How about this sunshine, right? The county just feels so much better and brighter to explore with it. I have been particularly enjoying Woodthorpe Park (nottinghamcity.gov.uk) recently, which has a cute train and pretty cherry blossoms. I hope you’ve all managed to catch some rays, or at least can this bank holiday. Notts Going On will be back in your inbox next Tuesday.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

SIX the Musical 🎭

When: April 28-May 9
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £25pp

Divorced, beheaded, died… but not quite as you know it. The six wives of Henry VIII will be taking to the stage to share their stories, remixing historical heartbreak into pop perfection. The show has won plenty of awards, including the Tony Award for best original score and best costume design, so expect all the catchy songs and dazzling costumes. You can also sip on themed drinks – a Tudor Spritz or Purple Reign.

Do if: You love a good musical and have always found Tudor history’s drama fascinating.

trch.co.uk

Clairvoyant Night With Madame Csazar 🔮

When: May 1
Where: Vale Community Centre, Wollaton Vale
How much: £16.99pp

Join Madame Csazar for a mystical evening, where she’ll meet people she is drawn to and deliver spiritual insight. The evening will start at 6pm with market stalls with crystals and candles, along with the kitchen serving hot beverages and cakes. After this, the show will begin, with an interval in between. There will also be psychic mediums and readings at the market for an extra cost.

Do if: You’ve always fancied the idea of having your fortune read (or are just an open-minded person who’d like to try something new).

eventbrite.co.uk

Spring Beer Festival 🍻

When: May 1-2
Where: The Garage Chilwell
How much: Free entry

The annual Spring Beer Festival is returning to The Garage, with a range of craft beers and real ales from some of the country’s best breweries, as well as locally made ciders. There will also be live music. The event runs from 3-10pm on Friday and 12.30-7pm on Saturday, so plenty of time to hop on down. It’s right next to the High Road tram stop, so it’s simple to get to.

Do if: You’d like to try new beers and soak in the bank holiday sunshine.

thegaragechilwell.co.uk

Family Fest 🌟

When: May 4
Where: Binks Yard, Nottingham
How much: From £24.45pp adult, £9.05pp child

This is technically next Monday, but we’re featuring it to give you enough time to book tickets. This festival will host tribute acts like Antarctic Monkeys, Oasis Supernova, and The ABBA Tribute. Inflatables, stilt walkers, fire eaters, and hair braiding will also add to the family entertainment. Finish the day with a snap in the 360 photo-booth, so you can remember the fun in future.

Do if: You’d like to treat the family to a special day out this bank holiday.

binksyard.com

More events:

What’s On Next Month 🗓️

Hot Property 🏡

Victorian properties always have so much character – and this four-bedroom home in Carlton has plenty of this. Downstairs you’ll find the kitchen with its island and wall-length radiator and the living room with teal blue walls and the feature fireplace. We especially love the colourful tiling in the hallway. Upstairs is also lovely, with the master bedroom and its built-wardrobe being a real highlight. Oh, and the house also has three bathrooms. The guide price is £350k and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🍂 In the works: A statue of Maid Marian is set to be unveiled in Nottingham’s new rain garden this summer. The artwork, which will be created by artist Alicja Biala, will be a silhouette formed entirely of cast-metal fragments, using cast bronze foliage of local native plants around Nottinghamshire. The statue will be cast and created by the artist this spring and summer, with the public able to get involved through a series of workshops being held at BACKLIT Gallery. @thenottsedit

😇 Remarkable art: The famous Knife Angel sculpture, made from over 100,000 seized blades, is in Newark as part of the UK National Youth Anti-Violence Tour until May 20. It is located in front of Newark Town Hall in the town centre and is illuminated each evening. Alongside the Knife Angel’s visit to Newark, a wide range of talks, workshops, school sessions and community activities are taking place throughout its stay. newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest pulled off a remarkable 5-0 away win over Sunderland to put themselves on the brink of Premier League survival. Chris Wood, Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson all scored, along with an own goal, to move the Reds to 39 points. No team has been relegated with this points tally for 15 years.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town thrashed Huddersfield Town 4-1 away to move 11th in the table. Lukas Akins, Regan Hendry and Oliver Irow all scored in a convincing win. The Stags have two games left in the season and will be aiming to finish on a high.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County’s automatic promotion hopes are just about alive after a 1-0 win over Colchester. Nick Tsaroulla scored the game’s only goal, while Notts lost defender Lewis Macari to a serious injury. The Magpies will need to win their final home game of the season against Bristol Rovers and hope other results go their way to secure promotion.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire were made to follow on against Warwickshire in their County Championship match over the weekend, after trailing by 180 after the first innings. In their second innings, Haseeb Hameed made a century and Ben Duckett 92 to leave the match well-poised on its final day.

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I’ve curated a range of these and have narrowed them down to 10 based on seasonality, specialness, and value for money. For more activities throughout the month, be sure to keep an eye on our Notts Going On newsletter.

If you’re looking for events and things to do across the city and county this month, these are all wonderful options. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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10 things to do in Nottingham this May

By Eve Smallman

1. Murder Mystery Night

When: May 8
Where: Kelham Hall, Newark
How much: £60pp

The 19th-century stately home has to be one of the best settings for a murder mystery in the county – and you’re invited to solve this brand-new case. The Garden family are broke and needs to sell their home – but a spirit is scaring potential buyers, and a mysterious ‘spirit cleanser’ is aiming to help. The event is interactive, but you’re not required to roleplay – all you need to do is crack the case and enjoy a three-course meal.

Do if: You’d like to liven up your Friday night with a real treat of a tale in an immersive setting.

renaissance-kelham.com

2. Wing Fest

When: May 8-10
Where: OUT Nottingham
How much: From £19.50pp, afternoon sessions free for children

The world’s biggest chicken wing festival is landing in Nottingham for the first time ever. Tuck into a variety of wings from popular names in the chicken scene, including our own Mollis from Michelin-starred chef Alex Bond, Derby’s BOA, and Manchester’s Hello Oriental. There will also be eating competitions, axe-throwing, and all the beer and bourbon. It will run across four sessions: Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and a Sunday afternoon finale, so you can choose just the right time for you.

Do if: You just love a good chicken wing – this is the very best place to try the best of the best.

wingfest.co.uk

3. Nottinghamshire County Show

When: May 9
Where: Newark Showground
How much: From £15pp, free for children

Discover our county’s farming, countryside life and rural culture during this lovely event, which will host together livestock and equine displays and countryside competitions with over 1,500 competitors. Live demonstrations, music, and family-friendly activities will also keep you busy. Plus, you can meet, sample wares from, and shop with local food and drink producers, along with browsing craft stalls.​

Do if: You’d like to learn more about the area’s farmers and makers, and pick up wares straight from the source.

nottinghamshirecountyshow.com

4. Nottingham Super Soapbox Challenge

When: May 10
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free for spectators

Nottingham’s inaugural soap box race will see a range of teams – from businesses to pals – driving their handmade carts down the gigantic four-metre-high ramp. Off track, there will be entertainment too, with family-friendly photo opportunities. The first cart will go down at 11am, so be sure to bag a great spot before then. However, there will be mega screens and lively commentary, so you’re sure to be part of the action wherever you are.

Do if: You always enjoyed watching the Red Bull Soapbox Race on TV – this is our city’s own version of it.

itsinnottingham.com

5. Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys

When: May 23-25, May 30-31
Where: Great Central Railway, Ruddington
How much: From £60pp adult, £30pp child

The famous Flying Scotsman is returning to the Midlands for the first time in 25 years. Step aboard for a return journey, which will take you from the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back while travelling through the beautiful countryside route. Want to make it a real treat? First Class Observation is £99pp, compartments for up to eight are £420, and premium compartments for up to six are £400. All tickets come with a commemorative brochure.

Do if: Hearing the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most famous trains sounds wonderful to you.

foxandedwards.com

6. Luminarium: Timisien

​When: May 23-31
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: From £6.50pp, free under 18 months

The Nottingham-based Architects of Air are presenting their new Luminarium Timisien, which will have soaring domes and winding labyrinths. There are six different sessions – a talk and tour by founder Alan Parkinson (May 22), baby and parent (May 22), the standard one (May 23-31), quieter and calm SEND (May 26), loud and active SEND (May 27), and grown-ups only (May 28). We have been to previous Luminariums and can confirm they’re unique sensory experiences.​

Do if: You’d like to escape for just a little while – this remarkable ‘world’ is just a tram hop away.

lakesidearts.org.uk

7. Dot to Dot

When: May 24
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £39.38pp

Over 200 artists will be taking over a host of the city’s venues for a full day of live music. Local ones to look out for include Sancho Panza, Archy and The Astronauts, Drury Hill, and Emidora. The headliners include Lambrini Girls, Ratboys, and Newdad. Many musicians have broken through at this festival, including East Midlands’ own Hard Life, London Grammar, and Jake Bugg – so who knows who you’ll discover?

Do if: You fancy mixing up your playlists with some of the county and country’s finest upcoming acts.

alttickets.com

8. Barnum

When: May 26-30
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £17.50pp

Roll up, roll up – P.T. Barnum is coming to town in a spectacular show… well, a show about his life, that is. West End and TV star Lee Mead (who you may recognise from Any Dream Will Do) will lead the way as the showman himself, who brought the magic of the circus to the world. He’ll lead a cast of over 20 acrobats and musicians – so expect plenty of delightful acts, classic show tunes, and a glorious stage set-up filled with fun.

Do if: You loved The Greatest Showman and would like to see the real-life story imagined in a new way.

​nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

9. Matt Forde: Defying Calamity

When: May 31
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £28.50pp

Political comedian and satirist Matt Forde (Spitting Image, HIGNFY, British Scandal) is bringing his biggest show to date to the Theatre Royal. This is about finding positivity in life despite evidence to the contrary in politics (Matt is known for his uncanny impressions) and his own health, with Matt having undergone cancer treatment. It will be a homecoming for the Nottingham-born comedian, so it’s sure to be a special show.

Do if: You’ve been feeling a bit down about things and would welcome a new perspective on it all.

trch.co.uk

10. Italian Car and Motorcycle Show

When: May 31
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £10pp for exhibitors, visitor entry free

See a range of the finest car models and motorcycles out there during this end-of-the-month spectacular. Iconic models from Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lamborghini and more will park up, as well as Ducatis, Vespas, and Lambrettas. Make sure to vote for your favourites throughout the day. The taste of Italy doesn’t stop there, with trade stands hosting premium coffees, pizzas, and ice cream. It certainly sounds like dolce vita.

Do if: You’re missing the Mediterranean, and would like to experience it without the flight.

clubalfa.co.uk

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Spring Wine Tasting Night 🍷

When: April 23
Where: Jenkins, Sherwood
How much: £30pp

One of Sherwood’s chicest bars is hosting a first look at its seasonal wine selection. Hosted by expert sommelier Raj Solanki, you’ll enjoy eight carefully chosen wines, alongside a selection of artisanal cheeses. Raj will guide you through each wine, sharing the stories, characteristics, and flavours that make them different. Too busy this week? Jenkins also has a great charcuterie menu, with a bottle of wine and board for two for £30.

Do if: You want to refill your wine cabinet with fresh flavours now the sun’s starting to shine.

jenkinsbar.co.uk

BBC Concert Orchestra: Friday Night Is Music Night 🎶

When: April 24
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £15pp

In this special live edition of BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night, the BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Karen Ní Bhroin and Nottingham’s own pianist Clare Hammond come together to celebrate the best in classical music from the big screen. Expect favourites from Amadeus, Chocolat, Up!, Out of Africa and many more.

Do if: You fancy swapping your film night for a film music night.

trch.co.uk

VW Spring Social 🚗

When: April 24-26
Where: Thoresby Park. Newark
How much: From £10pp adult, £5pp child

Head down to the gorgeous Thoresby Park for a glorious day out filled with VW models. Whether you want to show off your own or see other beauties, there will be over 100 vehicles to view. There will also be over forty traders to shop, live music to dance to, and family entertainment to see. To make it a full weekend, camping options are available.

Do if: You always turn your head whenever a beautiful car or van goes by.

springsocial.vwfestival.co.uk

Lived Fiction 🎭

When: April 25
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: From £12pp, concessions available

Experience dance from multiple perspectives in an evening of masterful performances by disabled, neurodivergent and non-disabled creatives. Stopgap’s choreography will have new meaning through audio description, projection art, and creative captioning. This is a relaxed performance, and there will also be a touch tour at 5pm. Tickets are down to the final few.

Do if: You’d like to see some of the finest dance out there – Stopgap is a global leader of inclusive dance.

lakesidearts.org.uk

Spring Festival at the Secret Walled Garden 🌷

When: April 25-26
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: £2pp, children free

Learn about the history of the Secret Walled Garden during this fun weekend, with facts about what was grown and how the garden looked in its heyday over 100 years ago. You can also meet the volunteers restoring its heritage and growing flowers and vegetables there. This will all be accompanied by refreshments and home bakes, books, and plants for sale. On the Sunday, you can also see Victorian bread oven demonstrations.

