The Plastic Ocean Show, which is taking place inside a huge 18-metre-long whale in the centre of Newark on Saturday 27 April, has already seen all its tickets picked up by residents in less than half a day.
Tickets went live late afternoon on Tuesday 9 April and were all booked in only a few hours.
The event, which is being funded by Newark and Sherwood District Council, will be docked in the town centre on the Saturday and bold explorers can step inside the creature to experience a beautiful, funny and interactive show highlighting the impact plastic has on our environment.
With the use of exquisite puppets, comedy and music, ticket holders will join theatre company Circo Rum Ba Ba and explore the tale of sea creatures and their battle to survive in an ocean full of rubbish.
Residents have voted with their feet and are showing that events really are bringing people to the town centre. It’s why the District Council is focused on bringing more events to Newark making it a more enticing place to visit and experience.
While the show inside the whale might be fully booked, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences to be had in Newark Town Centre this Saturday 27 April.
The town will be buzzing with excitement as the Small Business Showcase shines a spotlight on our finest local independent businesses, transforming the Buttermarket into a hub of creativity and entrepreneurship. This event is part of Newark Town Board’s Newark Heart project and has put sustainability at its forefront too focusing on renewable resources during the event.
Meanwhile, the picturesque riverside wharf hosts The Race to the Castle Paddleboard competition, infusing the air with competitive spirit and scenic beauty. With the Plastic Ocean Show being fully booked, residents are showing their support for events in the district. There’s still plenty of events coming up hoping to drive vibrancy in the town centre.
The Plastic Ocean Show aligns with the Newark and Sherwood District Councils ‘Motion for the Ocean’ declaration, which highlights the urgent need to recognise that our ocean is in crisis and that local government has an essential role to play in recovering the health of our ocean. An event like this also helps in building up the visitor economy for the town centre attracting more people to come visit Newark.
Councillor Emma Oldham, Portfolio Holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:
“Thank you to everyone who booked for this amazing experience! In less than 12 hours all the tickets are gone for this show.
“This is a clear signal that our Motion for the Ocean policy resonates with the public interest and I’m excited to see so many of you wanting to connect with the ocean and to discover more about our commitment to protecting the UK’s waterways. This is a fun and interactive show that will be well loved by children and their families.
“What better way to learn about the importance of our oceans than within a huge whale right in the heart of our town. I’m confident you will all have a whale of a time! For those who were unable to book a ticket, I encourage you still to come along and marvel at the whale which will be a great spectacle for little ones, along with the perfect photo opportunity for nature and marine lovers.”
Newark and Sherwood District Council is the first Midlands Council to pass a Motion for the Ocean, in recognition of concerns about the state of our local rivers and ocean. While it may not have direct coastal responsibilities, it understands the significance and impact that local actions and policies have on the ocean.
Councillor Emma Oldham explains further: “No matter where we reside in the UK, we’re all intimately connected to the ocean, always within 70 miles of its shores. Our lives are intricately woven with the ocean’s influence, from the air we breathe to the food we consume, and the crucial role it plays in regulating our climate.
“Even if we don’t reside by the coast, our daily actions have a profound impact—from the pollutants we discharge down our drains and plug holes, to the litter and pollution that find their way into our rivers and beaches, and the carbon emissions we generate.
“The whole day will be a wonderful showcase demonstrating how wonderful our town is and what a great place it is to visit, so everyone is encouraged to head on into Newark for a fantastic local day out!”
Councillor Matthew Spoors, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development, said: “Residents have told us they wanted more events in our town centre and we’re doing just that! The Plastic Ocean Show is being funded by the District Council and to hear tickets have all been booked already shows residents want more events in the town.
“Through our Newark Heart project, we’re bringing along a series of new events, but the town centre will also see the return of some of our most popular events to date too! Newark is always buzzing during Steampunk festivals, the CAMRA beer festival and the fantastic Dragon Boat Race thanks to the dedication and passion of other event organisers in the town separate to Newark Town Council and The District Council.
“There’s lots happening in Newark this year, so I encourage residents to support our town centre and take part in some of the fantastic events which are coming up. Saturday 27 April will not only see the Plastic Ocean Show, but they’ll be the Small Business Showcase and the Paddleboard event so come along and show your support.”
