As the mercury rises and the sun shines, there’s a mind-bendingly large choice of things to do here in Nottinghamshire this summer. In a region where you can see 1,000 years of history at Nottingham Castle, experience Nottingham’s thriving music and arts scene, and explore some of the best green spaces anywhere in the UK, including the historic hideout of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Who better to turn to than Visit Nottinghamshire, the county's tourism board. A team of experts have drawn up the top 15 events happening in the city and across the county (and, in one case, just outside) this summer. There’s truly something for everyone.
Read more: Spectacular light show returning to Nottingham park after 3 years
Nottingham Beach - City by the Sea
Old Market Square, Nottingham, NG1 2BY
On now until Sunday, September 4
Nottingham Beach has made a welcome return this year for everybody to enjoy over the summer holidays, engulfing Old Market Square in summer fun. New for 2022 is the Giant Slip ‘n Slide, a ticketed attraction within Nottingham Beach that comprises two giant inflatable waterslides.
Open Air Theatre at Newstead Abbey
Newstead Abbey, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG15 8GE
Dates vary until Sunday, September 4
A fantastic season of open-air theatre performances awaits this summer at Newstead Abbey. The manicured gardens and beautiful sites of the abbey make the perfect backdrop for enjoying an outdoor theatre experience. Come and enjoy timeless favourites such as Much Ado About Murder, Jayne Eyre and Peter Pan.
Nottingham Riverside Festival
Victoria Embankment, Nottingham, NG2 5FB
Friday, August 5, to Sunday, August 7
The East Midlands’ biggest free summer festival is back on Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment. More than 250,000 visitors are expected at the Riverside Festival after a two-year hiatus. The festival traditionally features a wide range of fun for all ages. Music is, as ever, a big part of the festival with three massive live music stages. There will be a whole mile of fairground rides, games and attractions along the banks of the Trent plus numerous street food and drink vendors, a riverside market and all kinds of river-based activities from dragon boat racing to the annual duck race.
Luminarium – Dodecalis
Lakeside Arts, Highfields Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Saturday, August 6, to Sunday, August 14, 11am-5.15pm (last admission)
Following a three-year gap, and in their 30th anniversary year, this locally-based, internationally renowned company returns with the Nottingham premiere of a new Luminarium. Dodecalis cleverly draws visitors through its labyrinthine shapes and three domes where they’ll enjoy stunning, neon-like, vibrant colours. Architects of Air's luminaria are always sensory, always magical, and make for a truly memorable experience.
Robin Hood Festival 2022
Sherwood Forest Country Park, Swinecote Road, Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9HN
Weekends all summer until August 29
The Robin Hood Festival has returned to Sherwood Forest after three years away, and this time it is all summer long. The hugely popular Cavalry of Heroes bring their spectacular equine display show to the forest. For the first time ever, there'll be a Viking invasion in Sherwood on the weekend of August 12 to 15, recreating the era of Scandinavian occupation of England.
Gloworm Festival at Thoresby Park
Thoresby Park, Netherfield Lane, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9EP
Friday, August 12, to Sunday, August 14
The Gloworm Festival is a brilliant two-day festival that has been especially created for grown-ups and their little people. Festival goers are invited to come and play in a warm, welcoming and creative environment, lose their inhibitions, let their hair down and have some fun. Gloworm believes that children are the most important people in the world, which is why the event is aimed at families with kids aged 0-13, with plenty for teenagers and grown-ups to enjoy too.
Nottinghamshire Day
Various locations throughout Nottingham and Nottinghamshire
August 25
Nottinghamshire Day takes place on the August 25 as this date marks the anniversary of the start of the English Civil War, an event triggered by Charles I raising the royal standard at Nottingham Castle in 1642. A day to celebrate all things Nottinghamshire especially the legendary Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Various activities and events celebrating Nottinghamshire’s civil pride will be taking place across the region all day so be sure to check out visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk for all the latest updates and events taking place throughout the day.
