Category: Project Posts

Wellbeing Walk

Posted on by Kirsten Parriss

Along the way, you’re invited to help the Nature Reserve log the plants and animals you spot by uploading your photos to the iNaturalist app. It’s free, easy, fun, and your discoveries will contribute to a real scientific database used by researchers worldwide! Share your sightings with the community, swap stories about your finds, and help build a living map of local wildlife.

The is a circular walk with a 2.2-mile route. It will take about 50 minutes to walk or wheel.

About Newmarket Community Nature Reserve
Newmarket Community Nature Reserve is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to rewilding and revitalising green spaces across Newmarket. 

From planting wildflowers to restoring pathways and building habitats, the Reserve encourages people of all ages to get involved in caring for their local environment, one patch at a time. Learn more about Newmarket Community Nature Reserve here.

iNaturalist App

Become a citizen scientist! Newmarket Community Nature Reserve use the iNaturalist app to log plants and animals they see at these sites. The iNaturalist app is a social network and a tool for recording and sharing biodiversity observations, connecting users with a community. Your photos are submitted to a database that scientists and researchers can request access to. The Community Nature Reserve are trying to build a picture of the species these sites support so this would be a massive help. Upload your own photo, share with the community and discuss your findings! You can download the app here.

INFO FOR TICKETING: 

Walk route:

  1. Starting at Memorial gardens, walk out of the park via the Fitzroy Street entrance/exit (opposite end to the High Street). 
  2. Cross the road, and follow the grassy footpath directly opposite, behind Lowther Street. 
  3. When you reach the bridleway, cross the road (Rowley Drive Road) and pass Canterview Apartments (on your right). 
  4. Turn right when you reach the field, following the footpath onto Freshfields housing estate. 
  5. Turn left when you reach Freshfields Road, and follow the path to the corner of the estate. 
  6. When you reach house number 74, follow the footpath into the corner of the estate, leading to a green space. 
  7. Welcome to the Millbank Mini Meadow – rewilded by Newmarket Community Nature Reserve! This is the nature reserve’s oldest site. They sowed a native wildflower mix in 2022 which has now been established. This site has one end of season cut and collect. Lots of butterflies can be seen here in summer, especially common blues and brown argus. A great site for using iNaturalist app.

Millbank (mini wildflower meadow)

  1. When you’re ready to continue the walk, leave the meadow and follow the footpath directly ahead, picking up back where you left off to continue walking around the estate
  2. Follow the curve to the right and leave the estate, taking a left via Tannersfield Way
  3. Cross the road and turn right, following Bakers Row
  4. Walk 250ft and turn left onto Exeter Road
  5. Passing Johnsons Workwear on your left, pause to see the river. Newmarket is home to the historic Chalk Stream. Chalk streams are one of the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, and England is home to approximately 85% of them.
  6. At the end of Exeter Road, turn left onto Fred Archer Way.
  7. Cross using the pedestrian crossing opposite Catholic Church of Our Lady Immaculate and Saint Etheldreda
  8. Take an immediate left, to cross the pedestrian footpath allowing you to rejoin Exeter Road on your right past Mangiare restaurant 
  9. Follow the road to see The Queen Victoria Jubilee Clock Tower. Originally erected to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, it is wound every week by hand, to this day!
  10. Turn right, to walk down the high street
  11. Cross the road outside Cartwright Bros and QD. Pass The Rutland Arms Hotel and turn right down Palace Street
  12. Pass The National Horse Racing Museum and at Viktor Viktoria Cafe, turn left to pass All Saints Church
  13. When you reach Queen Street, turn right to follow Queen Street 
  14. At house number 18, turn right and pass through the West Suffolk car park
  15. Welcome to Hodgkins Yard! Here you will find pear and quince trees planted in 2024. Unfortunately, they are the target of some vandalism, but NCNR are doing their best to nurture them. They need help watering them in dry spells if anyone would like to help out.
  16. Cut through the car park and turn right to rejoin All Saints Road.
  17. Turn left out of the entrance to the car park, walking past All Saints Church and follow the road straight ahead: Sun Lane.
  18. Turn left at the end of Sun Lane to pass Cafe Nero and cross the road
  19. Turn left at Graze Kitchen
  20. Walk down the High Street to Memorial Hall and turn right to re-enter Memorial Gardens

