Sandcastle competition at Newark-on-Sea

Budding castle builders need their buckets and spades at the ready as Newark-on-Sea plays host to its very first free sandcastle competition in Newark Town Centre

The competition is one of many activities taking place on the temporary beach located in front of Newark Town Hall this summer.

Those entering are asked to join anytime between 10am until 3.45pm on Saturday 13 August. There are four categories and include:

• Under 5’s – judged on imagination and creativity
• 6 to 10 years – judged on imagination and creativity
• 10 to 14 years – judged on imagination and creativity
• Over 15’s and adults –judged on sandcastle building skill

Prize winners in each category will be chosen at the end of the day and contacted by email if they leave prior to the prize-giving.

A ‘Castle of the Day’ prize winner will also be chosen by the Mayor of Newark at 3.45pm (contact details can be left if participants need to leave prior to prize-giving).

Basic buckets and spades will be provided but you can always bring your own. Entry is completely free and children must be supervised by an adult. Those with symptoms of COVID-19 have been asked not to attend.

During the day there will also be a ‘Pirate and Mermaid Headband Make-n-Takes’ craft session where little ones can come along and make their own headband to take home with them. This will take place at the beach between 10am until 4pm throughout the day on Saturday 13 August.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Co-Chair of Newark Towns Fund Board said: “When you thought you’d seen it all, we thought we’d bring the seaside to you. And what a great summer attraction it proving to be! It’s lovely to see so many enjoy the programme of activity on the beach and this sandcastle competition and craft session is a great edition!

"We are committed to ensuring that we encourage as many people into our local town centres as possible and events, such as this, are a brilliant way to help the local economy recover after the pandemic.”

The beach and the activities throughout the summer holidays are being delivered by Newark Town Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council as part of the Cultural Heart of Newark project, which is aimed at increasing footfall, dwell time and retail spend in the town centre.  This is one of nine projects outlined in Newark Town Funds Board’s successful £25 million bid to central Government under their Towns Fund initiative