Have a whale of a time in Newark this April

Adventurers will squeeze into the belly of an enormous inflatable whale where they find themselves in the depths of the bubbling, kelp-swirling ocean. With the use of exquisite puppets, comedy and music, join theatre company Circo Rum Ba Ba and explore the tale of sea creatures and their battle to survive in an ocean full of rubbish.

To book your free place for this immersive and one-of-a-kind show, please visit the booking page, choose your time and print or download your ticket!

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 ages 3+ with a maximum capacity of 40 people per show. Tickets are free, but you must pre-book to attend. Tickets are available on the What's on website at: www.palacenewark.com/whats-on/events/the-plastic-ocean-show---by-circo-rum-ba-ba---newark-market-place.php 

The show aligns with the Newark and Sherwood District Councils ‘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.

Councillor 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 our local rivers and ocean. While it may not have direct coastal responsibilities, it understands the significance and impact that local actions and policies have on the ocean.

Councillor Emma Oldham explains further: “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.”

Newark is set to be a day full of entertainment and activity on Saturday 27 April with a whole host of other events taking place in the town centre on the day. Small Business Showcase is celebrating some of the best local independent businesses under one roof and takes place 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.  

The whole day will be a wonderful showcase demonstrating how wonderful our town is what a great place it is to visit, so everyone is encouraged to head on into Newark for a fantastic local day out!

Please make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your allotted timeslot which will give you enough time for ticket check-in and to prepare for your adventure. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the show. 

Remember to have your ticket ready, whether it's in digital or printed form. You’ll also be asked to take your shoes off before you enter the whale so you might want to wear nice thick socks!

More events are being planned this summer with the Steampunk Festival, Newark-on-Sea, CAMRA Beer Festival and many more being celebrated in the town this summer. To see a full list of events, go to: https://visitevents.co.uk/