Hodgkins Yard (a row of trees)

Immersive Audio Experiences

Posted on by Kirsten Parriss

We’ve commissioned two unique immersive audio experiences especially for this event. Whether you’re relaxing in the park or experiencing the Lumini, pick up a pair of headphones and be transported by a calming guided meditation written for the gardens or an oral history storytelling experience of voices from the local community. 

Channel 1 

Circadia 

This audio piece takes you deep into the confidence of NHS nurses and midwives. Expect moving stories about fresh starts, healthy endings and getting through the day. These are voices who are often spoken for, but rarely heard in their own words. Recordings of the shift in action are woven together with reflective moments in nature. Production by Steve Urquhart, Laura Khan Mitchison & Nicole Robson. This audio artwork is by On The Record. 

  • 59 minutes long, listen for a few minutes or the full experience.
  • Recommended for ages 16+
  • Content warning: This audiopiece explores lived experiences of struggle and loss as well as laughter and new life. Content warning for mentions of pregnancy loss, substance misuse and mental health. 

About On The Record

On the Record specialise in oral history,  co-production and creative media. They are a not-for-profit organisation founded by  Rosa Schling and Laura Khan Mitchison.

You can listen to Circadia below:


Channel 2

Guided Meditation by Janine Tandy

A calming meditation led by Janine, inviting you to connect with the natural beauty and quiet of Memorial Gardens.

  • 8 minutes long
  • Recommended for ages 12+

About Janine

Janine Tandy is a local mindfulness and therapeutic practitioner with 19 years of experience teaching mindfulness, Dharma, Yin Self Inquiry and Yang (Vinyasa) Yoga. 

You can listen to Janine’s Guided Meditation below:

The Lumini Memorial Gardens – Saturday 13 September Programme

Posted on by Rob Drummer

These workshops are FREE, but require booking. Tickets are limited – don’t delay!

  • Still Life Drawing – book to join one of our THREE sessions

    Session 1 – 12:30pm-1:10pm
    Session 2 – 1:30pm-2:10pm
    Session 3 – 2:30pm-3:10pm

  • 12:30-1:15pm Chair Yoga. Tickets are limited – don’t delay!

  • 3:00pm-5:00pm Crochet with Robyn. Tickets are limited – don’t delay!

  • Drumming Circle – book now to join one of our TWO sessions

    Session 1 – 2:00pm-2:30pm
    Session 2 – 3:00pm-3:30pm
Still-Life-Drawing-Participant-InformationDownload
Chair-Yoga-Participant-Information-1Download
Crochet-with-Robyn-Participant-InformationDownload
Drumming-with-New-Samba-Participant-InformationDownload

And remember, outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities. No booking is needed – simply come along! We invite you to join us for:

Herbal Tea tasting and Bird Feeder making – Our friends from Project Abundance are in Memorial Gardens between 12:00 and 6:00pm offering TWO fantastic, free drop-in activities:

Roll up your sleeves and craft your own bird feeders using recycled and natural materials! A fun, eco-friendly activity for all ages: and yes, you can take your feeder home to treat your feathered friends.

Learn how to blend herbs for natural teas that support wellbeing and taste amazing. Learn what supports your body and mind; and how to grow it. Taste your creations along the way!

🧺 All materials provided

🎟️ No booking needed – just drop in!

🕛 Saturday & Sunday, 12–6pm

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Recommended for ages 8+ with adult supervision

Zine making – Our Illustration Station offers a range of art materials for you to experiment with. Why not add your own drawing to our comfort quilt or try making your own zine?

Cloud painting –  When was the last time you took the opportunity to just sit back and experience the simple joy of looking at the clouds? Pull up a seat, turn your eyes skyward and paint and display what you see.

