From pagan literature book clubs, to legendary ice rink openings for family summer fun- whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for a new club to join, there'll probably be something happening in Notts this week which you'll enjoy. Here are our picks for this week...
Nottingham Pagan Book Club
When: Tuesday 22 July
Where: Five Leaves Book Shop
How much: Free
The Five Leaves’ reading group for people interested in pagan literature, past and present, will return in July. This time, the book in the spotlight is Cunning Folk by Tabitha Stanmore, a look at the history of magical practitioners in medieval and early modern Europe, and how they would be sought out by people with certain problems. Even if paganism isn’t your normal cup-of-tea, there’s nothing that feeds the soul quite like a book club - so this is certainly a good one to get you through the midweek. The book is available from Five Leaves at a 15% discount.
Stone Soup Academy Presents… Stand Up To Knife Crime 2025
When: Wed 23 July
Where: Metronome
How much: Free but booking essential
If you’re looking for an impactful event that hopes to spark positive change, join Stone Soup Academy for a night of raising awareness of knife crime in the community. Through film, music and spoken word, the event will highlight local talent, from rappers, songwriters and spoken word artists to students and guest speakers. There’ll also be a sneak peek of the B-movie The Correction Unit, which explores what could happen to the vulnerable if AI is harnessed by the most powerful in society.
Roger Waters This Is Not A Drill: Live From Prague - The Movie
When: Wed 23 and Sun 27 July
Where: Savoy Cinema
How much: From £9
Rock legend Roger Waters, founding member of Pink Floyd, is bringing his live show to the screen. The film contains songs from his time in Pink Floyd and his solo career, including the albums The Dark Side of the Moon and Amused to Death. Waters also condemns the corporate society we live in, calling on the audience to love and protect the planet we call home. Expect an immersive blend of music, technology, politics and philosophy.
Claude Money & Meg Wall: AL Andalus
Where: Bonington Gallery
When: Friday 25 July
How much: Free
This exhibition not just a treat for the eyes, but also the ears. For one day only Bonington Gallery is hosting the work of local artists and university lecturers, Claude Money and Meg Wall. Transforming the space into an audio-visual experience that features both globally influenced music and stop-motion animations. It will be a pretty transporting experience - with Andalusian sounds amongst British jazz, hip-hop instrumentals and more, as well as the multi-layered artworks that reflect the Andalusian history.
Bama Lama Sing Song
When: Fri 25 July
Where: The Palais
How much: £12.10
Get ready to sing your heart out – Bama Lama Sing Song is back for another year. Join in with the crowd and become the performer you’ve always dreamed of as you sing along to well-known songs performed by a live band. There’ll be laughter, terrible dancing and drunken antics as everyone comes together to sing and dance like it’s the last night of their lives. Whether you fancy yourself a singer or not, it’s the perfect way to let loose with a group of friends.
Skate the Legacy
When: Fri 25 July - Mon 1 Sept
Where: National Ice Centre
How much: Various prices
Keep cool on the ice this summer at the National Ice Centre with activities for every age and ability. For two weeks you’ll be able to step onto their famous arena rink to make memories and skate where history has been made. Or if you’re in need of some training, they’ll be offering intensive skating lessons that fit six weeks of learning into just three days. Other activities include a junior ice hockey clinic for aspiring stars, Parents & Tots sessions for kids under five and a daily kids’ holiday club.
Notts Pride
When: Sat 26 July
Where: Sneinton Market Square
How much: Free
One of the biggest and most flamboyant events in the city centre calendar, this year sees the 28th Nottingham Pride. The march from Lister Gate begins at midday, heading through the Market Square and Hockley down to Sneinton Market. Browse the trader and community stalls in the Avenues, then dance at the main stage to local favourites like Girlband! and Rob Green, alongside Rileasa Slaves (from Ru Paul’s Drag Race) and Jason Kwann.
Absolut Pride Party
When: Sat 26 July
Where: Das Kino and Tahulas
How much: Free - £5
Das Kino on Fletcher Gate and Tahulas on Carlton Street are hosting one of the must-visit events of this year’s Pride celebrations. Expect performances from some of the best drag queens on the circuit including Alix Atlantis, Miss Cara Mel-Latte, Kloe Bowie, Kobi Kaya, Dany Diamond and Notts’ very own local legend Kitty Tray. It’s ticketed, but free to get in. There’s also a host of drinks offers, with a share of the profits going back into the Notts Pride kitty.
Dartmoor Calling + Where is Heaven?
When: Sunday 27 July
Where: Mammoth Cinema
How much: Pay what you feel
Mammoth is a climate action cinema on Broad Street, founded to encourage debate around environmental and social issues via independent film. This month, they’re showcasing two meticulously produced films about living close to nature. Dartmoor Calling is about the history of land rights activism in Dartmoor, while Where is Heaven? profiles people living in Devon without mains electricity. Both screenings are guaranteed to be enriching watches and a chance to support a unique indie cinema in Notts.
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