From a musical about the life of a music legend, to the long-awaited return of a local one, if you're stuck for things to fill the coming week in Nottingham then you're certainly in the right place. Here are our picks...
Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden
When: From 5 July to 7 September
Where: All libraries across Nottingham
How much: Free
In the words of Stephen King, books are "a uniquely portable magic" - and libraries are conducive to ensuring that everyone gets a piece of that magic from a young age. That's why we'd encourage anyone with little ones from 4-11 years old to get them involved in Inspire Libraries' Summer Reading Challenge, which invites kids to read six or more library books over the summer, winning stickers along the way and a medal on completing the challenge. This year, the theme is nature and the great outdoors, perfect for getting your young ones feeling good about the world amid some sunny weather.
TINA - The Tina Turner Musical
When: Tuesday 15 July - Saturday 2 August
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: From £28
A hit on the West End, TINA is coming to Nottingham as part of its first UK and Ireland tour. It tells the singer’s inspiring story, from her humble beginnings in Tennessee to her transformation into a global superstar who won twelve Grammy awards. The show includes her iconic hits such as What’s Love Got To Do With It?, River Deep – Mountain High and The Best and stars Elle Ma-Kinga N’Zuzi and Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy in the shared title role.
When: Tuesday 15 July
Where: The Chapel @ The Angel Microbrewery
How much: £17
Visiting Nottingham all the way from Melbourne Australia, the Weeping Willows are an alternative country duo, renowned for the nuanced and gothic storytelling in their songs which they deliver via some impressive vocal harmonies. They're currently touring their third record: You Reap What You Sow, and have received props from all kinds of different publications in the UK, USA, and Australia. This'll certainly be an enjoyable one if you're someone who appreciates songs crafted with love and care.
Local Legends Vol. 2: Riddla and Friends
When: Fri 18 July
Where: New Art Exchange
How much: Free
Looking for music and community? Local Legends is the place to be. The event returns for a second series to put the spotlight onto emerging talent from Nottingham and beyond, this time featuring producer and artist Riddla. Shaped by his Ghanaian heritage and time living in Germany and Nottingham, Riddla’s music explores genres like grime and highlife. He’s also worked with artists including Nottingham’s own Young T & Bugsey. Get ready for a night of raw, intimate performances and genre-blending sounds.
Inspired by a True Story: D.H. Lawrence, Sir Donald Wolfit and Me
When: Fri 18 July
Where: Nottingham Arts Theatre
How much: £9
Poet, playwright and theatre director Campbell Kay explores the issues of using biography and autobiography to dramatise real lives. To illustrate the issues, Kay will use excerpts from his own plays Phoenix Rising, about D.H. Lawrence, and Divine Mountebank, about Sir Donald Wolfit, alongside poetry. Included in the ticket price is a copy of Divine Mountebank and all proceeds from the event will go to Nottingham Arts Theatre.
When: Sat 19 - Sun 20 July
Where: Wollaton Hall Park
How much: From £49
Get ready to party as Splendour returns to Wollaton Park this summer after a year off. Headliners this year are Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis and Nottingham-born Jake Bugg. Other performers over the two days include Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir, The Fratellis, Echo & The Bunnymen and lots of local artists. There’s also a comedy stage, a funfair and a silent disco, alongside independent market stalls and an array of food and drink. Prepare for a weekend full of good tunes, good food and good vibes.
When: Sun 20 July
Where: Fisher Gate Point
How much: £13.20
It’s the return of a genuine local musical legend. If you don’t know the story of Whycliffe then flip to page 14 in this issue to understand more. He’ll be back on stage with a new band, performing a mix of his old material from the nineties, but we’re told there will be newly written songs on show too. Support comes from Lisa Fay, who was the lead singer of several bands on the Northern club circuit and The Missionaries. This really could be one of those ‘we were there’ moments.
When: Sun 20 July
Where: Royal Concert Hall
How much: From £39.50
Tim Minchin returns to the UK with his new tour, marking the 20th anniversary of his arrival onto the British comedy scene. Titled Songs The World Will Never Hear, the show draws from three decades of his distinctive song writing. Minchin takes the audience on an unforgettable journey as he explores how he went from being a cabaret pianist in Perth to an extraordinary worldwide performer. Expect an eclectic mix of comedy classics, emotional Christmas songs and existentialism, all delivered with his signature wit and honesty.
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