Birdwatching – The Birdwatching Station is equipped with binoculars and seating on which to make yourself comfortable. Download the FREE Merlin birdwatching App and use it to help identify any feathery friends you spot, and feel free to record your finds on our birdwatching chalkboard.

Meditation – Respond to meditation prompts and meditate your own way – we hope you will leave this station feeling more at peace than you did when you entered.

Wellbeing walk – Newmarket Community Nature Reserve have written a walking route for you. Explore some of their rewilded spaces and enjoy the calming benefits of walking in nature.

You can find more information, including the walking route itself, here.

These drop-in activities are available for you to access at your leisure between 12.00 and 6.00pm. Whether you have tickets to enter the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

The Lumini Memorial Gardens – Sunday 14 September Programme

Posted on by Rob Drummer

These workshops are FREE, but require booking. Tickets are limited – don’t delay! 

  • 3:00pm-3:45pm – Chair Yoga. Tickets are limited – don’t delay!

  • Sing For Fun – Inside the Lumini!  – book to join one of our TWO sessions

    Session 1 – 2:15pm-2:45pm
    Session 2 – 3:15pm-3:45pm

  • 5pm – 6pm – Sound Bath. Tickets are limited – don’t delay!
Chair-Yoga-Participant-InformationDownload
Sound-Bath-Participant-InformationDownload
Singing-For-Fun-Participant-InformationDownload

And remember, outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities. No booking is needed – simply come along! We invite you to join us for:

Herbal Tea tasting and Bird Feeder making – Our friends from Project Abundance are in Memorial Gardens between 12:00 and 6:00pm offering TWO fantastic, free drop-in activities:

Roll up your sleeves and craft your own bird feeders using recycled and natural materials! A fun, eco-friendly activity for all ages: and yes, you can take your feeder home to treat your feathered friends.

Learn how to blend herbs for natural teas that support wellbeing and taste amazing. Learn what supports your body and mind; and how to grow it. Taste your creations along the way!

🧺 All materials provided

🎟️ No booking needed – just drop in!

🕛 Saturday & Sunday, 12–6pm

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Recommended for ages 8+ with adult supervision

Zine making – Our Illustration Station offers a range of art materials for you to experiment with. Why not add your own drawing to our comfort quilt or try making your own zine?

Cloud painting –  When was the last time you took the opportunity to just sit back and experience the simple joy of looking at the clouds? Pull up a seat, turn your eyes skyward and paint and display what you see.

Birdwatching – The Birdwatching Station is equipped with binoculars and seating on which to make yourself comfortable. Download the FREE Merlin birdwatching App and use it to help identify any feathery friends you spot, and feel free to record your finds on our birdwatching chalkboard.

Meditation – Respond to meditation prompts and meditate your own way – we hope you will leave this station feeling more at peace than you did when you entered.

Wellbeing walk – Newmarket Community Nature Reserve have written a walking route for you. Explore some of their rewilded spaces and enjoy the calming benefits of walking in nature.

You can find more information, including the walking route itself, here.

These drop-in activities are available for you to access at your leisure between 12.00 and 6.00pm. Whether you have tickets to enter the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

The Lumini Memorial Gardens – Thursday 11 September Programme

Posted on by Rob Drummer

Zine making – Our Illustration Station offers a range of art materials for you to experiment with. Why not add your own drawing to our comfort quilt or try making your own zine?

Cloud painting –  When was the last time you took the opportunity to just sit back and experience the simple joy of looking at the clouds? Pull up a seat, turn your eyes skyward and paint and display what you see.

Birdwatching – The Birdwatching Station is equipped with binoculars and seating on which to make yourself comfortable. Download the FREE Merlin birdwatching App and use it to help identify any feathery friends you spot, and feel free to record your finds on our birdwatching chalkboard.

Meditation – Respond to meditation prompts and meditate your own way – we hope you will leave this station feeling more at peace than you did when you entered.

Wellbeing walk – Newmarket Community Nature Reserve have written a walking route for you. Explore some of their rewilded spaces and enjoy the calming benefits of walking in nature.

