Local residents, schools and community groups are being invited to help open Newark’s most anticipated cultural finale this spring, by carrying the light through the town.
Garden of Light, taking place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, will transform Newark Market Place into an immersive garden of colour, projection and floral light art from 6pm to 9pm.
Newark’s Garden of Light (Image: Phil Crow)
The free event marks the grand finale of the Newark Cultural Heart programme.
But before the lights switch on, something special will happen.
In the weeks leading up to the event, local people are taking part in a series of creative lantern-making workshops across Newark, with their creations forming part of a ceremonial parade that will officially open Garden of Light.
Workshops will be taking place with a wide range of community partners, ensuring the event reflects Newark’s diversity and creativity, including Reach Learning Disability, John Hunt Primary School, YMCA Newark and Sherwood and Reach UK.
In addition, a free open lantern-making session will take place during half-term in partnership with Lumo Workshop, offering families and children the chance to create a lantern and take part in the parade.
“A celebration of Newark’s creativity and community spirit” (Image: Phil Crow)
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council said “Garden of Light is a celebration of Newark’s creativity and community spirit.
“By inviting residents to take part in the workshops and parade, we are ensuring this finale event is truly community-led and reflects the people who make our town special.
“Garden of Light isn’t just something to watch, it’s something to be part of.
“The workshops happening across Newark mean that the opening moment of the event will be led by the community itself.
“What people make will be carried through the town and become part of the spectacle.”
Be part of the parade
Participants in the workshops will carry their lanterns in a short parade through the town centre, leading into the official opening of Garden of Light in Newark Market Place.
Families, young people and community groups who would like to be part of the parade are encouraged to get involved now.
Further details about how to take part are available via participating schools, community organisations, and the We Are Newark social media pages.
Tina Farrell from Reach Learning Disability said: “At Reach, we’re passionate about making sure adults with learning disabilities have the opportunity to take part in community life.
“Being involved in the Garden of Light workshops means the people we support aren’t just attending an event – they’re actively shaping it
“Having their lanterns carried through Newark and forming part of the opening moment is incredibly powerful. It builds confidence, pride and a real sense of belonging.”
A moment of renewal
Garden of Light is designed as a celebration of renewal, marking the transition from winter to spring through light, colour and participation.
Visitors will be able to interact with illuminated installations, including projections that allow people to pick a flower from a glowing garden and cast it onto Newark Town Hall.
The event is free to attend and open to all. There is no need to book, simply wrap up warm and head to Newark Market Place from 6pm on Saturday , March 7.
Garden of Light is part of Newark Cultural Heart, a Newark Towns Fund project funded by the UK Government.
The event is delivered by Newark and Sherwood District Council in partnership with Newark Town Council, We Are Newark (Newark Towns Fund Board) and Checkmate Productions.
The lantern-making workshop was free to attend and required no previous experience. All places were allocated on a first-come basis and are now fully booked.
The rapid sell-out of the open workshop reflects the strong appetite across Newark to take part, not just attend.
Event Information
Garden of LightSaturday, March 7, 2026, 6pm to 9pmNewark Market Place and St Mary’s Magdalene Church.Free to attend
Workshop – Sold Out
Friday, February 20, 2026, 10am to 3pmSt Mary Magdalene with St Leonard ChurchFree to attend
Location: Newark and Sherwood District Council
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