential. Please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk to book your space.
Thursday 14 August
Come and meet your local Family Hub with advice on breastfeeding, fussy eaters and information on healthy start vouchers.
Friday 15 August
Your Health Notts are here to give some nutritional advice and plenty of games for the children!
No need to book – just turn up!