You can find more information, including the walking route itself, here.

These drop-in activities are available for you to access at your leisure between 12.00 and 6.00pm. Whether you have tickets to enter the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

The Lumini Memorial Gardens – Friday 12 September Programme

Posted on by Rob Drummer

The following workshop is FREE, but requires booking.

  • 4pm Meditation session inside the Lumini! – book your free ticket now.
Meditation-in-Lumini-Participant-InformationDownload

And remember, outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities. No booking is needed – simply come along! We invite you to join us for:

Zine making – Our Illustration Station offers a range of art materials for you to experiment with. Why not add your own drawing to our comfort quilt or try making your own zine?

Cloud painting –  When was the last time you took the opportunity to just sit back and experience the simple joy of looking at the clouds? Pull up a seat, turn your eyes skyward and paint and display what you see.

Birdwatching – The Birdwatching Station is equipped with binoculars and seating on which to make yourself comfortable. Download the FREE Merlin birdwatching App and use it to help identify any feathery friends you spot, and feel free to record your finds on our birdwatching chalkboard.

Meditation – Respond to meditation prompts and meditate your own way – we hope you will leave this station feeling more at peace than you did when you entered.

Wellbeing walk – Newmarket Community Nature Reserve have written a walking route for you. Explore some of their rewilded spaces and enjoy the calming benefits of walking in nature.

You can find more information, including the walking route itself, here.

These drop-in activities are available for you to access at your leisure between 12.00 and 6.00pm. Whether you have tickets to enter the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

The Lumini FAQs

Posted on by Rob Drummer

We have created this list of Frequently Asked Questions to hopefully answer any queries you might have. However, if you cannot find the answer below then please contact community@marketplacearts.org.uk and a member of the team will be happy to help.

What we count as ‘surrounding villages’
Villages within 7 miles of Newmarket are welcome to book tickets at the same time as Newmarket residents. These include: Ashley, Bottisham, Burwell, Brinkley, Broad Green, Burrough Green, Carlton, Cheveley, Chippenham, Dalham, Denham, Dullingham, Ditton Green, East Green, Exning, Fordham, Freckenham, Gazeley, Great Bradley, Great Wilbraham, Higham, Kentford, Kennett, Landwade, Lode, Lidgate, Little Ditton, Little Wilbraham, Moulton, Ousden, Reach, Red Lodge, Saxon Street, Soham, Snailwell, Six Mile Bottom, Stetchworth, Swaffham Prior, Swaffham Beck, Upend, Westley Waterless, Weston Colville, Wicken, and Woodditton. 

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, send an email to community@marketplacearts.org.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

What should I expect? 

When you book a ticket for the Lumini, you are scheduled in for free access inside the sculpture. At your time slot, you are invited into the Lumini to explore a dreamlike world of egg shaped domes and radiant light. Your 20 minute visit is self-guided, so you can wander at your own pace, soak up the colours and enjoy the moment. We invite you to use headphones from our Listening Station to experience 2 different audio journeys while inside the Lumini: a calming guided meditation and an oral history storytelling project that shares voices from the local community. Outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with free drop-in activities, creative stations, and wellbeing spaces to explore before or after your session. 

Lumini is Architects of Air’s mini-structure for community programming and artistic interventions. This bespoke design has been created to fit into The Dell in Memorial Gardens. You can find out more about Lumini here: www.architects-of-air.com/lumini . Did you know the Architect of Air’s create even larger-scale Luminaria? You can see more about these here: https://architects-of-air.com/designs/ 

Do I need a ticket to enter the Lumini?

Yes, everyone needs a ticket to enter the Lumini. You can book tickets online up to midnight the day before your visit, and we’re also releasing on-the-day tickets on site if any booked visitors don’t show up. We do expect a high demand for tickets and expect there to be queues, so please factor that into your visit. You do not need a ticket to enter the park, where there are free, drop in activities from Thursday to Sunday.

When should I arrive?

