Festivals in Nottingham - Festivities and celebrations calendar

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13. Festivals in Nottingham - Festivities and celebrations calendar
14. Nottingham in 3 days - What to see in Nottingham in 3 days

Where you want to appreciate Nottinghams culture, delve deep into its history or rock out to the best in live music, there are plenty of events held throughout the year. You can actually check what is going on each month on Visit Nottingham's site but here are the most noteworthy events which aren’t to be missed.

Music festivals in Nottingham

As previously mentioned, the live music scene in Nottingham is buzzing. You can find all genres and all kinds of artists which means music festivals! No matter the festival, they always provide the best atmosphere and are always something to look forward to.

Dot to Dot

This indie/alternative daytime music festival is spread across the whole of the city centre. Just to name a few of its many venues, it is held in Rock City, Stealth, Spanky Van Dykes, the Bodega, Rough Trade and the Nottingham Trent Student Union. It features local bands, as well as more famous ones and has previously put a lot of musicians on the map - Jack Bugg, for example.

Tickets cost £20 in advance (£22 including the booking fee) and you swap your ticket for a wristband on the day. This gets you entry to all of the venues. It is held in May so it is usually good weather and it runs from 11am-4am.

Splendour

This is another daytime festival hosted in the stunning Wollaton Park. There are multiple music stages, live comedy, entertainment, bars, artisanal stalls and street food. It is usually headlined by fairly big acts (it was Rita Ora in 2016) and lots of different people come to enjoy it. There are families as well as a younger crowd and an older one too.

It is held in July, meaning it is usually a nice sunny day. Standard entry is £50.60. You can purchase them online or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre.

Hockley Hustle

This daytime music festival is situated all around Hockley and heavily features local bands and upcoming talents. You can’t argue that there isn’t variety with rock music, acoustic, rap battles and poetry! It is a fairly new festival on the scene and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2016. It is held in October and tickets are cheaper in advance. An early bird ticket costs £10, or £11 including the booking fee. It also raises money for local charities.

Other festivals in Nottingham

Robin Hood festival

As Nottingham is famous for the legend of Robin Hood, it is only fitting that there is an annual festival dedicated to him. The festival is free, lasts for a week and features characters in costume and medieval music. There are also craft stalls and falconry and it takes place in Sherwood forest of course.

Mayhem film festival

Screening the best in contemporary horror, science-fiction, cult cinema and world cinema, you can expect previews, premieres, masterclasses and guest appearances from special international film makers. The festival is held hosted by theBroadway cinemaand ticket prices are released during the period approaching the festival.

General happenings in Nottingham

There are miscellaneous things that go on in Nottingham. Some of them might seem a little random and there is always something going on the Old Market Square! Nevertheless, it is worth going to check them out. They can be really fun and you will have a great time.

Light Night

On Light Night you have the possibility of participating in a number of cultural activities after dark. Entry to many of Nottingham’s places of cultural interest is free, where you will find special activities and happenings for the night. There is often crafts, food and drink stalls, entertainment and live music. There is a focus on lights, with candle lit tours and in 2017, a wheel will be put up in the Old Market Square which will feature a light show creating patterns with 75,000 bulbs! The event is held in the city centre, across various locations. To name a few, there are the Arboretum, the Galleries of Justice Museum and Nottingham Castle.

Goose Fair

A long standing Nottingham tradition, Goose Fair is not to be missed. It is held every year in October at the Forest Recreation Ground, a short walk or tram ride away from the city centre and there are a wide selection of rides to choose from. There are roller coasters, a haunted house, dodgems and many more. Street food is also on offer with many stalls selling the traditional mushy peas with mint sauce, although you can also buy doughnuts, sweets, hot dogs, burgers and more.

It is open until 11pm every day of the week except from Sunday when it shuts at 10pm. You can enjoy it in the daytime and after dark but the atmosphere is at its best at night.

Winter Wonderland

With an outdoor ice rink, several festive bars and a Christmas market featuring Victorian style cabins, there is nowhere better to go to get into the Christmas spirit. There is live music and entertainment and the switching on of the Christmas lights is held here every year. It’s not to be missed! There are fireworks and there is a really pleasant communal atmosphere. It is held on the Old Market Square every year-the centre of all of Nottingham’s city life.

Nottingham Beach

Nottingham doesn’t have a beach so the beach comes to Nottingham! It arrives every year during Summer and is installed on theMarket Square. You can expect to find deckchairs, sand, fairground rides and attractions, a paddling pool and a bar selling food and drink.

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