Do if: You’d love to discover one of Nottingham’s hidden gems in its finest spring form.

wollatonhall.org.uk

More events:

Food and Drink 🍽️

Hot Property 🏡

This Grade-II listed home in Cropwell Butler is perfect for those who love both regency charm and contemporary touches. Highlights include the dining room with intricate wooden panelling, the open-plan kitchen diner with light grey shaker cabinets, and the living room with an ornate fireplace. Upstairs is just as chic, with a principal bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and en-suite, as well as five others which are also impressively sized. Outside, the patio is a blank canvas to be played with, as is the enormous lawn. The guide price is £1.975m and it’s marketed by Savills. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🙌 Big steps: One of Nottingham’s most enigmatic historical landmarks, Long Stairs, officially reopened on Sunday for two hours after a restoration project. The stairs were shut and partially destroyed when the slum area was cleared in the 1930s. Over eight years, volunteers led by heritage campaigner Janine Tanner raised £20,000 for clearance and safety work. We visited and it was great to see the hard work pay off and the long queue of people. bbc.co.uk

💸 Fixing up: Newstead Abbey and Nottingham Playhouse have both received money from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund, which awarded 130 venues around the company a share of a £127.8 million funding boost. The abbey’s £1,550,747 funding will go towards essential roof and drainage repairs, while the theatre’s £285,574 funding will go towards a new lift and energy-efficient lighting. gov.uk

📚 Feeling bookish: Sherwood Library has finally opened after a six-year absence. The opening of the new building in Spondon Street on Friday started with a ribbon cutting ahead of an opening weekend programme of events. Councillor Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, told the BBC, “We know how much this library means to local people, and it’s fantastic to see it brought back to life as a bright, modern and welcoming space.” bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest took a huge step toward Premier League survival with a 4-1 win over Burnley. The Reds fell behind just before halftime, but a Morgan Gibbs-White hat trick, as well as a last-minute Igor Jesus strike, put Forest 16th, five points clear of Tottenham Hotspur. Forest also progressed to the Europa League semi-final, their first European final for 42 years, with a 1-0 win over Porto. Morgan Gibbs-White scored the goal to set up a tie against Aston Villa.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town drew twice in the last week – first a 0-0 away draw with Leyton Orient, before surrendering a two-goal lead against Luton to draw 2-2. The Stags are 15th in League One.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County’s promotion hopes took another huge hit with a 2-1 defeat at home to Barnet. Notts’ only goal came through Jodi Jones, and leaves them 5th in the League Two table – two points behind third-place Cambridge, who have a game in hand.

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We were kindly invited on one of the first tours around the city, walking around for three hours and exploring six of Nottingham’s food and drink destinations, with bites to eat and fascinating talks.

If you love Nottingham’s restaurants and are looking for things to do in the area, the tours are currently open for bookings on the fourth Saturday of the month, and are £85pp. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Review: Discovering Nottingham’s flavours and heritage with the Hidden Food Tours

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

I thought I knew everything about Nottingham’s food scene – but the Hidden Food Tours proved me wrong. The tours, which operate in Melton Mowbray and Lincoln, have now come to Nottingham. Our city’s food scene is fantastic, and it has become bigger and buzzier over the past few years, so it’s naturally a brilliant place to host this.​

Hosted in small groups of eight, the tours move around six city centre locations on Saturdays (the fourth of the month as of time of writing). This felt like the perfect size for getting a true, intimate feel of each venue, as well as feeling looked after throughout. We were greeted by tour hosts Matt and Janina, who handed us branded tote bags (stylish and handy, as I found out later) with copies of the Great Food Club.

The first stop at 10am was the most glorious sight on a sleepy weekend morning – coffee and a pastry at Tough Mary’s Bakehouse (tough-marys-bakehouse.myshopify.com) on Derby Road (I was glad to do the hill first, instead of last!). We were ushered into the actual bakehouse, which sits next to the cafe, and is wonderfully warm and toasty.​

Owner Kate O’Shea talked us through how she created the business, and shared her favourite memories and bakes while we tucked into thick cuts of jammy Copenhagens. I bagged a potato dauphinoise pastry and a vanilla and chocolate pain suis, with the card machine brought straight to me, to save being in the heaving queue. Firmly fuelled up and caffeinated, I was excited for the next stop.

My partner and fellow food lover Sam and I wondered where we could end up next from here – and as we were led around by the castle near the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and Salutation, I wondered if 11am was too early for a pint. Perhaps if the timings were a little different, this could have worked – both famous spots that locals and tourists might have enjoyed. For those who like a tipple, don’t fret – that’s to come.​

Anyone who knows me knows that I love cheese, so I was thrilled that the next stop was The Cheese Shop (cheeseshopnottingham.co.uk) on Flying Horse Walk. Co-owner Rob Freckingham talked us through four different cheeses, all carefully paired with toppings and crackers. He spoke so passionately about working with different producers and finding special cheeses across the country.

The one I enjoyed the most – both story-wise and taste-wise – was the soft Eggleston cheese. Made from raw cow’s milk by Primrose Creamery at the Welbeck Estate, this is named after William Eggleston, a local farmer who died in the 1766 Nottingham Cheese Riot. For me, this was the tour really at its best – the blend of excellent food producers, the remarkable history, and the delicious food. The cheese found its way into my bag (...okay, yes, I bought it and ate it that evening).

Cheese and pastries? Oh, I was in – and then gin got thrown into the mix too (turns out 11.30am is the right time for a drink). I had been in Weavers Wines (weaverswines.com) before, but I hadn’t been down to the cellar, which was a real treasure trove. We sampled three of the Castle Gate Gins, which had been on my list to try for actual years. Made from Sherwood Forest acorns and central England botanicals, these were fragrant and full of depth. We were also interestingly told that gin is best served at room temperature to truly taste the flavours – a fact I will now whip out at the pub/parties/anywhere with gin.

The beauty of this tour is that not only does it introduce different food spots, but it also shares history too. Matt talked about the Grade II Severn’s building which was a lace centre and moved to the castle, as well as the metal strip that runs through Old Market Square which once divided the city’s Anglo-Saxon and Norman communities. Both of these I knew very little about, and appreciated both factually and as respite in between stops.

Would it be a Nottingham food tour without our city’s iconic mushy peas, normally served in a pot at the Goose Fair? Matt thought not, and asked Piccalilli’s Dan Coles (piccalillinottingham.co.uk) to create something with these. He cleverly designed a ham croquette with a mushy pea puree, and served this alongside a pork belly bite with Bramley apple puree – the apples another Nottingham classic (I had veggie alternatives). The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand, so it is relatively well-known – but it is technically hidden up an alley, so I’ll give them that.

I am a big dessert after dinner kind of girl, so I was pleased that this was followed by a trip to Chocolate Utopia (chocolate-utopia.co.uk) – a chocolate shop in Nottingham that I had actually never stepped foot in before. But, my goodness, I will be back, if not only to have another chocolate shot. For £3 normally, you can have a milk or dark chocolate cup filled with warm tempered chocolate. I actually thought I might cry – it was that delicious.

The final stop was the iconic Malt Cross (maltcross.co.uk) – the beautiful pub on St James’s Street that was formerly a Victorian music hall. Small wines, half pints, and cokes were drunk as we drank in conversation about the tour, chatted about what we’d enjoyed, and even just got to know one another. This thoughtfully allowed people to stay as long as they wanted to catch their breath, or even to head on home after the three hours.

The only thing I questioned was the amount of food on the tour for £85pp. While I enjoyed the slice of pastry, the cheese on crackers, the croquettes, and the chocolate cup, I wondered if the portions could have been bigger or if one more stop could have been added as more of a ‘main’, as the nibbles were starters and desserts. However, the items served were curated with a bespoke touch, and did choose quality over quantity. Plus, other people on the tour remarked on feeling full.

Overall, I thought the Hidden Food Tours’ Nottingham edition was really wonderful. Whether as an introduction to the Nottingham food and drink scene, a fun few hours for foodies, or even to teach those in-the-know something new, it does provide something unique in the area. With it celebrating and showcasing the city in such a positive way, it’s a huge winner for me.

hiddenfoodtours.co.uk
@hidden_food_tours

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile 🎭

When: April 14-18
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £22pp

On board a luxurious cruise, one couple’s honeymoon is cut short by a murder – and buried secrets are about to resurface. Will Hercule Poirot (played by Outlander’s Mark Hadfield) untangle the web of lies and solve the crime? Agatha Christie often enjoyed premiering shows at the Theatre Royal, as the crowd was always receptive to new work, so it really is lovely that one of her stories is showing here.

Do if: You love a classic whodunnit, and would love to see an iconic show at one of Nottingham’s most iconic venues.

trch.co.uk

The Choral Pilgrimage 🎶

When: April 16
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: From £15pp

Exploring music from the Spanish Renaissance and more, The Choral Pilgrimage will bring together a collection of remarkable music to Southwell Minster. These include historic pieces by Cristóbal de Morales, who was famed across Europe and the New World, as well as Sebastián de Vivánc, who crafted counterpoint adorned services. Plus, it will feature the specially-commissioned Kerensa Briggs’ Kindly Light.

Do if: Choral music never fails to give you goosebumps.

thesixteen.com

Food and Home Fair 🛍️

When: April 17-19
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free entry

Over 40 different stalls will showcase artisan food and drink, along with plenty of beautiful homewares. These will include nature-inspired miniatures by A Whimsical Toadstool, hand-carved spoons by Wise of the Woods, and lampshades by Rixham Jones Interiors. The event is all weekend, but the launch evening on Friday (nottinghamcontemporary.org) will have a Slice n Brew pop-up, live music, and late-night access to the gallery.

Do if: You’d like to refresh your home (and your bar cart/fridge) for hosting in the warmer months.

nottinghamcontemporary.org

Longhorn Trail Event 🏃‍♂️

When: April 18
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £12pp

Set in over 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland, Thoresby Park is a stunning location for a spot of running, with routes this weekend including a family 2km, 5km, 10km, and half-marathon. You’ll be able to see plenty of wildlife on route, and explore the 17th-century mansion afterwards. The route is fairly flat, making it great for both beginner runners and for those wanting to smash a PB.

Do if: You’d like to get a run in this week, and fancy doing so at a different location.

wilddeerevents.co.uk

Masterclass with Charlotte Tilbury 💄

When: April 19
Where: The Alchemist, Nottingham
How much: £54.88pp

Darlings! Find out how to well and truly glam up with pro tips from Charlotte Tilbury’s Nottingham team. After sipping on a cocktail, you’ll experience a step-by-step makeup masterclass using the latest Charlotte Tilbury collection. After all that hard work, you can dive into a delicious Sunday feast board. Each guest will also receive a Charlotte Tilbury goodie bag and £15 redeemable to spend with Charlotte Tilbury on the day.

Do if: You have special events coming up in the warmer months, and would like to look and feel confident during them.

eventbrite.co.uk

More events:

Food and Drink 🍽️

Hot Property 🏡

This four-bedroom home in Papplewick might be the most beautiful cottage we’ve ever featured. We love the airy kitchen with wooden beams and cream cabinets, the cosy living room complete with a wood-burning stove, and the bathroom with emerald-coloured herringbone tiles. Outside is just as lovely, with a stretching lawn, an pretty pond, and even a greenhouse. The guide price is £550k and it’s marketed by BuckleyBrown. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🏆 Winning big: The play Punch won two Olivier Awards on Sunday, with James Graham’s work scooping the Best New Play award, and Julie Hesmondhalgh taking home the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award for her performance as Joan. The world premiere opened at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, and is based on the true-life story in Jacob Dunne’s memoir Right from Wrong. We saw the new production at the Playhouse last month, and gave it five stars. bbc.co.uk

🏃‍♂️ The run of his life: Nottingham’s own Richard Whitehead MBE has broken his own world record at the Milano Marathon this weekend. He ran this at a time of 2:40:47 - the fastest for athletes with bilateral knee amputations. This was also his 104th marathon. Congratulations, Richard! @richard_whitehead_mbe

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest battled to a draw at home against Aston Villa, with a Nico Williams goal earning the point that means Forest now sit three points above the relegation places. Forest also drew the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final away at Porto, falling behind early, but equalising through a bizarre own goal.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town’s unbeaten run ended with a 2-1 defeat away at Wigan Athletic, with Lukas Akins on the scoresheet for the Stags. Nigel Clough’s side are 13th in League One.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County were beaten comfortably 4-0 by promotion rivals Cambridge United, conceding three goals in the first half. Cambridge had their goalkeeper sent off, but Notts were unable to make the extra player count, leaving Notts 4th in League Two.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers’ playoff hopes are over after a shootout defeat by Manchester Storm following a 4-4 aggregate draw. The Panthers season ends with them having lifted both the Challenge Cup and Continental Cup.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire are handily set against Glamorgan in their second County Championship match of the season at Trent Bridge. Jack Haynes and Joe Clarke both made centuries, with Glamorgan needing 350 runs on the final day to win, with five wickets remaining.

