A town centre footfall dwell time rose by 30% this Saturday (April 27) as an 18-metre-long whale made its way to the market place.
Initial information from footfall cameras showed that 8,000 people visited Newark on Saturday, of which 37% were new visitors to the market town.
Newark and Sherwood District Council hosted the events including the Small Business Showcase and bringing the giant inflatable whale to the market place.
The upstairs area of the Buttermarket also hosted the Small Business Showcase, to promote the wide range of independent businesses in the market town.
All businesses offered a taste of their services, including the option to buy and try goods and pick up some discounts.
Councillor Matthew Spoors, portfolio holder for Sustainable Economic Growth, said: “The activities taking place in the town centre on Saturday were brilliant and I was delighted to see so many people out and about enjoying everything on offer.
“One of Saturday’s events, our Small Business Showcase, highlighted our incredible independent retail offer and it is these businesses which really do make Newark a unique town to visit.
“We are committed to doing all we can to encourage people to visit our town centres across Newark and Sherwood.
“I really do believe our town centres are great and I want to encourage as many people as possible to support their local high streets.
“We will continue to deliver a whole of host of events and activities in town centres across the district in our bid to making Newark and Sherwood one of the best places to visit and to live.”
The event was part of the district council’s Spotlight on Newark campaign and showcased the following businesses Clark and English, Crumbly Bun, Disability Centre, Kingsman Interiors, Emma Jayne Home, Fariya Designs, Gannets, London Eye Bespoke Eyewear, Newark Art Gallery, Red Door Tattoo, Scarlet, Shirt Sleeves and Your Home Furniture.
The giant whale docked in market place was aimed at raising awareness about the impact of plastic on the environment.
Despite being a free event, all the tickets were snapped up in less than half a day.
People had the chance to step inside the animal to experience a show filled with puppets, comedy and music, as theatre company Circo Rum Ba Ba tell the tale of sea creatures and their battle to survive in an ocean full of rubbish.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We were overwhelmed with the fantastic support residents and visitors showed us in attending a huge spectacle of events on Saturday in Newark Town Centre.
“It was lovely to see so many people having the most wonderful time in the town.
“The tower at Newark Castle was also open for free with spectacular views across the town and the National Civil War Centre offered historical walking tours too.
“Along with a paddleboarding event on the river, and the sun shining most of the day, many people were out and about enjoying the very best Newark has to offer.”
