Bag yourself a bargain this weekend

From burgers and beer to designer cushions, t-shirts and toys to chicken breasts – Newark will be awash with bargains this weekend!

fiver fest mapPart of Totally Locally Newark‘s drive to support independent retailers, Fiver Fest is coming to town, with over 70 cafés, pubs, restaurants and shops offering a range of discounts and deals between Friday 11 and Sunday 13 September.

Bag yourself a bargain and you’ll be doing your bit to help create more jobs and improved facilities in the Newark area, making it a better place to live in, work in and visit.

All it takes is for every adult in the area to spend just £5 a week in their independent shops instead of online or at the big supermarkets and a whopping £5.4 million extra a year would find its way into the local economy…

And there couldn’t be a better time to start than right now – just check out the Fiver Fest details here or pick up a leaflet from participating retailers.

With special offers on everything from chocolates, champagne and candles to eye tests, wallpaper and paints – not to mention a Buskers Competition and the Newark Blues Festival both taking place too – there’s something to tempt everyone into town this weekend.

Celebrating Sew Saturday in Newark

sew saturdayWhether you’re a professional dressmaker, a novice stitcher or just fancy trying out a new craft, Sew Saturday is something you won’t want to miss.

Launched by home and style magazine Sew, this national campaign is designed to remind customers about the fantastic personal service provided by sewing stores across the country. And here in Newark, our very own Crafty Betty will be entering into the swing of things on Saturday 17 October with activities for stitchers of all ages and abilities.

From 2pm to 6pm, the studio in The Arcade will be the setting for everything from demonstrations, workshops and a raffle to free goodie bags, a craft fair and a Sewing Bee. Word is there’ll be cupcakes on offer too – how’s that for an added incentive?!

“We’re delighted to be taking part and looking forward to welcoming customers old and new on the day,” says Michelle Baker. “As part of the event we’re raising money for the Sam White Legacy, a local charity we actively support, so we’re hoping lots of people will come along to enjoy the afternoon with us.”

patchwork cushionOn Saturday 10 October, Michelle will be joining June, Tina and Sue on air, to talk about what’s in store for visitors to the Crafty Betty studio.

And on Saturday 17 October, the Girls Around Town will be hot-footing it down to Newark straight after the show to judge one of three competitions taking place, casting their eyes over entries in the Make a Patchwork Cushion category. And no doubt checking out those cupcakes too…

Meanwhile, to find out more about all three categories in the competition – as well as making a patchwork cushion, you can Sew an Aly Owl or Sew a Saturday Skirt – visit the website to download the free patterns for your entry.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 30 September so get out your needles, thread and fabric and start stitching!

Sweet summer shopping

sweet summer sale reloved (3)Our good friends at RELoved BoutiqueBea’s Boutique and Beau et Belle are joining forces for a bit of a do next week – and they’d like you to join them too…

Their Sweet Summer Shopping Evening takes place on Thursday 16 July, from 6pm to 9pm, at 53 Stodman Street in Newark.

Enjoy a glass of summer cheer as you browse around all the goodies on offer – from statement jewellery, gorgeous gifts and maternity wear to nursery equipment, children’s wear and toys, not to mention exclusive special offers, sale previews and a prize draw as well.

And there’ll be more bargains to bag on Saturday 18 July – why not take a stroll down Stodman Street for some sweet summer shopping?