Nottingham is hosting a diverse range of events this week, from back-to-back musical performances arranged by Rough Trade to a majestic murder mystery dinner night and a 2000s emo festival. Be it enjoying comedic nostalgia with Friends on stage or witnessing an epic confrontation between local poets, there is something for everyone and this week's top picks from our city are...
When: Monday 15 September
Where: The Level
How much: £23
Rough Trade has announced an out-store performance from artist Lola Young at The Level. The Too Messy artist, whose rise to fame has included several standout performances in the past year, will be promoting her new album, I'm Only F**cking Myself. The unique event will last approximately 40/45 minutes, and will not include a copy of Lola's new album.
Joy Crookes: Stripped Back Performances
When: Tuesday 16 September
Where: Saltbox Bar
How much: £24
Another exciting out-store performance from Rough Trade is by singer-songwriter Joy Crookes at Nottingham's SaltBox bar. The south London artist will be celebrating the release of her new album Juniper, a playful-yet-provocative score featuring well-known artists Loyle Carner and Jorja Smith.
Rewrite Your Story: one day retreat
When: Wednesday 17 September
Where: Attenborough Nature Reserve Nottingham
How much: £195
Set in the tranquil surrounds of Attenborough Nature Reserve, which are loved across the city, this retreat is led by professional coaches Aman Lidder and Martin Benefer, and is intended to help participants explore their personal journeys, reconnect with themselves, and discover a renewed sense of purpose. Activities will include drawing, writing, walking in nature, self-reflecting, getting creative, and more. This should be an especially memorable occasion for anyone looking to connect with kindred spirits undergoing the same struggles that they might be too.
When: Wednesday 17- Saturday 20 September
Where: Theatre Royal
How much: £27.50-£59.50
The iconic New York comedy is hitting the stages of Nottingham, with two hours of laugh out loud moments from all 10 seasons of the show. From the producers of Hairspray and the directors of The Full Monty, the show sports entirely original musical scores as it follows the highs and lows of beloved six characters.
When: Friday 19 September
Where: Fisher Gate Point
How much: £4.40
Jess Breame is a seasoned local artist, who defines herself as ‘new country’ and makes nuanced, stylistically diverse songs inspired by artists like The Beatles and Sinead Burges. This special show coming up at the Fisher Gate Point creative hub will see her play alongside a full band and live string players. Jess has previously played at Glastonbury, YNOT, and Splendour. With the added intimate atmosphere that characterises Fisher Gate Point, this definitely won’t be one to miss.
Murder Mystery: Phantom Fatality
When: Friday 19 September
Where: Cosy Club
How much: £54.95
Fancy dinner out with a side of mystery? Well, Cosy Club's three-course murder mystery dining experience might just be for you. The spooky evening offers tales of glamorous estates haunted by the ghosts of scullery maids, the help of ‘spirit cleansers’, and … a free welcome drink! Enjoy a bar that's open until midnight while the Garden family endeavours to sell their haunted, tragedy-ridden property.
When: Friday 19 September
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: Free (donation encouraged)
Do you appreciate poetry and Eurovision? If so, you'll enjoy the collision course of the two at Slamovision Notts, the annual poetry competition in which Nottingham's spoken word masterminds duel to become the city's contender for the Slamovision 2025 global contest hosted by the UNESCO Cities of Literature. It will be up to you to help pick Nottingham's mightiest poetic warrior!
When: Saturday 20 September
Where: Rock City
How much: £12.10
It’s nearly been two years since Day Fever, the daytime disco started by Vicky McClure and targeted at over-thirties, first saw the light of day. Since then, this is a party that has spread across major cities across the UK and Ireland. Beginning at 3pm, this is an unmissable event, perfect for anyone who still yearns to go clubbing and have a dance with friends, but would also like to be home early and wake up fresh the next morning.
When: Saturday 20 September
Where: Lace Bar Nottingham
How much: From £8.50 to £11.25
When it’s curated right, a DJ night can stick in your mind for a long time after you attend it, and this month's Selectors of House event is set to serve all that up and more. The relatively new collective focuses on soulful electronica, deep house, and Afrobeat. This month’s instalment will take place in the stylish and atmospheric surrounds of Lace Bar on High Pavement, providing some truly soulful and transportative vibes.
When: Saturday 20 September
Where: The Nest
How much: £23.59
EmoFest is an event that caters to everyone, regardless of age, who might be an emo at heart. A wide assortment of live performers and DJs will be delivering all the best 2000s emo anthems, with added confetti and more - making for an energetic and colourful festival experience. The Nottingham date this month will be part of a stacked, world tour that will see the event pop up throughout the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Australia, and Portugal.
Festival of Food and Drink 2025
When: Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 September
Where: Thoresby Park
How much: £12 (under-fives go free)
The annual festival of food and drink attracts some of the UK’s best exhibitors. With over 150 vendors, you can expect to taste some of the top cuisines from around the world. From cocktails to burgers, food and drink aren't all that's on the table, with guest appearances from TV chefs, hands-on workshops, and more entertainment.
Don't forget to head to our What's On page to see a full list of events!
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