Nottingham Carnival 2022
Victoria Embankment
Sunday, August 21, 1pm-8pm
Come, see and experience a programme of colourful costumes, music and cuisine showcasing the influence of Caribbean, Brazilian and African cultures on our city. As always, the parade will be the centrepiece of the carnival. At any point on the route, spectators can watch a spectacle featuring hundreds of colourful costumes dancing to the lively beats of soca music, steelband and samba drums. As before, the parade will follow a circular route around the Victoria Embankment and The Meadows Recreation Ground.
Clumber Park Festival of Food and Drink
Clumber Park, Worksop, Nottinghamshire, S80 3AZ
Saturday, September 17, to Sunday. September 18
Now in its ninth year, the Festival of Food and Drink takes place at Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. This celebration of local producers and global flavours attracts some of the UK's best traders and street food vendors, with stalls selling out fast. There's also a delicious selection of vegan food for all to enjoy with plenty of new companies making their debut. With lots of entertainment for all the family including children's cookery workshops, live music, giftware, cocktail bars and breweries, it's no surprise that the Festival of Food and Drink is the biggest and most popular in the region.
The Hundred
Trent Bridge Cricket Ground
Saturday, August 6, to Monday, August 29
Trent Rockets’ fixtures have been announced for the return of The Hundred this summer, with Trent Bridge set to host four match days in August. The competition, which launched its combination of fast-paced cricket and family friendly entertainment in 2021, will once again see the Trent Rockets men and women compete to be crowned champions at The Hundred Final at Lord’s on Saturday, September 3.
Titus T. rex is King
Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, Nottingham, NG8 2AE
Runs until August 31
Titus: T. rex is King is an extraordinary exhibition, showcasing the first real Tyrannosaurus rex to be displayed in England for over a century. Explore the world of this titanic predator and his story: you’ll see the skeleton of the T. rex himself, as well as digital and interactive virtual media displays that will immerse you in his extraordinary journey from discovery in the Montana Badlands in the USA, through the experience of excavation, curation, examination, rebuild and final reveal.
Tour Nottingham with Robin Hood
Starts at The Cross Keys Pub, Byard Lane, Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 2GJ
Saturdays 2pm-4.30pm
The multi-award-winning Robin Hood Town Tour is the definitive way to learn all about the world-famous legend and why he’s as relevant today as he was in the 14th century. Follow a trail of historical facts to discover how simple ballads over 700 years old grew into one of the greatest stories ever told. This fun, theatrical exploration of the legend is told against the backdrop of the city.
Nottingham Mela Festival 2022
New Art Exchange, Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 6BE
Events from Friday, September 2, to Sunday, September 4
Nottingham's South Asian festival of art and culture returns to New Art Exchange this September. Enjoy a weekend full of music, dance, poetry, family friendly events, storytelling, workshops, art, giant puppets and more! As well as working with local schools, the event will showcase local creatives and talent. Whether you want a party atmosphere or to chill out with something more relaxing - there is something for everyone.
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
Starts at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 6AD
Every Saturday at 7pm
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk is a storytelling tour around the Castle Quarter of the city. It is easy walking, about 1/2-mile-long and takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours. The walk then sets off up Castle Road, skirting the bottom of Nottingham Castle's ramparts, walls and beyond.
Festival of the Horse
Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, Grantham, NG32 1PE
Saturday, September 10, and Sunday, September 11, 11am-5pm
Okay so this one isn’t strictly in Nottinghamshire... but back by popular demand for its second year running, Belvoir Castle is delighted to announce an even bigger, more spectacular Festival of the Horse will be held this summer on the Belvoir Parkland, for a weekend of thrilling equestrian entertainment suitable for all the family. Headline displays include Liberty acts, Classical Dressage, Trick Riding, The Knights of Nottingham and many more.
For all of this and more ideas and inspiration, head to Visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
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