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We spoke with co-founders Mahalia Chambers and Jowayne Marks about the beauty of Jamaican and Caribbean food, why showcase this is important to them, and what they’ve got cooking up in their brick-and-mortar store after years of being on the road.

If you’re looking for places to eat in Nottingham, Yello Yard’s patties, sandos, and loaded pots are well worth checking out. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Yello Yard is bringing Jamaican and Caribbean cooking to Sneinton Market

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

Sunshine patties. Loaded sandos. Hot mac and cheese. Specialising in Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine, Yello Yard’s delicious food has firmly taken over Nottingham’s markets and Instagram feeds – and now the brand has opened up shop in Sneinton Market.

Its co-founders are Mahalia Chambers and Jowayne Marks, who both grew up with big Jamaican flavours and family cooking. “Jamaican cooking has quite a strong global impact when it comes to music and food. My inspiration is from an expression aspect, where I’m putting food that people enjoy out there, and wondering what kind of narratives can be put around it,” Jowayne says. “For me, that has inspired me – the whole experience, the visuals, the taste, the conversation.”

Before the pair started cooking food for Yello Yard, they were toying with the idea of starting a YouTube. “This was around the advent of where everything happened with George Floyd, so naturally, what came about was conversations of inequality in different sectors,” Joywayne says. However, they found it was a little bit quiet in the food and cuisine space. “It brought about questions as to the representation with Michelin star distribution and who’s the head chefs in certain spaces.”

He also says that, a lot of the time, Caribbean food is pigeonholed in terms of price, high-endness, and unspoken rules. “There are certain things like that that we want to break, and to get through a certain ceiling just by doing something different,” Jowayne explains. “Those conversations are goals of ours and very much our mission – that’s why we are now opening a jerk deli, because we don’t want to be a monolith.”

After returning to Nottingham from London pre-Covid, they noticed a gap for just this. “We noticed that the thing that we’re most passionate about, which is Caribbean food, there wasn’t a lot of variance as to what could be created, compared to what we saw in London,” says Jowayne. “We had bakeries, we had jerk spots, we had high-end restaurants, convenience, and when we came back, it was kind of like one thing.”

They originally decided to start with just one thing – their famous patties, as they remembered having quality artisan patties in London. They did these fully vegan originally, selling at Sneinton Vegan Market – but they soon hit a crossroads. Jowayne says, “Did we want to be fully vegan and gluten-free and fully accessible, or do we want to go more in the direction of trying to make the best that we can?”

In the end, they decided to go for quality, and continued with patties like beef and saltfish, and even had a sub-brand called Just Patties. “The idea was no compromise, no bullshit – but we decided we wanted to slowly expand to help us accelerate,” Jowayne says.

​After an initial Prince’s Trust bid (“they probably felt like we were a bit too ambitious with our numbers – but we went to make those targets anyway), they brought barbecue into the fold – and from there, they realised they couldn’t really do vegan markets from this. However, this did then bring them onto their next expansion.​

Mahalia explains, “We wondered how we could incorporate baking and barbecue together without feeling disconnected and still keeping in with our Caribbean roots and also growing up in England – I think that’s where we came up over time with the sandos, marrying those two with the jerk meats and coco bread.” The loaded sandos are truly iconic, with fillings like jerk chicken, jerk pork, and oxtail and cheese.

In their Sneinton Market shop, they have these, as well as a carefully-curated set of additions. “We’ll also have our loads, which will be our bowl of treats with deli options and our mac and cheese,” says Jowayne. “We’ll have cornbread, which might be like peach cobbler style, and a standard one that goes well with our mac and cheese,” adds Mahalia. “We’ll also have rum cake and our Jamaican-style doughnuts.”

The space in Sneinton Market will allow them to further develop into sweet bakes, such as Guinness punch donuts, inspired by the Jamaican Guinness punch drink with condensed milk, spices, and vanilla. While they originally bought Guinness for this, they soon found Neon Raptor – also in Sneinton Market – which has its own stout.

“We’re finding a really good symbiosis here – Martin from By Our Hands We Make Our Way gave us some fruit wood chips for our barbecue to try, Sarah Manton has been super helpful, and we’re working with Foragers’ Kitchen on jerk seitan,” Jowayne explains. “We’ve collaborated with Paddy from Working Man’s Kitchen before, and that’s been a hit – so a lot of things just work.”

The food scene in Nottingham has never been more exciting – and for Jowayne and Mahalia, they’re finding that people’s appetites, tolerances, and eyes for culture are opening up even more. “There’s this transition with seeing, like for example, Ethiopian restaurants open up and being well received and an increase of really cool Vietnamese restaurants,” Jowayne says.

​He continues, “I think what it shows is where it was stuck in the medieval times where it was only Indian and Chinese takeaway, we’re now just spoilt for choice, and what it forces is a sense of quality that we all have to abide by – and it only brings everybody else up.”

In terms of their favourite places to go in Nottingham, Jowayne and Mahalia are big fans of GB Cafe Oriental Diner and Sushi Bar (“the menu is vast, but they still uphold the quality as they have three kitchens”), Pici (“we really like what Ryon’s done there – it’s beautiful food), and Boulangerie de Saigon (“it’s so nice and we’re sandwich people!”).

When it comes to the future, they’re looking at how they can open the space up for workshops. But for now? They’re simply focusing on showing that Jamaican/Caribbean cuisine isn’t a monolith and that there are so many levels to it.

Jowayne finishes by saying, “I hope people feel like the format is exciting and different enough for them to understand the different layers in depth of Jamaican culture – so that’s what I’m excited about.”

Judging by the never-ending queues on opening day? I’d say they’re already there.

yelloyard.com
@theyelloyard

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

The Crownless Queen with Elizabeth Chadwick 📚

When: April 9
Where: Bromley House Library, Nottingham
How much: £8pp, seat and book £28pp

Award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick is heading to the gorgeous Bromley House Library to chat about her new novel, The Crownless Queen, on its release date. The book is the much-awaited second novel in the Jeanette of Kent duology, bringing to a conclusion the story of the woman who began life as a royal rebel and ended it behind the throne. Elizabeth will be joined by the author Clare Harvey to talk about this, as well as her writing career and much more.

Do if: You’d like to read more Nottinghamshire books – Elizabeth resides in the Vale of Belvoir.

eventim-light.com

Build-a-Bunny 🐰

When: April 9
Where: The Anchor, Gunthorpe
How much: £29 per child

What’s better than buying a plushie? Making one with love, of course. On Thursday lunchtime, your child can do just that, with their own toy to make and decorate. After all that hard work, you can all refuel at the specially prepared picnic lunch (where carrot cake may or may not be fittingly served). The Anchor is a really beautiful pub, and the al fresco garden is perfect for soaking up the sun.

Do if: You’d like to keep the Easter magic going this half-term.

anchorgunthorpe.com

Scone and Bread Baking 🍞

When: April 9 scones, April 11 bread
Where: Green’s Windmill, Sneinton
How much: £4 per child

Roll up your sleeves for a baking session at the iconic Green’s Windmill, which even produces its own flour (when it’s not being renovated, as it is currently). Thursday will have scone baking, while Saturday will have bread baking – will you go sweet or savoury? Afterwards, you could always sit down on the lawns to enjoy your freshly-baked treats – it’s one of our favourite picnic spots in Notts.

Do if: You’d like to do a creative activity with the kids, where you won’t have to clean up afterwards.

greensmill.org.uk

Josh Baulf: Lovely Stuff 😂

When: April 11
Where: Nottingham Arts Theatre
How much: £16.50pp

This is the debut solo tour from comedian Josh Baulf, who you may recognise from his viral videos like this high street shops one and this Easter one. With his trademark charm and killer punchlines, Josh will delve into millennial life, modern relationships, and the quirks of British culture. Expect plenty of laughs and relatable truths.

Do if: You’d like to have something fun to look forward to after going back to work post long bank holiday.

nottingham-theatre.co.uk

Springfolk Market 🛍️

When: April 12
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Hosted by Hallo Ceramics, this workshop will bring together over 45 independent traders with springtime treats. You’ll be able to shop ceramics, prints, woodworks, felting, photography, paintings, jewellery and more, as well as street food vendors offering snacks and a bar pulling pints. The event is free to enter with tickets in advance, with allocated time slots. There are also paid workshops – a springtime mug workshop (£33pp) and tree branch vases (£42.90pp).

Do if: You’d like to get into the swing of the season and bring it onto your outfits and into your home.

thenest.gigantic.com

More events:

Cycling 🚲

Hot Property 🏡

With oodles of contemporary chicness, this four-bedroom home in West Bridgford is a real dream. Highlights include the modern mint-green kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows, the two bright and colourful lounge spaces, and the hotel-style bathrooms with stone tiling. Outside is just as wonderful, with water features, a patio, and a decked dining space with a pergola. The guide price is £1.25m and it’s marketed by Rex Gooding. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🍷 Vineyard views: Nottinghamshire vineyard Wolds Wine Estate has opened its new 80-cover Vineyard Café. The new café in Stanton-on-the-Wolds offers views of the vines and orchards, as well as coffee and treats from local coffee masters Stewart’s, artisan dishes from breakfast to Sunday roasts, and sips from the vineyard’s own wines and ciders. Table bookings are available, but walk-ins are also welcome. woldswineestate.com

📸 A nostalgia trip: A couple of weeks ago we interviewed Baltimore photographer John Dean, whose pictures of the city in 1976 are currently exhibiting at Bonington Gallery. Siblings Andre Keane and Caroline Keane-Hayes and cousin Gerald Costello were snapped playing outside their homes in Birkland Avenue, and recreated their photo 50 years on. Andre told the BBC: “It makes us feel old – but it really has gone quick.” bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town picked up four points from the Easter weekend and lifted themselves into the top half of the League One table with a 2-0 win over Doncaster and a goalless draw with Burton Albion. Rhys Oates and Jon Russell scored in the win over Doncaster, and the results extend Mansfield’s unbeaten league run to seven games.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County moved into the League Two automatic promotion places after their Easter fixtures, which saw them lose in dramatic circumstances 2-1 at Salford (with all three goals coming after the 92nd minute!) before a 3-1 home win over Newport, with Lucas Ness scoring his first two goals for the club.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers picked up two wins out of three in the final week of the regular league season, with a 2-1 and 4-3 wins over Manchester Storm, before a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff Devils to end the season 3rd overall. Kevin Carr was also voted as the fans’ player of the season, ahead of the Playoff Quarter Finals against Manchester Storm this weekend.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire played out a draw with Somerset at Taunton in the first match of the County Championship. Liam Patterson-White took five wickets in the match, while Ben Slater’s second innings half-century along with determined batting from Captain Haseeb Hameed, secured the draw and 13 points to start the season.

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We spoke with women from the group about why it’s important to have accessible biking facilities, as well as about the community and friendships they’ve built up.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham, Women in Tandem hosts ride-alongs around the area, as well as teaches workshops at their Chaucer Street site. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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How Women in Tandem are building bikes and connections in Nottingham

By Rose Gill-Muttitt and Maya Somers

A line of bikes leans against the wall as voices and laughter fill the workshop. Some fix punctures and tighten brakes, while others chat over a cup of tea, admitting that they haven’t ridden in years. But there is no pressure here – just encouragement.

The Women in Tandem group – which have their workshop located on Chaucer Street – aims to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable for women across the city. It does this through a range of workshops and activities aimed at building up bike know-how and community connections.​

“It is vital for us to be able to support women and give them freedom through learning to ride,” says Sarah Vernau, co-managing director of Women in Tandem. “Many of our members are from disadvantaged backgrounds, with some out of work and others referred to us for mental health reasons.”

She continues, “We want this to be a safe and welcoming space for any woman.”

For Women in Tandem, this work involves free, relaxed ride-alongs (womenintandem.org.uk) led by qualified leaders and professional mechanics – so no stress about not keeping up or breaking down. There are also plenty of breaks (with snacks!) throughout, so you can truly enjoy cycling leisurely. Think beauty spots like like Colwick Country Park, Bennerley Viaduct, and Lakeside.

There are also maintenance classes such as open workshops and repair how-tos, as well as cycling lessons by those with Bikeability training. Basically, no matter what might be holding you back, Women in Tandem has the stabilisers to support you.

