An 18-metre-long whale will be docked in the town centre for a day.
On Saturday, April 27, visitors to Newark Marketplace will have the chance to explore for free inside the inflatable whale, to learn about the impact of plastic on the environment.
The marketplace will be ocean-themed and the inside of the whale will be home to puppets, comedy, music and performances from the company Circo Rum Ba Ba that will explore the tale of sea creatures and their battle to survive in an ocean full of rubbish.
There will be six scintillating 30-minute shows of The Plastic Ocean Show taking place at 10am, 10.30am, 12noon, 12.30pm, 2pm and 2.30pm.
Sessions are suitable for people above the age of three with a maximum capacity of 40 people per show.
The show aligns with the Newark and Sherwood District Council — 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.
Emma Oldham, portfolio holder for Biodiversity and Environmental Services at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our residents 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! It will make for a fantastic spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.
“Please book early to avoid disappointment though as capacity inside the whale’s belly is understandably limited.”
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 rivers and ocean in the area.
While it may not have direct coastal responsibilities, it understands the significance and impact that local actions and policies have on the ocean.
Emma Oldham added: “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.
“This show will teach families and young children about the importance of keeping our rivers and oceans clean and plastic free with the use of amazing puppets and music.
“This is like no other show across the UK and we’re really lucky to have this in our town for the day. It is wonderful to bring the nuts and bolts of our Motion for the Ocean to life in such a compelling way.”
“Even if we don't reside by the coast, our daily actions have a profound impact—through 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.”
Adding to the entertainment in the town on April 27, the Small Business Showcase is celebrating some of the best local independent businesses in the mezzanine area of the Buttermarket.
The Race to the Castle Paddleboard competition is the longest downriver race is the UK and racers will start in Nottingham travelling down the River Trent and will finish in Newark.
