BookBenches sculptures moved to different and permanent locations across Newark

Interactive sculptures promoting books, art, history and a sense of community were moved to their ‘new forever homes’.

The 11 benches that were spread across Newark as part of the Newark BookBench trail, launched at the same time as Newark’s Book Festival, remained in place until September 5.

The benches were created by artists from across the district and East Midlands through Newark Creates in conjunction with Wild In art, which is responsible for sculpture trails across the country.

Residents and visitors can continue to enjoy these creations, each designed to reflect Newark’s rich heritage and vibrant community, as they have found forever homes in various locations across the town.

The benches were moved to: Shimmer and Shine is at Newark Art Gallery; Tales of Newark and Corporal Ciapek is at the National Civil War Centre – Newark Museum; Newark by Day/Night is at the Town Hall entrance to the Buttermarket; Castles in the Air is at Inspire Buttermarket; Noble Newark and Nursery Rhymes is at the YMCA Nursery; Alphabets and the Newark College Bench are at Newark College; Portable Magic is at Newark Library; Rapunzel and the Lost Watering Hole is at The Governors House; and Roses and Castles is at Newark Town Lock Sensory Gardens.

The BookBench Sculpture Trail was a highlight of the summer, offering a fun, interactive experience for all ages, engaging many young people and attracting visitors from outside the district.

Visitors were encouraged to pick up a trail leaflet and explore the stories of each bench, with the ‘Meet Me at the Benches’ programme providing additional free activities to join in with.

Claire Penny, portfolio holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The Newark Creates BookBench Sculpture Trail has been a fantastic initiative, highlighting the art and culture at the heart of our community and bringing colour and creativity to our town centre. I am thrilled that these beautiful benches will now have permanent homes where residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them.

“This project has been a wonderful celebration of the spirit of Newark, and I encourage everyone to visit the new locations and experience the magic of these BookBenches for themselves.”

Alongside complimentary summer events in the town including Newark-on-Sea, the benches boosted footfall, supporting Newark’s independent retailers and eateries.

Wild in Art’s events have enabled more than £15 million to be raised for charitable causes and engaged over a million people in arts activities across the globe.

Through various projects and events, Newark Creates brings together artists, residents, and visitors to celebrate the town’s unique heritage and vibrant community spirit.

This year, the programme has been supported by Newark Town Board’s Newark Heart project, alongside the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which has enabled them to plan even more events.

In the next few weeks, they are hosting a Festival of Creativity with free fun for all ages across the weekend October 5 and 6, as well as a new animation A Likely Story which will be projected onto the Town Hall on the evening of Friday November 1.

Carol Newman, director of Inspire: Culture, Learning and Libraries, the lead partner in the Consortium, said: “The new funding from Newark Heart and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has allowed us to host a truly fantastic year of events in Newark with some of the most exciting projects still to come.

The Bookbench Sculpture Trail has been a wonderful success, and we are delighted to see the benches find their forever homes.

“Our events in October and November will provide the perfect chance to make a day or evening of it in the town, enjoying the activities on offer as well as visiting the BookBenches and some of the town’s fantastic local shops and eateries.”

Louise Casey-Simpson, chairman of the Newark Towns Fund, said: “It’s been brilliant for Newark Heart to be able to support Newark Creates this year.

“From these stunning BookBenches to events at Newark-on-Sea, Newark Festival and soon the Festival of Creativity, it’s all about bringing fun, creativity and excitement to the town centre and offering residents and visitors of all ages the chance to experience our amazing town to its fullest.”