Many people not only enjoy the well-oiled cycling element but also appreciate the connection and support built in, too. “We have a strong community here because so many people enjoy and are interested in what we do,” explains volunteer coordinator Abi Norman. “Volunteers also get a real sense of purpose by helping out, which makes the group feel that much closer.”

If you’re reading this and trying to think of when you last rode a bike, you’re not alone. Linden Dougall joined the group after health concerns made her give up her passion for canoeing. She believed that cycling was the next best thing and, despite not having cycled since she was a child, it has now become a regular part of her routine. “I am learning all the time, especially because I am mixing with people of different ages,” she smiles. “I really enjoy it and feel like I have benefited so much.”

A similar experience is shared by Holly Mitchell, who really loves the social side of the initiative. “It’s great to be able to support and encourage others – I love finding out about other people’s lives and connecting with women I may not have spoken to before,” she says. For many people at Women in Tandem, the friendships formed are what keep them coming back.

Beyond individual experiences, initiatives like Women in Tandem highlight a wider need for accessible and inclusive community spaces. As the cost of transport continues to rise and opportunities for social connection become harder to find, projects that focus on both affordability and a sense of belonging are increasingly important.

Back in the workshop, the conversation continues as bikes are wheeled out and helmets adjusted. For some, it’s just another ride, but for others, it marks a step towards confidence and connection.

At Women in Tandem, the journey doesn’t just begin with the bikes… but with the people who ride them.

womenintandem.org.uk
@women_in_tandem

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It’s another glorious week in the county – and a shorter week at that for many of us, with bank holidays on Friday and Monday (yay!). If the forecast holds up as it’s planned, these spring day out, spring walk, and al fresco dining pieces might come in useful:

Because of this, Notts Going On will be back in your inbox on Tuesday – but we’ll send out this weekend’s long-read as usual.

✉️ Enjoyed this week’s edition? Subscribe for free to get our articles in your inbox. Notts Going On gets sent out every Monday, and then we also send out a weekend read.

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Already subscribed to The Notts Edit? Thank you! You can also share us with friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who might like what we do. The more people that know about us, the more we can help discover the best of the rebel county.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

Mad Hatter’s Spring Party 🥚

When: Until April 12
Where: White Post Farm, Farnsfield
How much: £16.95pp adult, £16.50pp child (included in admission)

The Mad Hatter is hosting a spring party with fabulous treats this half-term, with a teacup trail, themed crafts, indoor and outdoor play, and ice cream and other sweet treats to enjoy. It’s also a lovely time of year to visit the farm, with spring lambing and kidding taking place (cute!), along with all the other animals to meet.

Do if: You’re looking for an Easter event that is sure to entertain the whole family.

whitepostfarm.co.uk

Miss Saigon 🎭

When: Until April 4
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £25.50-£65.50pp

In the last days of the Vietnam War, 17-year-old Kim is forced to work in a Saigon bar. Here, she meets and falls in love with an American GI named Chris, but they are torn apart – and so she goes on a journey of survival to find her way back to him. This is a new production of the spectacular show, and features hit songs such as The Heat is On, The Movie in My Mind, and The American Dream.

Do if: You’d love to see a beautiful theatre show that’s sure to get the tears flowing.

trch.co.uk

Stitch Knit Social ✂️

When: April 1
Where: Yolk, Nottingham
How much: £3pp

Launching this week, Stitch Knit Social is the new mid-week event that’s all about bringing creatives together with their crafts. Bring your own project – whether it’s knitting, crochet, a sketchbook or something different – for an evening of creating, chatting and connecting with other like-minded people. Yolk, with its cocooning yellow interior and great drinks list, is the perfect place for this.

Do if: You have something you’ve been meaning to pick back up, and would like the motivation to do so.

eventbrite.com

Spring Wreath Workshop 🌷

When: April 1
Where: St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark
How much: £25pp

Celebrate the beauty of the season during this relaxing workshop led by Chosen View Floristry. You’ll be able to create your own ‘living wreath’ full of spring foliage and bulbs like daffodils and crocuses. While you can bring anything you can forage out of your garden to add, this is not essential as all materials will be provided. Afterwards, you can take it back home to hang up on your door.

Do if: You’d like to freshen up your exterior for any Easter weekend hosting – this is sure to impress.

eventbrite.co.uk

We The People 🖼️

When: April 1-September 13
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: Free entry

This exhibition is set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. It will explore the issues at stake in the Wars of Independence, as well as considering some of the complex problems which faced the United States as it fought to win and realise its freedom. Expect to see a wide range of manuscripts and printed collections.

Do if: You’re a Hamilton fan, and would like to delve more into the history around the story.

lakesidearts.org.uk

More events:

What’s On Next Month 🗓️

Hot Property 🏡

Anyone else love the idea of living in a cottage? This four-bedroom home in Brinsley could be a dream come true. The interior has gorgeous dark wooden beams throughout, as well as a living room with a beautiful brick fireplace, a cosy kitchen/dining area with an island, and bedrooms that could all be doubles. Outside, there is a chic stone patio for al fresco dining, a sprawling lawn, and raised decking (perhaps for a hot tub?). The guide price is £550k and it’s marketed by Freckleton Brown. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🥐 Hot stuff: Two Nottingham bakeries have been named among the best in the UK by the Good Food Guide. The Small Food Bakery in Lenton (@smallfoodbakery) retained its spot, while Breadmill Bakery in Sneinton Market (@breadmillbakery) was added to the list. If you’re wanting to try either, be sure to visit early, as the interest has caused both of them to be super busy. Interestingly, both of these use flour from the Nottingham Mill Co-op, who we interviewed last year. thegoodfoodguide.co.uk

💪 What a hero: Can you feel the power of the Gladiators? Naomi Church, who resides in Nottingham, certainly did, as she was a Gladiators finalist this year. She told the BBC: “It's just phenomenal, having watched the series as a child with my parents and now reliving that, being able to do it with my children is unbelievable.” You can watch the final – and the full series – on BBC iPlayer. bbc.co.uk / bbc.co.uk/iplayer

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town 🦌

Nottingham Forest and Mansfield Town didn’t play over the weekend due to the international break, with Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson in the final England squad before the World Cup squad is selected.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County had a mixed week, losing 3-0 away to playoff-chasing Oldham, which also saw Ollie Norburn sent off. Notts responded with a 2-0 win away at relegation-threatened Harrogate, with Alassana Jatta scoring twice. Results elsewhere mean Notts sit in the League Two automatic promotion places.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers suffered back-to-back defeats to the Belfast Giants on the road, losing 4-2 and 4-3 over the weekend. Ollie Betteridge and Josh Tetlow were selected to represent Great Britain at the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championship taking place in Switzerland in May.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Reigning County Champions Nottinghamshire start their title defence next week away at Somerset.

🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok

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I’ve curated a range and have narrowed them down to 10 based on seasonality, uniqueness, and value for money. For more activities throughout the month, be sure to keep an eye on our Notts Going On newsletter.

If you’re looking for events and things to do across the city and county this month, these are all sure to entertain. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

10 things to do in Nottingham this April

By Eve Smallman

1. The World’s Mine Oyster

When: Until April 8 2029
Where: Harley Foundation, Worksop
How much: Free entry

The Portland Collection, built up over 400 years by the Cavendish family, is vast and varied. This display brings together the stories behind the collection for the first time, bringing together previously untold stories and new research. Highlights include the three-metre wide A View of Antwerp, Charles I’s earring, and Michelangelo’s red chalk drawing Madonna del Silenzio. You can also see our preview of it on Instagram.

Do if: You’re already missing Bridgerton, and would love to see grand paintings, jewellery, and furnishings with real-life stories.

harleyfoundation.org.uk

2. Mad Hatter’s Spring Party

When: Until April 12
Where: White Post Farm, Farnsfield
How much: £16.95pp adult, £16.50pp child (included in admission)

Pinky fingers at the ready – the Mad Hatter is hosting a party with tricks, treats, and tea. Head around the White Rabbit’s Teacup Trail to win a sweet prize, take part in themed crafts, have fun with indoor and outdoor play, and tuck into ice cream and other sweet treats. It’s also a lovely time of year to visit the farm, with lambing and kidding taking place, along with all the other animals to meet.

Do if: You’re looking for an Easter event that’s all-encompassing – this has so many activities on offer.

whitepostfarm.co.uk

3. The Crownless Queen with Elizabeth Chadwick

When: April 9
Where: Bromley House Library, Nottingham
How much: £8pp, seat and book £28pp

Award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick is heading to the gorgeous Bromley House Library to chat about her new novel, The Crownless Queen, on its release date. The book is the much-awaited second novel in the Jeanette of Kent duology, bringing to a conclusion the story of the woman who began life as a royal rebel and ended it behind the throne. Elizabeth will be joined by the author Clare Harvey to talk about this, as well as her writing life and much more.

Do if: You’d like to read more books by local authors – Elizabeth resides in the Vale of Belvoir.

eventim-light.com

4. Springfolk Market

When: April 12
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Hosted by Hallo Ceramics, this seasonal market will bring together over 45 independent traders. You’ll be able to shop ceramics, prints, woodworks, felting, photography, paintings, jewellery and more, as well as street food vendors offering snacks and the bar pulling pints. The event is free to enter with tickets in advance, with allocated time slots. There are also paid workshops – a springtime mug workshop (£33pp) and tree branch vases (£42.90pp).

Do if: You’d like to get into the swing of the season (yes, it’s hard when it’s on and off rain!) and bring it in onto your outfits and into your home.

thenest.gigantic.com

5. Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile

When: April 14-18
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £22pp

On board a luxurious cruise, a couple’s idyllic honeymoon is cut short by a murder (of course). As secrets that have been buried resurface, can Hercule Poirot (played by Outlander’s Mark Hadfield), untangle the web of lies and solve the crime? Agatha Christie often enjoyed premiering shows at the Theatre Royal, as the crowd was always receptive to new work, so it’s especially excellent that one of her stories is showing here.

Do if: You love a classic whodunnit, and would love to see an iconic show at one of Nottingham’s most iconic venues.

trch.co.uk

6. The Choral Pilgrimage

When: April 16
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: From £15pp

Exploring music from the Spanish Renaissance and more, The Choral Pilgrimage brings together a collection of remarkable pieces of music under one roof. These include historic pieces by Cristóbal de Morales, who was famed across Europe and the New World, as well as Sebastián de Vivánc, who crafted counterpoint adorned services. Plus, it will feature Kerensa Briggs’ Kindly Light, which was specially commissioned for the show.

Do if: Choral music never fails to give you goosebumps – particularly when in a stunning setting like Southwell Minster.

thesixteen.com

7. Masterclass with Charlotte Tilbury

When: April 19
Where: The Alchemist, Nottingham
How much: £54.88pp

Darlings! Discover how to get glam properly with tips and tricks from Charlotte Tilbury’s Nottingham team. After sipping on a cocktail, you’ll experience a step-by-step makeup masterclass using the latest Charlotte Tilbury collection. Once you’re all clued up, you can dive into a delicious Sunday feast board. Each guest will also receive a Charlotte Tilbury goodie bag and £15 redeemable to spend with Charlotte Tilbury on the day.

Do if: You have fabulous events coming up in the warmer months, and would like to look and feel confident during them.

eventbrite.co.uk

8. Spring Wine Tasting Night

When: April 23
Where: Jenkins, Sherwood
How much: £30pp

One of Sherwood’s chicest bars, Jenkins, is hosting a first look at its seasonal wine selection, hosted by expert sommelier Raj Solanki. On the night, you’ll enjoy eight carefully chosen wines, alongside a selection of artisanal cheeses. Raj will guide you through each wine, sharing the stories, characteristics, and flavours that make them different. If you’re going from the city centre and don’t want to drive, the NCT lime line and purple line will take you to Sherwood high street.

Do if: You’re out of your rich, winter wines, and want to refill your cabinet with fresh flavours.

jenkinsbar.co.uk

9. Nottingham: Deco in the Details

When: April 29
Where: Starts outside the Tourism Centre, Nottingham
How much: £22.38pp

The creator of Watson Fothergill Walk, Lucy Brouwer, will showcase traces of Art Deco in Nottingham’s architecture during this tour which will last just over two hours. You’ll look at the rise of chain stores such as F.W. Woolworth and Marks & Spencer, as well as the use of concrete in industrial buildings and the influence of car ownership on the city’s architecture. Lucy is also hosting the Watson Fothergill Walk on April 12 (£22.38pp, eventbrite.co.uk), but tickets are down to the final few.

Do if: You’ve ever looked up, seen our city’s fabulous architecture, and wondered about the history behind it.

eventbrite.co.uk

10. Textured Slab Built Pots Workshop

When: April 29
Where: St Mary Magdalene Church, Newark
How much: £35pp

Local artist Clare Taylor will show you how to create your own pot during this workshop that’s perfect for Pottery Throwdown lovers. Clare will teach you how to make slab-built forms, along with demonstrating a range of decorative techniques that you can use on your pots. Once fired, your beautiful finished creations can then be picked up from St Mary Magdalene after the event. The workshop is suitable for both absolute beginners and those with a little ceramics experience.