Lumini ticket holders must arrive at the ticket tent for The Lumini at least 10 minutes before the time indicated on the ticket. A queue should still be expected. You will be outside while waiting to enter the Lumini, so please come prepared based on the weather conditions.

If you arrive late, you will not be allowed entry and your ticket will be released to on-site visitors.

How much do tickets for Lumini cost?

Tickets are free.

Why are some tickets sold out already?

We’ve made sure to reserve a portion of tickets for local community groups such as The Diversity Hub (additional needs day service), Foley House (parent and child SEND group), and Teen Chill (AbbeyCroft Leisure youth group), so that they can experience Lumini together. These groups support people who may not have easy access to arts and cultural activities, and we’re proud to make this opportunity as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

Plenty of tickets are still available for the wider community, and we’re also releasing on-the-day tickets on site if any booked visitors don’t show up. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping make this a shared experience for everyone in our community.

What if I can’t make my time slot or want to cancel?

If you do need to change your timeslot, or cancel, please email community@marketplacearts.org.uk advance. We cannot guarantee you will be able to get the slot you want and we cannot swap tickets on the day. Do please let us know if you can’t attend – it will allow us to open this opportunity to as many people as possible.

Is there an age restriction for this event?

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (a minimum of 1 adult for up to 4 children) inside the Lumini.

How long is the experience in the Lumini?

Entry is every 30 minutes, and you are welcome to enjoy up to 20 minutes inside the sculpture. This allows you plenty of time to embrace the Lumini to its fullest, whilst keeping the queue moving and allowing as many people as possible to experience the Lumini.

What if I can’t get a ticket?

If ticket holders don’t show up, we’ll release those tickets on site during opening hours. These extra tickets won’t be available online — only in person, and on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to come by the event and see if any tickets are available. Over the course of the four days, there will be a free programme of workshops, activities, and performances across Memorial Gardens, so there’s lots to do if you can’t get a ticket.

Can I wear footwear in the Lumini?

We ask that visitors remove footwear in the reception area of the Lumini before entering. Shoes and possessions are left in the reception area at the owner’s risk.

Do babies need a ticket?

Yes – tickets are required for everyone.

Access

The Lumini is accessible for wheelchair users, but please note it will be situated on grass. There are two entrances to Memorial Gardens, both are wheelchair accessible with concrete paths. 

There will be ambient music playing in the space, without a beat so as to not dictate the pace of exploration! If you would find it useful to hear this music in advance, please get in touch and we can facilitate this. Silent Disco headphones will be available on site, which you are welcome to use with no audio output, to lower the sensory stimulation if you so wish. Just hand them to a member of staff upon exiting the Lumini. If you require noise cancelling headphones, we ask you to bring these along with you.

The Lumini is situated outdoors in the park. While we aim to create a calm and focused environment, please be aware that the park is open to the public and we are expecting crowds, therefore it may be busy and there could be background noise during the activity.

Assistance Dogs

The Lumini is not intended for animals to enter. Assistance/ Service dogs may enter only if they are wearing dog booties, and they must be on a lead. Alternatively, an assistance dog may wait outside under supervision of the Lumini’s staff.

Toilets

Please note that the main public toilets on site will be closed, and instead portaloos will be available. The nearest Accessible, Changing Places toilet can be found at The Guineas Shopping Centre which is 0.4 miles, an 8 minute walk or wheel. The Guineas Shopping Centre also has a Changing Places toilet for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities. You can find out more about this provision and how to apply for a key here https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Visitors/tourist_information/changing-places-toilet-guineas-shopping-centre-newmarket.cfm

Photos

Please note that photos and videos will be taken throughout the event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please talk to a member of our team.

The Lumini

Posted on by Rob Drummer

***PLEASE NOTE: General Admission to the Lumini Tickets are now SOLD OUT but you can still book your places on the free workshop programme in Memorial Gardens. You can also join our Lumini waiting list by using the Book Now button to the right.***

The inflatable Lumini sculpture, created by internationally renowned Architects of Air, is coming to Suffolk. With a bespoke design for Newmarket, it offers intricate egg shaped domes which create an inspiring space of light and colour. Come and experience this magical, dreamlike world of domes and radiant light.

