Open Doors — What's On
Have fun and experience something new with our free creative events, activities, and exhibitions. Taking place across Newark and Sherwood, there's something for all ages, abilities, and interests to get involved in!
Heron Music Café | 26 June - 24 August
Join us for a morning of music and joy at the Heron Music Café!
Taking place at the Lifespring Centre, New Ollerton, throughout June, July, and August, these free uplifting music sessions are filled with familiar tunes and friendly faces.
Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits while listening to beloved songs, performed by professional musicians. Sing along, have a little dance, or sit and relax with other music lovers in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone is welcome at the Heron Music Café, and every session is disability and dementia friendly. No need to book, just drop by and join the fun!
Upcoming Dates
June 26 — 10:30am - 12:00pm
July 10 — 10:30am - 12:00pm
July 24 — 10:30am - 12:00pm
August 7 — 10:30am - 12:00pm
August 21 — 10:30am - 12:00pm
Address: Sherwood Drive, New Ollerton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9PP.
Heron Music Café is a collaboration between Open Doors and the charity Musicworks.
Summer Holiday Activities for Kids
Our Artist in Residence, performance poet Leanne Moden, will be running FREE drop-in activities during the summer holidays. Running on Fridays from 10am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 3:30pm, families are encouraged to take their time and get creative!
Funky Postcards – Friday 31 July – Friday 21 August
Make messy messages using stamps, ink, quill pens, and stickers. Have a go on our typewriter or make a personalised message to take away—be prepared for inky fingers!
Zine Making – Friday 7th August, Friday 28th August
Create your own mini magazine. Using folder paper, collage and colouring pens, you can create a comic about your favourite hobby or sport to take away with you.
Fortune Tellers – Friday 14th August
Using folding paper and a little imagination, you can craft your own fortune teller and see into the future!
Hidden Histories — Writing in the Museum
Join poet and artist in residence Leanne Moden for a series of FREE, friendly creative writing workshops this August.
Exploring the hidden histories of the National Civil War Centre, this is a rare opportunity to get up close with the museum's collections and reflect on both personal and national histories through creative writing. Take a trip through history, write poems and stories, and have a grand old time!
These workshops are suitable for adults (18+) of all ages and abilities. No previous experience necessary—if you’re interested in writing stories and poems, we’d love to see you there!
You do not need to attend every session. Join as many or as few as you like, as each workshop will be on a different topic and include brief tours of selected museum galleries. Although all sessions are free, booking is required.
Upcoming Dates:
- August 5 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm - book now
- August 12 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm - book now
- August 19 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm - book now
- August 26 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm - book now
Location: The Artists’ Studio on the top floor of the National Civil War Centre. There is step-free access to the museum via a lift that serves all floors. Accessible toilets are also available. If you have any other accessibility needs, please confirm upon booking.
Convergences | 2026
Don't miss Convergences, an exhibition showing Newark landmarks in new and exciting ways.
Currently on display at Newark Castle Station, these enigmatic artworks were captured by local people living with sight loss, in collaboration with artist Daniel Rapley.
Mirroring the optical effects experienced by people living with macular degeneration, the artworks include local landmarks such as Newark Castle, the Canal and River Trust Dry Dock, and Ossington’s Coffee Palace.
Find out more about Convergences here.
FREE
From Poland: Spirit and Strength | March - October 2026
From Poland: Spirit and Strength celebrates Poland’s rich cultural legacy and its deep connections to Newark and Sherwood.
On display at the National Civil War Centre until October 2026, this exhibition invites visitors to learn more about significant moments from Poland’s past and present, including innovations, traditions, notable figures, entertainment, and more.
Bringing together personal stories, historic objects, craft, and shared experiences, From Poland: Spirit and Strength shows the many ways Polish heritage has shaped—and continues to shape—the local area.
Find out more about this exhibition here.
FREE