Do if: You’re growing spring flowers and plants and love the idea of displaying them in a beautiful spot.

eventbrite.co.uk

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How gorgeous has the weather been recently? Last week I really made the most of it, strolling to Nottingham Playhouse to see Punch, wandering around the Welbeck Estate to visit the Harley Foundation and DropWorks, and heading to Bonington Gallery to see John Dean’s exhibition (more on all those down below). Spring is definitely here! I hope you have all managed to get some sunshine too – and, if you haven’t, these ideas will help you get out and about:

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Ay-Up Market 🛍️

When: March 27-29
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Over 90 Nottingham independent retailers and creatives will be setting up shop in Old Market Square for this three-day-long celebration. Shop clothing, homeware, jewellery, plants, and more, before diving into street food from the likes of The Bagel Project, Bombay Deli, and Yello Yard. Plus, there will be workshops and live performances curated by Cultural Vibration’s Rastarella.

Do if: You’d love to support local businesses and would like to find unique gifts and trinkets.

itsinnottingham.com

Spring Bennerley Viaduct Skywalk Guided Tour 🚶

When: March 28
Where: Bennerley Viaduct, Ilkeston
How much: £1.79pp, £5pp donation recommended

One of only two wrought iron viaducts in the UK, Bennerley Viaduct is truly a sight to behold – especially on a spring day. During this walk, you’ll find out about its history, hear about the community work to save it, and meander across the new deck and see views of Erewash Valley. It will last between an hour and a half to two hours, and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Do if: You love seeing beautiful, unique countryside views.

eventbrite.co.uk

Wine Tasting with Charcuterie Pairing 🍷

When: March 28
Where: 76a W Gate, Mansfield
How much: £27.80pp

Spend your Sunday sipping on wines and snacks during this relaxed tasting event. Led by a WSET-qualified wine specialist, you’ll explore a curated selection of wines from Moldova, Georgia and the Balkans. Each wine will be paired with a charcuterie board featuring traditional Moldovan salamis, cheeses, olives, and covrigi (classic Moldovan bread snacks).

Do if: You’d like to end the week with a special treat that will give you plenty of summer drinks inspo.

eventbrite.co.uk

Realm of Dragons Easter Trail 🥚

When: March 28-April 12
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Handbooks £4.50 (including pencil)

Sherwood Forest might be known for Robin Hood – but for the next two weeks, it’s going to be all about dragons. Explore the realm on the Major Oak trail and complete the tasks and activities along the way, all while keeping your eyes peeled for hidden messages and scaly beasts. On your return to the Visitor Centre with your completed handbook, you can claim your reward – a dragon egg, perhaps?

Do if: You’d like to get yourself – and even the family - into the outdoors in a fun way (yes, the bribery at the end helps!).

visitsherwood.co.uk

More events:

Theatre 🎭

Photography 📸

Hot Property 🏡

This five-bedroom home in Forest Fields is a conveniently-located colourful dream. Highlights inside include the bright blue hallway, the eclectic kitchen with diamond flooring, and the retro bathroom with a beautiful basin. Outside you’ll find plenty of room for entertaining, with a sprawling patio with room for pots and beds, a lawn with trees, and a cosy courtyard that would be perfect for al fresco dining. The guide price is £600k and it’s marketed by William H. Brown. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🎨 Work of art: A mural of D.H. Lawrence has been painted on a wall just metres from his first home and birthplace in Nottinghamshire. The artwork in Victoria Street, Eastwood, is a portrait of the author alongside a phoenix in a stained-glass window style. Artist Nathan Bainbridge – aka Kid30 – designed and painted the mural with help from Ben Packer, which sits just a few doors down from the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum. bbc.co.uk

🥃 Cheers to that: DropWorks Distillery, located at the Welbeck Estate, has launched its limited edition Distiller’s Drop #002. This follows the debut that disappeared in just 48 hours, and has already been awarded gold in the 2026 Spirits Business Rum & Cachaça Masters. Having visited the distillery on Thursday and trying it, we can confirm that it’s a beautiful rum, with notes of wild strawberries, black pepper, and creme brûlée. dropworks.co.uk

👏 A piece of history: A plaque to commemorate pioneering female doctor Margaret Glen Bott was unveiled at her former home in Nottingham on Saturday. She became the city’s first female surgeon at Nottingham Women’s Hospital, and also went on to become a magistrate and city councillor. The Nottingham Women’s History Group raised £945 to design, manufacture and install the plaque. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest had arguably their best week of the season, progressing to the Europa League Quarter Finals and taking a huge step toward Premier League safety. On Thursday, Forest overcame Midtjylland on penalties, winning 2-1 away to draw the tie, before a 3-0 shootout win that sees them face Porto in the next round. 3-0 was also the score as the Reds thumped fellow relegation candidates Tottenham away from home. Vitor Pereira’s side looked comfortable throughout and have built a small gap to the relegation places.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town put on a show against League One strugglers Northampton on Saturday, winning 4-1 at home thanks to a brace each for Will Evans and Lucas Akins. The Stags’ unbeaten league run stands at six games with the home win, as well as a midweek 1-1 draw away at Bradford. Nigel Clough’s side are seven points clear of the relegation places with two games in hand on the teams occupying the bottom four spots.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County’s dazzling display saw them come from behind at home against Cheltenham, winning 5-2 at Meadow Lane, with a goal of the season contender scored by Tom Iorpenda. Notts also beat Accrington 4-0 away in midweek to keep up the pressure on the League Two automatic promotion places.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers lifted the Challenge Cup after a dramatic overtime victory against Coventry Blaze. Didrik Henbrant scored the winner as the Panthers lifted their third trophy in the last year at the Motorpoint Arena. The Panthers also beat Sheffield Steelers 4-2 away from home, before being defeated by the same scoreline by Sheffield at home.

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I spoke with John about his time here in Nottingham back in the day, how he photographed locals, and why he is excited about having his first ever solo exhibit in the city.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this March and April, A Semester in Nottingham, 1976 is on at Bonington Gallery until May 9 (boningtongallery.co.uk), and is free to enter. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The Baltimore photographer presenting a look back to life in 1970s Nottingham

By Eve Smallman
Photos by John Dean

When walking around Nottingham and its suburbs, even today, vast Victorian houses tower over many of the streets. A cocooning playground for children to make into their empires. However, during the 1970s and 80s, many of these were demolished to make way for modern council houses, disrupting tight-knit communities.

It was a time of change for the city, and a time of change across the globe. New ideas and new perspectives – and a hunger to search for these, too. In Baltimore, a young photography student named John Dean was studying at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and was about to do just that.​

“My photography professor, named Tom Baird, and his friend Thomas Joshua Cooper – who’s still alive and working as a photographer – started this exchange program, probably to visit each other in their respective colleges and just have some fun,” says John. “It was just a great excuse to travel and to open up the two institutions to each other.”

One student came over to MICA, while John came over to Trent Polytechnic. ‘The programme was extended to Derby College of Art as well – and I remember looking at the Derby program and wondering maybe I should have done that, but I was happy in Nottingham.”​

Nottingham and Baltimore might be two cities on opposite sides of the world, but John found they had their similarities. “Nottingham as a city was not unlike Baltimore, and although here I was a little more in the little grittier part of Nottingham than I was in living in Baltimore, it still had all the nice mix of smells you get in a city – I arrived in January, and there was the coal-fired heating, bus fumes, and bakeries.”

He also just loved having a new place to wander around, to be curious about, and to take pictures of – but he was up for exploring, and that he did, finding people and places to capture. “I searched for people in the environment that seemed to be just so much a part of it. I didn’t really have a particular thing I was looking for – I was trying to record my impressions,” John explains.​

He continues, “I’d look and see if people were approachable – people you’d want to talk, chat with, and be a friend to,” John explains. “I also got a lot of kids – I find they’re just so natural, and they have like this little pack mentality that happens, and you can kind of see who’s the leader and who’s just there for the fun.” In the exhibition, there are lots of photographs of children in the street, playing in these demolition zones where the Victorian houses were being torn down.

As well as this, there are lots taken in the Arboretum. “Looking back now, the one picture that had some level of success was the picture of the kids on the bench in the Arboretum – it was a really lucky photograph, because I was out with my view camera, which is on a tripod and under the dark cloth,” he says. “It’s a big old thing, and I was taking pictures of people walking by, but these kids were just over to my right. I was looking in the other direction, and they said, ‘Take our picture.’” John spun the camera around and focused. “They scattered away, but there were some funny people that I actually had conversations with and got to know a little better.”

For example, John has repeated photographs of a man named Joe and his dog, Becky. “The one that you might have seen is of Joe, Becky and a little girl – we’d talk about everything, but I particularly remember talking about Larry Adler, the harmonica player from Baltimore.” Funnily enough, Larry even performed with the Nottingham Youth Orchestra in 1996.

​Speaking of other Nottingham links to Baltimore – the American city was also going through a time of change in its streets during the 1970s. One notable one was the expansion of a highway through African American neighbourhoods – a project that was stopped by protests by wealthier, whiter members of the public.

Running concurrently next to John Dean’s exhibition in Bonington Gallery is the three-channel film Through a Mirror, Darkly (boningtongallery.co.uk), which explores memorialisation, protest, and political violence through the lens of events in May 1970. “My brother was very big in that moment at the University of Maryland – so I think it’s a nice complementary exhibit, with the two things being about a certain time in history.”

John’s exhibition, A Semester in Nottingham, 1976, came about after he looked at the old negatives of the photos to make digital copies, and realised so many of them hadn’t been seen by anyone, apart from the 12 he showed in a group at the time. “I thought I should call the Nottinghamshire Local History Association and ask them if they’d be interested in showing something from 50 years ago – I got a positive response from them, and they published a newsletter asking if anyone could think where they could go.” Nottingham Trent University (formerly Trent Polytechnic)’s Bonington Gallery was naturally the perfect fit.​

In John’s exhibition, wall-to-wall photos are filled with Nottingham streets and people. This took meticulous planning. “My curator Penny Forester built a scale model of it so we could sort of visualise – and we had it right down to the sign for the restroom,” he says. All the photos were printed locally, too. “Having them printed and framed here and then shipping them would have been really expensive.”​

When I visited the exhibition on its launch night, crowds were huddled around the pictures, taking photos of them and sending them to their group chats. Exclamations of “That’s me!” and “Why was Joan looking so glum?”. Chatter about why a seven-year-old was looking after a three-year-old – “That’s how it was back in our day.” John was walking around greeting people, camera slung over his shoulder – I got a quick hello in, but he was constantly being stopped by people excited to meet him.

From scale model to full-on exhibition, John Dean’s first-ever exhibition has come to life. “I’ve just been working as an independent freelance photographer, and it’s so encouraging to have my personal work so front and centre at this point in my winding-down career,” he says. “I’m hoping to photograph some people again in the Arboretum, if by chance, some of the same people I photographed as kids are still living there. That would be just the icing on the cake.”

While in Nottingham, he’s reuniting with the family that hosted him when he was an exchange student. “They’re going to be there, and I’ll see that the one-year-old that I used to take out on the stroller – I’ll see him as a 51-year-old, and that’ll be interesting,” he says. “I’m also the photographer for two travel guides from a publisher called 111 Places – I did the photographs for 111 Places in Baltimore and Washington, DC, so I’m meeting Rachel Ghent, who did the book for Nottingham and also Derby.”

He’s also bringing family and friends – including his friend from school in Baltimore, who visited him as an exchange student in Nottingham. “When I had a little break in the program at Nottingham, we met in London, and we went to Brighton – so that’s a real exciting part of it,” he says. “We’re going to try to find some good places to eat, just relax, and have a good time.”

The exhibition is a real time capsule of places and faces. It makes for fascinating viewing, whether you recognise them or not. John says, “If you’re old enough to remember that time, there’s the obvious nostalgia angle and remembering the way we were and, if you’re a younger person, there’s also the fact that maybe we haven’t changed that much.”

He continues, “There’s something about looking back and comparing what was what then to what’s there now – that’s a universal human expression of curiosity,” John finishes by saying. “I think anybody would enjoy that.”

A Semester in Nottingham, 1976 is exhibiting at Bonington Gallery until May 9. boningtongallery.co.uk

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I went and reviewed the show with its new cast on its press night. If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this March, Punch is playing at the Nottingham Playhouse until April 4 (tickets from £14.50, nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk).

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Punch review — A moving masterpiece
★★★★★

By Eve Smallman
Photos by Pamela Raith

I don’t think I have ever seen a show in Nottingham with as much hype around it as Punch. When the show had its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, I instantly regretted not seeing it. While I have held that regret for two years, it has not outshone the pride of seeing it light up London’s stages and being nominated for a host of awards.