Lumini is Architects of Air’s mini-structure for community programming and artistic interventions. This bespoke design has been created to fit into The Dell in Memorial Gardens. You can find out more about Lumini here. Did you know the Architect of Air’s create even larger-scale Luminaria? You can see more about these here.

Outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities. No booking is needed – simply come along! We invite you to join us for activities like zine making, cloud painting and birdwatching. Enjoy a mindful moment at our Meditation Station or follow a Wellbeing Walk designed by Newmarket Community Nature Reserve. Check out the yarnbombing by Newmarket knitters. Whether you have tickets for the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

We’ve commissioned two unique immersive audio experiences especially for this event. Whether you’re relaxing in the park or experiencing the Lumini, pick up a pair of headphones and be transported by a calming guided meditation written for the gardens or an oral history storytelling experience of voices from the local community.

You can find out more about and listen to the audio experiences here.

With something for all ages and interests, Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with creativity across all 4 days. We can’t wait to see you. 

You can see a full schedule for each day and book workshops on the links below:

Thursday 11th September Programme

Friday 12th September Programme

Saturday 13th September Programme

Sunday 14th September Programme

The inflatable Lumini, by Architects of Air, offers sensational winding paths and domes which create an inspiring space of light and colour. Awakening all the senses, visitors are invited to step inside and be immersed in radiant colour. The Lumini is a wonderful, stimulating environment that is also calming and comforting, making it the perfect space to support mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social connection.

Essential Info

Where is the Lumini taking place?

The Lumini is taking place outdoors in the Memorial Gardens. Full address: Memorial Gardens, High Street, Newmarket, CB8 8JS.

When is the Lumini taking place?

You can book tickets to enter the Lumini sculpture from 12-6pm each day on Thursday 11 September to Sunday 14 September. Outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities from 12-6pm on Thursday 11 September to Sunday 14 September. No booking is needed – simply come along!

What else will be going on in the park?

Outside the Lumini, the Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with FREE drop-in activities. No booking is needed – simply come along! We invite you to join us for activities like zine making, cloud painting and birdwatching. Enjoy a mindful moment at our Meditation Station or follow a Wellbeing Walk designed by Newmarket Community Nature Reserve. Check out the yarnbombing by Newmarket knitters. Whether you have tickets for the Lumini or not, come and experience something new. 

We’ve commissioned two unique immersive audio experiences especially for this event. Whether you’re relaxing in the park or exploring the Lumini, pick up a pair of headphones and be transported by a calming guided meditation written for the gardens or an oral history storytelling experience of voices from the local community. With something for all ages and interests, Memorial Gardens will be buzzing with creativity across all 4 days. We can’t wait to see you.

Do I need a ticket?

Yes, everyone needs a ticket to enter the Lumini. You can book tickets online up to midnight the day before your visit, and we’re also releasing on-the-day tickets on site if any booked visitors don’t show up. We do expect a high demand for tickets and expect there to be queues, so please factor that into your visit. You do not need a ticket to enter the park, where there are free, drop in activities from Thursday to Sunday. Booking will be opened here on our website and will be announced via our social media and newsletter. You can follow us on Facebook at MarketPlace Arts and Instagram at @marketplacearts. You can sign up to our newsletter at the top of this page. 

How much do tickets cost?

Tickets are free.

Is there an age restriction for this event?

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (a minimum of 1 adult for up to 4 children). 

Will there be toilets at the venue?

There will be portaloos available.

Wheelchair access

The Lumini is accessible for wheelchair users however it will be situated on grass. There will be matting up to the main entrance. There are two entrances to Memorial Gardens, Both are wheelchair accessible with concrete paths. The activities in the park will take place on a grassy area within Memorial Gardens, which is generally level but may have some uneven patches typical of natural grass surfaces.

To read our full FAQs please click here

The Lumini is generously supported by Newmarket Town Council.

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