If you’ve been soaking up the glorious sunshine recently, you’ll know that summer has definitely arrived and not far behind it is festival season.

But while some festival goers are ticking off checklists including sleeping bags, waterproofs and ear defenders, visitors to the Newark Book Festival don’t have such extensive equipment requirements.

And although others may still be trying to choose where to go depending on their favourite music style, be it heavy metal, country or pop, there’s no need for fans of various literary genres to compromise…

Because the organisers of the festival that runs from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 July have events covering everything from crime to romance, children’s books to current affairs and history to speculative fiction.

So just what do you need to do to be Newark Book Festival ready?

• Book your tickets – The festival programme includes many free as well as paid for events. And although some tickets may be available on the door, it’s always advisable to book in advance to ensure your seat. Newark Palace Theatre can help with that on 01636 655755 or online via the website.
• Make a plan to not miss out – Many festivals have multiple stages with acts performing simultaneously and the Newark Book Festival is no exception, using numerous venues across the town over the four days. So pore over a printed programme or head over to the festival website here for a bit of bedtime reading over the coming days to ensure you’ll be in the right place at the right time.
• Headliners – When you’re making that schedule, don’t forget to add in a few of the showstopping headliners to make sure they get a warm welcome when they arrive in town. KJ Maitland, Elly Griffiths, Gill Hornby, Milly Johnson and Louise Candlish are just some of the bestsellers getting ready to visit Newark.
• Festival fashion – There’s no need to update your wardrobe – tassels, body glitter or flower crowns are not necessary, although they’re perfectly acceptable of course! Just make sure you accessorise with a bag that’s big enough to take home your own mini library of signed editions.
• Hit the right note – There may not be any crowd surfing required but there’ll still be a lot of mellow melodies to drift into summer on, given that this year’s festival has a musical theme. West End performers Glyn Kerslake and Elaine Glover will both perform famous songs inspired by literature, Mark Lewisohn will be talking all about The Beatles and the Palace Theatre will host An Evening With The Kanneh-Masons.
• Come armed with questions – Audience participation is much encouraged, not only during the workshops on offer but also when there’s a chance to quiz the authors in Q&A sessions at the end of their talks and conversations.
• Bring sun cream – You might not need a tent to enjoy this festival but it’s still worth lathering on the lotion as there are lots of events taking place outside as well as inside, with the Market Place, St Mary Magdalene Church Gardens and Newark Castle all providing backdrops for street theatre, live music and alfresco story times.

If there’s anything else you’ve found essential at a previous Newark Book Festival, just get in touch through the social media accounts @newarkbookfest and #NewarkBF or tell one of the team in person at the festival stall in the literature village in the Market Place throughout the festival.