The play is based on the true story of Jacob Dunne, who penned the book Right From Wrong about his own experience. He fatefully punched James Hodgkinson on a night out in Nottingham and – after serving prison time and looking for direction in life – actually meets the parents of his victim.

The story was adapted for the stage with a script by Ashfield’s James Graham (of Sherwood and Dear England fame) and direction by the Playhouse’s Adam Penford. The show returns to Nottingham Playhouse with a brand-new cast.

From the outside, you’re immediately rushed into the action, with Jacob (Jack James Ryan) scooping the audience up into his world of bright lights and big movements, running through (quite literally) the events leading up to the fateful incident.

Jack James Ryan is mesmerising throughout – he holds your gaze and you can’t look away as he soars on the stage and shouts in a proper Nottingham accent. The dialect coaching work from Anita Gilbert is really immaculate for him.

His character evolves throughout, but the supporting cast also evolve – just between different characters. Finty Williams goes from mouthy nan to heartbroken Joan, Grace Hodgett Young goes from cheeky Clare goes to calming Nicola, and Laura Tebbutt goes from conflicted mum to energetic Wendy.

Plus, Elan Butler (and Television Workshop alum) goes from Jack-the-lad Raf to shy Sam, while Matthew Flynn moves between sullen David to boisterous Tony and Derek seamlessly – so much so that I have to double check the programme to ensure there wasn’t two of him. They match the energy from Jack and add their own swelling to it. Half a dozen people feels like a whole estate and a whole city, whether it’s Jacob’s incarnation or Joan’s grief.

The music and lighting were as transformational as the cast, changing the scene instantly from a nightclub to a living room, matching the energy of the cast, increasing in tempo before some of the more intense moments, before slowing for moments of introspection and grief. Jacob stepping in and out of the spotlight as he reflected on his behaviour early in the show particularly reflected this.

The cast moved effortlessly between the versatile, skate park-esque set masterminded by the Nottingham Playhouse team, which worked as everything from the concrete jungle of town all the way to a community centre. I also really loved the detailed painted scenery, with the towering Meadows houses, the iconic council house, and even a delicately painted Debenhams shopfront.

In the first half I was slightly worried that there wouldn’t be any mention or celebration of James, with Jacob struggling to get his name out (intentionally done, of course). However, in the second part it really did celebrate who he was, with Joan passionately speaking about his hobbies, his mannerisms, and his motto to the best version of himself he could be.

James Graham’s emotive writing is always compelling, but, as a Nottingham resident, I found his writing about the area especially resonated. With giggles at the posh whistles for West Bridgford and nods for holidays to Skegvegas, the audience clearly felt the same. I also found it especially impactful walking through Old Market Square afterwards, where the incident happened.

Punch is a moving masterpiece and a must-see. It’s sure to leave you profoundly affected, whether from the powerful production, the remarkable story, or both. Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Joan in the first run, invites a moment of reflection after the show – and you might just need it.

Punch is playing at the Nottingham Playhouse until April 4 (nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk), and plays at Leeds Playhouse from April 7-11 (leedsplayhouse.org.uk) and Theatre Royal Plymouth from April 14-18 (theatreroyal.com).

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

St Patrick’s Day ☘️

When: March 17
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

The annual St Paddy’s Day party is heading back to the city centre this Tuesday. The giant stage will host dancers like Nottingham Irish Set Dancers and musical acts like the Louie Walsh Band (not that Louis Walsh) and Irish and country artists Muriel and Fran. And, if you’re feeling in the spirit, you could always head across the square to Katie O’Brien’s for a pint of Guinness.

Do if: You’d like to have some fun on your lunch break – why not have a sandwich and an Irish gig, right?

visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

RSC Hamlet 🎭

When: March 17-21
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £21pp​

The Royal Shakespeare Company is returning to Nottingham with this new production of Hamlet. Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent time. As his not-so-happy new family begins to unravel, Hamlet discovers a web of deceit and immorality. There will be a free 20-minute post-show discussion after the 7pm Thursday show, and a free pre-show talk on Friday at 6pm.

​Do if: You love quality theatre that enraptures you – this is arguably one of the greatest plays of all time.

trch.co.uk

The World’s Mine Oyster 🖼️

When: March 20-April 8 2029
Where: Harley Foundation, Worksop
How much: Free entry

Built up over 400 years by the Cavendish family and their descendants, the famous Portland Collection is vast and varied – and for the first time, this exhibition will explore the stories behind the pieces. Expect silver, tapestry, paintings and jewels, plus returning star items such as Michelangelo’s Madonna of Silence or the pearl earring worn by Charles I at his execution.

Do if: You’d like to see beautiful artwork with a strong connection to the area – the Cavendish family reside at Chatsworth House.

harleyfoundation.org.uk

A Semester in Nottingham, 1976​ 📷

When: March 21-May 9
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Baltimore-based photographer John Dean is returning to Nottingham 50 years on from when he was an exchange student, showcasing a host of works taken during his time here. He immersed himself in Nottingham life, wandering through Hyson Green, Market Square, and the Arboretum. Keep an eye out for our feature on him, and head to the opening night on March 20 to meet him in person.

Do if: You’d like to discover more about Nottingham’s past – these photos capture a transformative time in the city’s history.

boningtongallery.co.uk

More events:

Beauty 🫧

Hot Property 🏡

With gorgeous period features and easy access to amenities, this elegant home in Carlton is a real beauty. On the ground floor, you’ll find a breezy blue kitchen complete with an island and a grand living room with a wood-burning stove and large windows. We also love the hallway with its funky tiles. Upstairs, you’ll find five bedrooms, a dressing room, and three bathrooms including two en-suites. Meanwhile, the outdoor area is built for hosting, with a canopied porch and a lawn. The guide price is £725k and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley. rightmove.co.uk

Homes 🧺

News 🗞

🍽️ Lights, camera, action: Did you catch Nottingham chef Louisa Ellis on Great British Menu? She cooked up a storm during the film-inspired menu round, which included a couple of Nottingham nods. These were the Dawn of the Shroom starter inspired by Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget starring Bella Ramsey, and The Final Reel dessert featuring Bramley apples. All the central England episodes are available on BBC iPlayer. bbc.co.uk

🛝 Slipping and sliding: Europe's first indoor action park, Slick City, has officially opened on Redfield Road in Lenton. Bringing together a range of dry slides, air courts and family entertainment experiences under one roof, punters can enjoy 16 different slides with deep plunges and twists. The action park is also home to the world’s first UV AirGlider. This definitely looks like a fun option for date nights or family days out. slickcity.uk

🐶 Who let the dogs out: A dog that’s a Nottinghamshire breed was crowned the champion of Crufts. Bruin is a Clumber Spaniel, which has rumoured origins to Clumber Park. Rob Holder, general manager at Clumber Park, told the BBC, “We are very proud of our heritage and of the fact there is a dog that was bred here and named after the park – it’s amazing it has gone on to win Crufts.” bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest remain firmly in the relegation battle after a 0-0 draw with Fulham at the City Ground. Forest lacked a cutting edge throughout, although a Dan Ndoye goal was ruled out early in the second half. The Reds are now level on points with West Ham but are out of the bottom on goal difference. Forest also lost the Europa League last-16 first-leg tie 1-0 at home to FC Midtjylland.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield picked up their first League One win in 10 games last week with a 1-0 win over Reading. Louis Reed scored the winner as the Stags put in a good performance against the playoff hopefuls. They followed this with a 2-2 draw against Barnsley, with Stephen McLaughlin scoring a 94th-minute equaliser.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County lost an entertaining game to rivals Chesterfield 3-2 at Meadow Lane. Armando Dobra put the away side ahead, before becoming involved in one of the more curious red cards you’ll ever see.

Dobra lost his boot in a challenge with Notts’ Ollie Norburn, who picked up the boot and launched it off the pitch, earning a second booking that put Notts on the back foot. However, an own goal and a Matty Platt finish sent Notts into half-time at 2-2, before Chesterfield took advantage of the extra player to win.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers are making a habit of high-scoring games, following last weeks goalscoring exploits with a 6-2 home win over Fife Flyers. However, perhaps with one eye on Wednesday’s Challenge Cup final, fell to a 7-2 away defeat to Cardiff Devils.

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I chatted with professional organiser and declutterer Pauline Webb about how she got into the business, ways she has helped people, and her top tips for tidying.​

If having a clear-up or a clear-out is on your list of things to do, she’s shared plenty of useful information. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The art of organising and decluttering, according to a Sherwood-based pro

By Eve Smallman

When it comes to organising and decluttering, getting started can be one of the most difficult things. Push it to next weekend. Begin sorting. Open a drawer. Stare at an object. Reminisce for hours. Put the object back and – oh wait, it’s now time for dinner.

Someone who knows how to get started properly – and how to sort through items efficiently – is Sherwood-based expert Pauline Webb, who has over five years of experience in the business.​

Pauline’s journey into organising was inspired by a trip to America, where organising and decluttering were a thing well before they were here. “Americans wear their hearts on their sleeves a lot more than we do over here, and they don’t mind talking about everything,” says Pauline. This means they have no qualms about showing the clutter they may have and asking for help, making professional organising incredibly popular there.

Coming back home and feeling inspired, Pauline looked into it here and found the Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers (APDO, apdo.co.uk), which does training courses. “I booked on, and the rest is history.” After doing initial unpaid work to get testimonials from people, as well as working the Nottingham networking scene, she landed her first paid jobs.

“These were from fellow business women, who were forever trying to keep on top of those jobs that you have to keep on top of, and vowing that they were going to organise and declutter, but never actually doing so because they didn’t quite know where to start,” she explains. “I think that happens with a lot of people who don’t quite know where to start with something, so they don’t.”

She soon carved out her niche, which ended up being helping people move to downsize – something she quickly realised she already had a lot of experience with. “For my birth mother in Australia, I emptied the house and put it on the market, and I did a similar thing for my adopted mum and dad,” Pauline explains. “Now that I look at people who are going through that, I feel that I can be there and be that impartial person to help them make decisions about their belongings.”​

This specialism led to one of her career highlights. “I had a phone call from a young man who said if dad’s house sale went through, he’d have to move out within the next seven weeks, and he didn’t have the time to help his dad go through a lifetime’s possessions – so he found me online, and we did it in seven weeks,” Pauline tells me.

She continues, “I helped engage auctioneers and charity shop people, checked out the new place and saw the storage and room size, and we just worked through it together until it all happened on moving day.” The client was also blown away by the amount of stuff in the house. “He was opening drawers and saying, ‘I didn’t even know we had this, I’ve never seen this in my life.’”

This is known as legacy clearing. “I think it’s quite an exciting thing to do, because you get to talk to people about everything and encourage people to open up conversations and dialogues within families, which I believe is really important.”​

While the process is very practical, it can also be emotional – and not just for people going through bereavement. “Many people I help are experiencing some sort of grief – it could just be health, lack of mobility, losing a partner,” she says.

Sometimes people are just experiencing a change in jobs or even their lives. “I helped a woman who had retired and had realised that most of the clothes that she used to wear to work just weren’t her anymore – she was ready to revamp all the wardrobe space in the house and make it work for who she is now.”

Having an expert eye can come in handy in numerous ways. “I’m an impartial companion, and so I don’t mind hearing all the stories when someone is holding onto the object and talking about it – it’s nice to hear them share them,” she says. Pauline always recommends finding an expert on APDO, where you can search for experts based on postcode and specialisms.

While she helps with behind the scenes work, like checking out charity shops to book work in, Pauline is also a pro at finding homes for things you just can’t take to a charity shop. “For example, this person’s late wife had a sewing box, and I went out of my way to find a home for it,” Pauline tells me. “That particular one went to a young woman who was absolutely ecstatic when she picked it up, which was incredibly rewarding.”

It’s not all about letting go. “It’s also about encouraging people to identify what’s special, bringing them out, and having them on show,” Pauline says. “It can be deciding to use the best crockery, because you’ve had it in the back of the cupboard for half a generation or more, and then actually using it every day and really enjoying it.”

Want to start decluttering and organising yourself? Pauline has a few tips for getting started. “It’s about finding some very small area to begin – find a corner of a room, a drawer, or a shelf, and just move a couple of things around and find a new home for something.”

She also recommends finding an area that’s going to have the biggest impact on your daily life. “It might be where you walk in the door in the hallway, and it is just full of coats, boots, shoes, bags – it’s important to tackle something that’s going to make a real difference to you, so when you’ve done it, walking in feels so much better and you want to try and keep it like that.”

Finding the right homes for items is important. “I used to keep my laundry bag in the cupboard above the washing machine, and for years and years, this was downstairs,” Pauline explains. “I realised that my laundry bag needs to be with my clothes, and then if I take something off that’s delicate, I can put it straight in the bag, and it will find its way into the washing machine in its bag – so I haven’t got to panic if my husband’s going to put a wash on.”

