This week in Nottingham, we find ourselves well-and-truly in festival season, as big music, art, and culture events take over the city centre and suburbs further afield. Meanwhile, there'll be some bluesy riffs blaring out of The Bodega on Friday night, while from Thursday to Saturday two Nottingham legends bid goodbye to their legendary, career-long partnership...
When: 10 - 12 July
Where: Various Venues
How much: Free - £30
Change what you think of classical! Amongst Nottingham’s cultural spaces, is the celebratory hum of classical music given to you by Carmen Flores, the founder of Nottingham’s Chamber Music Festival. Following the festival into its second year, ‘newbies and culture vultures alike’ are invited to a spread of events. Beginning with a workshop alongside the Villiers Quartet surrounded by the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Lace Market, and ending with a string quartet from the Le Page Ensemble in the Park Tunnel, echoing acoustic qualities amongst a historical hidden gem, the weekend promises to ignite to you the power of music.
When: 10 - 13 July
Where: Various venues across Newark
How much: £7 - £12
This year the Newark Book Festival celebrates its ninth year in business - and it's now bigger than ever. Each summer the historic market town is taken over by a diversity of events- such as talks by well-known local writers like Henry Normal, workshops and open mics for people of all ages, and even a market which in 2024 was over 130 stallholders-strong. In 2025 there'll be interviews with local writers like Stuart Evans, a novel-writing workshop, and plenty more to do. If you're somebody even with a passing love for good-reads, you're bound to get something out of this.
Torvill and Dean: Our Last Dance
When: 10 - 12 July
Where: Motorpoint Arena
How much: From £53.80
Skating legends and Nottingham natives Torvill and Dean return to the Motorpoint Arena for the final shows of their Our Last Dance tour. Celebrating fifty years of partnership since their first dance together in 1975, the pair reflect on their illustrious and remarkable career in an arena spectacular. The shows give audiences the opportunity to witness them in action for the final time before they retire from dance and end an incredible era of British sporting history.
When: 11 July
Where: The Bodega
How much: £12.10
Whisky Stain are a local Nottingham rock duo. Known for their blues inspired riffs, punchy drums and energetic performances, they’ve been featured on BBC Music Introducing and performed at festivals including Deerstock and Y Not. This special performance at Bodega is a showcase of never-before-heard music from their upcoming projects. There’ll be a mix of classic foot-stomping rock, grungy angst, thoughtful lyrics, and music that explores completely new directions. Perfect for anyone who loves supporting local talent and wants to dance to some blues-rock blends.
When: 12 July
Where: Various venues across Sneinton
How much: Free to attend
There are few local festivals that celebrate the colour, creativity, and cultural diversity of Notts, outside of the city centre, quite like Sneinton Festival. This year the theme of the festival is 'Dragons; local myths & legends', and suitably there'll be walkabout performers telling stories with a folkloric edge, a re-enacted Viking encampment and Lindum Grove Community Garden, and other fun and intriguing family events. Beyond that, the festival's annual parade will start in Sneinton Dale at 11am, not to mention the varieties of culturally diverse food available. This will definitely be a colourful and memorable occasion - we very much recommend you check it out.
When: 12 July
Where: Various venues across the city centre
How much: £27.50
Mangata is a heavy music festival that celebrates the best of Nottingham’s underground scene. Focused on local talent, affordability and sustainability, the event is run by a collective of heavy music enthusiasts. This year there are 46 bands performing over five stages, including The Raven Age, Abduction and Devastator. You can also pick up food, clothing and jewellery from brands such as Goth Burger, Morte Unchained and Freakshow Treats and check out a silent disco afterparty featuring emo, pop punk and metal.
When: From Saturday 12 July
Where: Harley Gallery
How much: Free
If you’re a dog person, this family-friendly exhibition is for you. Harley Gallery has brought together work from over 100 artists who are inspired by man’s best friend, including photography, sculpture and painting. Visitors can see a life-size crotchet canine made by Shauna Richardson, Gerrard Gerthing’s portraits of dogs with their human lookalikes and Rafael Mantesso’s Instagram-famous illustrations. There’ll also be interactive elements such as a ‘name the breed’ trail, craft activities and a feature where you can see yourself as a dog.
Taster Day: Celebrating the history of dance in Nottingham
When: 13 July
Where: FABRIC studio
How much: Free
FABRIC is looking for anyone interested in celebrating the history of dance in Nottingham. Working with Director Alan Lyddiard and Choreographer Tamara McLorg, you’re invited to share your stories of dance in the city of Nottingham and join The Nottingham Ensemble, with the option to join the residency and be part of a wonderful sharing of life through, stories, performance, music and dance as part of Nottdance 2025. This invitation is for everyone of any age, background, experience, who has engaged in dance in Nottingham.
Don't forget to check out other things happening in Nottingham on our listings page.
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