Pauline also recommends looking out for duplicates. “Stationery is a good example – you might end up finding rolls of tape in different parts of the house, so create a space for when you want tape, that’s where you go, and it goes back – and then you also won’t need to go shopping again for it because you can’t find it.”

And, most importantly of all, keep the end result in mind. “Visualise your home, and think what you’d like it to look like and how you’d like it to be,” Pauline finishes by saying.​

Whether you’re looking to tidy up a certain area or a home, either by yourself or with help, decluttering and organising can be a life-changing experience – all you need to do is get started.

paulinewebb.co.uk

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I was kindly invited to try a Hydrafacial and a laser treatment. This allowed me to get a feel for the space, the quality of the treatments on offer, and the customer service, so I could form an honest opinion.

If you love being pampered and feeling confident, you can find out more about The Beauty Studio down below. For more information about things to do in the area, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Beauty review: Hydrafacial and laser at The Beauty Studio UK, Radcliffe on Trent

By Eve Smallman

When going for any beauty treatment, feeling comfortable and feeling confident that I’ll have a great service are two really big factors for me. Both of these stresses were elevated straight away, as soon as I walked into The Beauty Studio UK.

Nestled away on the Radcliffe on Trent high street, it’s a bright, airy spot with plenty of warmth. Owner Mia Lane welcomed me and whisked me away to the treatment room, where I was given space to put down my belongings and relax before getting started.

I’d heard a lot about Hydrafacials, so I was super excited to try one. This non-invasive treatment cleanses, exfoliates, extracts, and hydrates all at the same time. I went for the detox facial (£100), which also included lymphatic drainage, which reduced the puffiness in my skin remarkably, as well as infusing it with antioxidants. The salon also offers a standard HydraFacial (£85) as an introduction, as well as the wedding glow facial (£120) with a multi-step skincare treatment.

It flew by in a dream of massages and cleansing, which was all painless. This surprised me, considering the machine itself is quite a unit. The facial was expertly given, both calming and firming at the same time. It gave my skin a glow like it has never had before.

I had also been suffering with some skin dryness, and it brought it back to life beautifully. I don’t always feel confident stepping out without makeup, but the glow lasted a good couple of weeks, so I did really feel like I could. Aftercare also included staying hydrated, sticking to a consistent skincare routine – great reminders to do so anyway.

After doing this, I have also been visiting separately for lip and chin hair lasers (£40). I have PCOS, so I am often self-conscious about this. For the face, each course of treatment takes around 30 minutes, with a cold gel and the machine being pressed onto the face.

I have only been using the lower settings, but I’m about to go onto the stronger course of treatment for this, so I will update the article once I have seen more results. This laser is also available for areas such as underarm (£40), full leg (£150), and bikini (£50).

​What I really liked about the salon is that you could – in theory – spend a few hours getting pampered, as the skin and laser room, the beauty room for lashes and brows, and the nail area are close to one another, but in separate rooms. This also makes for wonderful privacy when having treatments done.

Speaking of nails, The Beauty Studio has its own signature Acrygel (full set from £51) – a strong yet lightweight nail application – which looks lovely for those wanting a natural finish. The Beauty Method Training Academy – which is part of the studio – also offers training for the Acribase nail method, as well as for other treatments.​

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing salon that will give you a warm welcome, fill you with confidence, and soothe you with relaxing treatments with real results, I highly recommend visiting The Beauty Studio UK.

thebeautystudiouk.com
@thebeautystudio_UK

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

West End By Candlelight 🎶

When: March 11
Where: Albert Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £35.50pp

Featuring music from iconic shows, this candlelit experience will showcase popular tunes in an enchanting way. West End vocalists will sing hits from Les Mis, Wicked, Dear Evan Hansen, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Greatest Showman, and more, all while accompanied by a live band and string section. Tickets are down to the final few, so you might want to be quick if you’d like to go.

Do if: You’d like to hear high-quality theatre songs without travelling all the way to London.

eventbrite.co.uk

Pop-Up Plate Decorating 🎨

When: March 12
Where: Philos Deli, Ruddington
How much: £15pp

During this mindful workshop, you’ll design your own plate with your own unique motif. Choose from vintage china or a more modern design, then decorate with paint and transfers. This workshop is just before Mother’s Day, so you could make a gift for your mum, someone else, or even yourself.

Do if: You’d like to enjoy a cosy evening that will leave you with a charming finished product.

eventbrite.co.uk

Punch 🎭

When: March 13-April 4
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

Returning to Nottingham Playhouse after showing in London and receiving four Olivier nominations, Punch is a remarkable show based on a true story. After one fateful night out leads to Jacob Dunne leaving lost and directionless, he meets the parents of his victim, sparking a transformation. The play is based on the book by Jacob himself, with the script by the county’s own James Graham, who also penned Nottingham-based TV show Sherwood.

Do if: You’d like to see something with a local feel at the theatre that will leave you feeling moved.

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea 🍰

When: March 15
Where: Kelham Hall, Newark
How much: £30pp adult, £18pp child

Kelham Hall is a beautiful setting for a spot of afternoon tea – and it’s sure to impress for Mother’s Day. Enjoy fresh sandwiches, delicious cakes, hot scones as well as a choice of tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as is a children’s menu. The picturesque gardens are also worth wandering around before or after your treat.

Do if: You’re looking for a special way to show your mum you love her – this country house is spectacular.

renaissance-kelham.com

Spring Plant Hunters Fair 🌷

When: March 15
Where: Thoresby Park, Ollerton
How much: Free entry, parking £3

Featuring over 30 plant nurseries and RHS medallists, this fair will have all the shrubs. The pros help you find the right one for your garden, so they have the best possible chance of growing beautifully. Along with these, there will be accessory stalls. The country park is also free to enter, and is a beautiful location for a spring walk.​

Do if: You’d like to bring some life into your green space.

planthuntersfairs.co.uk

More events:

Hello Spring 💐

Hot Property 🏡

Looking for a well-located house with oodles of space? This home in Woodthorpe could be just the ticket. Downstairs, you’ll find an open-plan kitchen/dining space complete with an island, the bright living room with a chic fireplace, and the large hallway with its own cloakroom. Upstairs, you’ll find five good-sized bedrooms (three on one floor, two further up), as well a four-piece bathroom with a sleek corner shower and a bath and an en-suite that the top two share. The guide price is £550k and it’s marketed by eXp UK. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🎭 Packing a punch: Thinking of seeing Punch, which is listed above in our events section? Last week it was nominated for four Olivier awards. This is in the categories of Best Lighting Design for Robbie Butler, Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Julie Hesmondhalgh, Best Actor for David Shields and for the coveted title of Best New Play. Nottingham Playhouse launched the world premiere production in May 2024. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

🍽️ Ready, steady, cook: Nottingham’s own Louisa Ellis will be competing in the Great British Menu this Tuesday at 7pm. The Michelin-trained, private dining chef appeared on the show in 2024, and also appeared on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2017 and 2019. She is hoping to make it to the Banquet stage of the show. Good luck, Louisa! @greatbritishmenu

🍜 Oodles of noodles: Popular foodie spot Everyday People was named as one of the best places for noodle in the UK by The Observer. The paper called Pete Hewitt’s restaurant ‘fun’ and praised its ‘maximalist ramen.’ The restaurant also features in our best restaurants in Nottingham guide. observer.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest secured a crucial point away at Manchester City last week, which keeps them just out of the Premier League bottom three. The Reds twice came from behind through Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson to earn 2-2 draw that keeps them out of the relegation places on goal difference.

🦌 Mansfield Town

League One Mansfield Town gave Premier League leaders Arsenal a scare in the FA Cup 5th Round. The Stags took 11 shots in the first half, the most any team has managed against Arsenal, but fell behind just before halftime. Will Evans, bought on at halftime, equalised, but Arsenal were able to dip into a talented squad and eventually won 2-1.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County scored a dramatic late winner to keep within touching distance of the League Two promotion places, defeating Walsall 2-1 away. After going behind in the first half, Oliver Norburn equalised before Jodi Jones poked home in the 94th minute to take the three points for the Magpies.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers won three games last week, scoring 16 goals in the process. Last Wednesday saw a 5-1 win over Dundee, a dramatic 5-4 overtime win over Glasgow Clan on Saturday and then a 6-1 thrashing of Coventry away on Sunday. The Panthers will also be playing Coventry at the Motorpoint in the Challenge Cup Final next week.

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I’ve compiled a mixture of these across the area, with ideas for nature visits, shopping, food and drink, and more. I’ve chosen locations based on their seasonality and the quality of the offering.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this season, these ideas down below are sure to keep you busy. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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5 spring days out around Nottingham

By Eve Smallman

1. Beeston

This town has recently bid to be a town of culture, and it’s no surprise, thanks to its buzzing high street, which has street art, shops, market stalls. For food, vegetarian eatery Café Roya (caferoya.com) has plenty of fresh salads and tarts perfect for light, springy bites. Or, if you’d like to go on a picnic – perhaps at Dovecote Lane Recreation Ground – Essen General Store (essen-generalstore.co.uk) does decadent sandwiches and all the nibbly bits.

Getting the tram in? You could add a trip to University of Nottingham to see Highfields Park and visit the Andy Warhol: Pop Icon exhibition at Lakeside Arts (until April 19, £6pp, lakesidearts.org.uk). Meanwhile, set on Beeston’s canal, the Canalside Heritage Centre is hosting a Spring Flower Trail (March 28-April 12, canalsideheritagecentre.org.uk), with felt flowers to find and a treat at the end.

​Do if: You’d like to feast on spring treats, all while enjoying delightful views.

​2. Edwinstowe

​Home of Robin Hood, Edwinstowe is a charming, almost chocolate-box village for strolling around. It has the medieval church St Mary, where Robin Hood reportedly married Maid Marian, and the high street is home to a statue in their honour. On this, you’ll also find Fables Coffee House (fablescoffeehouse.com) for breakfast and lunch and the Royal Oak (royaloakedwinstowe.co.uk) for pub grub and pints in the afternoon and evening.

Edwinstowe is home to the famous Sherwood Forest, which has Easter Crafts with the Forest Fae (April 4, £5pp, visitsherwood.co.uk) and a guided Spring Birds Walk (April 18, £15pp, visitsherwood.co.uk). Plus, local beauty spot Clumber Park (£6pp adult, £3pp child, nationaltrust.org.uk) is a 10-minute drive away from the village, which has a beautiful bridge, peaceful woodlands, and plenty of daffodils for spring – so you could start the day here, and then head into Edwinstowe.

Do if: You’d like to explore Nottinghamshire heritage in a wholesome way.

3. Sherwood

​One of the area’s hottest suburbs, Sherwood has shops and eateries galore. Browsing Sherwood charity shops for spring fashions and accessories is a total treat, with all of them being close by to one another and easy to dip in and out of. Close by to Sherwood is Woodthorpe Park Plant Nursery (woodthorpeparkplantnursery.co.uk), which is one of the best garden centres in Nottingham, with hundreds of shrubs and accessories, as well as pros on hand to help you find your perfect flowers.​

Refreshment-wise, The Pudding Pantry (thepuddingpantry.co.uk) has spring drinks such as lychee lemonades, hot cross bun lattes, and cherry matcha. For something stronger, Jenkins is an elegant cocktail bar (jenkinsbar.co.uk) with fun specialities like the lychee and floral Ly-Tai, and is hosting a Spring Wine Tasting (April 23, £30pp, jenkinsbar.co.uk). Plus, if the weather warms up even more (fingers crossed!), you can also dine al fresco.

Do if: You’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe and your garden.

4. Southwell

With its chic independent shops and breezy high street, Southwell is wonderful for a wander. Begin early at the Little Brunette Bakery (littlebrunettebakery.co.uk) to snag fresh breads and cakes (they sell fast), as well as to sip on tea, coffee, or even its Earl Grey matcha. Near to this is the Grade I-listed Southwell Minster, which can be visited simply for its beauty or for the Spring Craft Fair (April 11, £3pp, southwellminster.org) or Plant Hunters’ Fair (May 17, £2pp, southwellminster.org).​

Switch up your wardrobe with a spree at Love at First Sight Vintage (loveatfirstsight.com), which has pretty shirts and jackets. Then, complete your look by visiting the dreamy Last Night I Dreamt, which has spring jewellery such as bumblebee necklaces (lastnightidreamt.co.uk) and daisy earrings (lastnightidreamt.co.uk), as well as a gorgeous themed window display perfect for selfies.

Do if: You love Instagrammable, photo-worthy locations and would love to find unique pieces.

​5. Sneinton Market

This vibrant spot has so many fun things to do in and around it. Start the day with a loaded cob or fry-up breakfast at Avenues Cafe (facebook.com/theavenuescafe), before browsing shops such as Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates for its adorable Easter eggs and bunnies (luisasveganchocolates.co.uk) and Megan Crook Textiles for funky floral dresses (megancrook.com).

Take a short break from the market by heading to Victoria Park, where the colourful row of houses is a beautiful backdrop for the spring cherry blossom, which tends to bloom from March onwards. Afterwards, loop back around to Bustler (bustlermarket.co.uk) for a seasonal cocktail like its chocolatey egg hunt martini, which comes complete with a treasure hunt around the bar.

Do if: You’re looking for an escape without straying far from the city centre.

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It’s a lovely, sunny day here in Nottingham, and it feels finally like we might be over the bout of rain we’ve been having. The daffodils are out as well, which always brings me joy. Want to make the most of the sunny weather? Find out below the best events to go to this month, as well as the best spring walks.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

Nottingham Panthers Vs Dundee Stars 🏒

When: March 4
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: £12pp

The Nottingham Panthers are our city’s own ice hockey team, and they’re on a run of success, having won the Continental Cup last month. This Wednesday they’ll be playing against the Dundee Stars, who currently sit second bottom of the Elite League table. The tickets are £12pp including booking fee, which is half the usual cost.

Do if: Seeing the Panthers is on your Nottingham bucket list – the discounted price makes it a great opportunity.

motorpointarenanottingham.com

Only Notts 🎶

When: March 6
Where: The Palais, Nottingham
How much: £10pp, £12pp VIP

Over 25 Nottingham artists will come together under one roof for this special charity event. Across two rooms, there will be a range of different sounds, from energetic rappers to smooth vocalists. The line-up includes the likes of Jah Digga, Davina Songbird, and Amber Mackazie. All profits from this will go directly to supporting Nottingham-based mental health charity Summits Up.

Do if: You’d like to party on Friday night, all while supporting the local music scene and charity.

eventim-light.com

Murder Mystery Evening 🔎

When: March 6
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £55pp

The fabulous Norwood Park is hosting a fully immersive murder mystery evening this Friday. Lord Bartholomew’s butler holds unparalleled knowledge – but who will go to murderous lengths to safeguard their secrets? Discover these and find the culprit, all while enjoying 1920s glamour and a three-course meal. The dress code is smart evening wear, with time period costume optional.

Do if: You’d love to switch off and delve into an enthralling story in person.

norwoodpark.co.uk

Ginger’s Flea Market 🛍️

When: March 7
Where: St Mary’s Church, Nottingham
How much: £2.50pp advance, £3pp on the door

Explore vintage clothing, homewares, and more during this market filled with specialist independent traders. Sift through rails filled with vintage from the 1960s to the 1990s, hunt out antiques and bric-a-brac, and scout out cute candles and plants. Plus, keep fuelled up by diving into comforting street food and barista style coffee.

Do if: You’d like to do some gift shopping (perhaps for Mother’s Day?) and find unique items.

eventbrite.co.uk

Your Local Farmers and Producers Market 🛍️

When: March 8
Where: Rufford Abbey, Ollerton
How much: Free entry

Curated by Picks Organic Farm, this monthly market brings together farmers, artisans, and food producers. Think seasonal produce fresh from the farm, breads and cheeses, and handmade crafts. Meeting the producers is a wonderful way to discover more about what you’re buying, which can guide your choices and make you more connected to them.

Do if: You’d like to swap your winter goods for spring treats.

ruffordabbey.co.uk

Nottingham 10K 🏃

When: March 8
Where: Starts at Old Market Square
How much: £34pp

Kicking off the city’s running season, this 10K start right in the heart of Nottingham, before heading north of the centre. It goes towards Nottingham Girls High School and Church Cemetery, before going downhill (phew!) all the way down towards the Motorpoint and The Park. It finishes at Nottingham Castle, which has pubs like Fothergills and The Crow nearby to celebrate and re-hydrate at.

Do if: You’d like to get your steps in and explore the city in a fun way.

runforall.com

More events:

What’s On This Month 🗓️

Spring Walks 🌼

Hot Property 🏡

West Bridgford is one of the most pined-after places to live in the area – and this elegant home is perfect for settling down in. The 1930s home is a story of two styles, with chic panelling, ornate fireplaces, and parquet flooring in the hallway and living rooms. Step into the kitchen and you’ll find a contemporary open-plan set-up (we particularly like the breakfast bar situation, as shown on page nine!). Upstairs are four bedrooms on the second floor, and the master with en-suite on the third. The guide price is £1.5m and it’s marketed by Rex Gooding. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🙌 Pitching in: Former Lionesses goalkeeper and West Bridgford’s own Mary Earps opened a new all-weather pitch at Calverton Miners Welfare FC. The Mary Earps Pitch, which was funded by the Football Foundation, was officially unveiled last Wednesday. The new pitch will prioritise access for women and girls, and will also be used by the Arnold Eagles. The pitch is one of 35 set to open across the country as part of the Lionesses Futures Fund. bbc.co.uk

🌳 Back to nature: Nottinghamshire County Council is set to confirm approval for five new Local Nature Reserves across the county. The five proposed sites are Kimberley Green and the Great North Railway Path in Kimberley, Dob Park in Hucknall, Newstead Old Coal Stocking Yard, Freckland Wood and the Linby Trail, Moor Pond Woods in Papplewick, and Cotgrave Country Park and Cotgrave Greenway. westbridgfordwire.com

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest progressed to the Europa League last 16, despite a 2-1 home defeat to Fenerbahce. The Turkey Super Lïg side scored twice to set up a nervy end to a tie that Forest went into with a 3-0 lead, before Callum Hudson-Odoi scored to ease the nerves. Vitor Pereira’s side will play Danish side FC Midtjylland in the next round. Despite the progression, Forest lost again in the Premier League, 2-1 away at Brighton, to remain two points above the bottom three.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town drew 2-2 at home to AFC Wimbledon after a topsy-turvy first half at Field Mill. Jon Russell put the Stags ahead early before Wimbledon equalised, before his second goal took Mansfield into the break level. Wimbledon’s second-half penalty meant the points were shared, with Mansfield now 16th in League One.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County lost 1-0 at Meadow Lane to Grimsby after a late goal from Charles Vernam. Lee Ndlovu, who had Notts’ best chance of the game, was sent off with 14 minutes to go, and Grimsby took full advantage in the 85th minute with Vernam’s finish. The result leaves Notts 5th in League Two.

🏒 Nottingham Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers progressed to the Challenge Cup final with an aggregate win over rivals Sheffield. While the Panthers lost 4-2 in Sheffield, a 3-0 win the week prior meant Danny Stewart’s side progress to the Challenge Cup final. Mitch Fossier scored an overtime winner in a 2-1 win over Manchester Storm, before a 2-1 away defeat to Guildford Flames.

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​I’ve rounded up a range of events, such as theatre shows, gardening workshops, Mother’s Day treats, and more. I have chosen these based on their seasonality, their uniqueness, the quality of the offering, and the value for money.

If you’re looking for events and things to do this month, these activities around the county are sure to keep you busy. For more guides like this, including our weekly Notts Going On newsletter, subscribe to The Notts Edit for free.

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10 things to do in Nottingham this March

By Eve Smallman

1. Nottingham 10K

When: March 8
Where: Starts at Old Market Square
How much: £34pp

One of the city’s best running events, this 10K starts in the square, before heading north of the city centre towards Nottingham Girls High School. From here, it loops to Church Cemetery, heads all the way down towards the Motorpoint, and slingshots to The Park. The finish line? The iconic Nottingham Castle, of course. The ticket includes a finisher medal and a goody bag.

Do if: You’d like to get some exercise and explore the city centre in the (forecasted) sunshine.

runforall.com

2. ​Pop-Up Plate Decorating

When: March 12
Where: Philos Deli, Ruddington
How much: £15pp

Set at the lovely Philos Deli, during this workshop you’ll design your own plate. Choose from vintage china or a more modern design, then decorate with paint and transfers. This workshop is just before Mother’s Day, so you could make a gift for your mum or someone else in your life, or simply make something beautiful for your home. They also recommend bringing your own drinks.

Do if: You’d like to spend a cosy evening doing something mindful that will leave you with a charming finished product.

eventbrite.co.uk

3. Punch

When: March 13-April 4
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

Returning to Nottingham Playhouse after being on Broadway and in the West End, Punch is an impactful show based on a true story. After one fateful night out leads to Jacob Dunne leaving lost and directionless, he meets the parents of his victim, and his life changes forever. The play is based on the book by Jacob Dunne, with the script penned by Ashfield’s James Graham of Sherwood, Dear England, and Quiz fame.

Do if: You’d like to see something with a local feel at the theatre that will leave you feeling moved.

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

4. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

When: March 15
Where: Kelham Hall, Newark
How much: £30pp adult, £18pp child

​The grand Kelham Hall is a beautiful setting for a spot of afternoon tea – and it’s sure to impress for Mother’s Day. Enjoy freshly baked scones, sandwiches and delicious homemade cakes, as well as a choice of tea or coffee. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, as is a children’s menu. The picturesque gardens are also worth wandering around before or after your treat.

Do if: You’re looking for a special way to show your mum you love her – this country house is truly wow-worthy.

renaissance-kelham.com

​5. Spring Plant Hunters Fair

When: March 15
Where: Thoresby Park, Ollerton
How much: Free entry, parking £3

With 33 plant nurseries – including 12 RHS medallists – this fair offers the perfect opportunity to find new shrubs. The experts will be able to help you find the right one for your garden style and direction, so they have the best possible chance of thriving. Along with these, there will be accessory stalls to help make them shine. The country park is also free to enter, and is a beautiful location for a spring walk.​

Do if: Your garden is looking a little grey and you’d like to bring some life into it.

planthuntersfairs.co.uk

6. RSC Hamlet

When: March 17-21
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £21pp​

The Royal Shakespeare Company is returning to Nottingham with a new production of Hamlet starring Ralph Davis (of House of the Dragon fame). Hamlet’s mother has married his uncle, and at a less than decent time. As he pulls at the threads of his not-so-happy new family, Hamlet unravels a web of deceit and immorality. The show is fittingly fresh from its run in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon.

​Do if: You love quality theatre that enraptures you – this is arguably one of the greatest plays of all time.

trch.co.uk

7. Fruit Tree Grafting

When: March 21
Where: St Ann’s Allotments, Nottingham
How much: £38.62pp

The owner of the award-winning Blue Barrel Cider Company, Leo Jordan, will be sharing the art of fruit tree grafting during this workshop. This technique creates quality fruit trees with strong roots, as well as increasing disease resistance. You’ll have a selection of apple and pear varieties to choose from, and you can take your grafted trees home with you. Few tickets are left, so be sure to be quick if you’d like to go.​

Do if: You’ve always loved the idea of having a fruit tree, but never known where to begin – this technique is much easier than growing from the pip.

eventbrite.co.uk

​8. A Semester in Nottingham, 1976​

When: March 21-May 9
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

​This exhibition of photographs by Baltimore-based John Dean will showcase pictures from his time as a visiting student at Nottingham Trent University (or Trent Polytechnic as it was then). He immersed himself in Nottingham life, wandering through Hyson Green, Market Square, and the Arboretum, capturing striking black-and-white portraits of residents going about their daily lives. The resulting images are both documentary and deeply personal.

Do if: You’d like to discover more about Nottingham’s past – these photos capture a transformative time in the city’s history.

boningtongallery.co.uk

9. Ay-Up Market

When: March 27-29
Where: Old Market Square
How much: Free entry

Over 90 of Nottingham’s independent retailers and creatives will be setting up shop in Old Market Square for this three-day-long celebration. Stalls will have clothing, homeware, jewellery, plants, and more to browse. You can also participate in workshops from The Bead Shop, enjoy free face painting and crafts, and try hook-a-duck. After all the excitement, you can fuel up with street food from the likes of Bombay Deli and The Bagel Project.

Do if: You’d love to support local businesses and scout out unique gifts and trinkets.

​itsinnottingham.com

10. Peter Rabbit’s Picnic

When: March 29
Where: Waterstones, Nottingham
How much: £8pp per child, adults and carers free

Forget teddy bears’ picnics – this is a rabbit picnic. The Beatrix Potter favourite will be hosting this, with stories, games, and bites to eat (including plenty of carrots, of course). You’ll also be able to make your own bunny hat before hopping to a meet and greet with the main man himself. This is part of Waterstones Nottingham Children’s Gala, which is taking place from March 29-April 5.

Do if: You’d like to experience some adorable Easter magic while in town for half-term.

eventbrite.co.uk

🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok

✉️ Send stories such as press releases and feature ideas to editor@thenottsedit.com

💰 Want to feature your business in The Notts Edit? Email Eve Smallman at editor@thenottsedit.com for a chat

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