The family drama is written by local playwright Beth Steel, who is from Mansfield. We watched the show during its press night, and have given our honest thoughts.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham this September and autumn, Till the Stars Come Down is playing at Nottingham Playhouse until September 26 (from £14.50pp, nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk). For more reviews like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Till the Stars Come Down at Nottingham Playhouse theatre review
★★★★★

By Eve Smallman
Photos by Sam Taylor

Making its regional premiere at the Nottingham Playhouse, Till the Stars Come Down is local playwright Beth Steel’s sixth play. This debuted at London’s National Theatre in 2024, before transferring to the West End in 2025. This is a fitting Nottingham homecoming after scooping up two Olivier Award nominations. Many of Beth’s plays take inspiration from her background in Mansfield, drawing on its mining heritage – and this is no different.

The family drama follows Sylvia (AK Golding) and Marek (Ivan Ivashkin)’s wedding day, from the start to right up until the end. The two come from completely different backgrounds – Sylvia a Mansfield girl, Marek a Polish immigrant – and this sets the centre for the boiling point (among the other rifts). It is a real balance between humour and tension, which are tug-of-warred throughout.​

You truly feel as though you are at a wedding, and all the nooks and crannies of it. The audience reflection from the getting-ready mirror, the top table feeling on top of you, and the running up and down the aisle throughout (yes, even fittingly as the wedding aisle). No airs and graces – it felt true to the way people talk to each other. They also all nailed the Nottinghamshire accent – some of them are local, like AK Golding and The Television Workshop’s Ellie Daley as Leanne and Anya Marshall as Sarah, but voice dialect coach Kate Godfrey clearly worked magic.

The costuming also creates relaxation and character, with Sylvia’s beautiful stained with age wedding dress, as well as the jewel coloured dresses of the sisters and aunt that brought them together and contrasted them. This was also matched with the loosening of ties, the unfastening of shoes, and even the SPANX that ended up in the audience. This simplicity carried onto the stage, and was especially wonderful when illuminated in the rain scene, with Sylvia’s standstill moment of joy making it ‘sparkle’, as Maggie says.

I really liked how the camcorder was incorporated into the first half, with it being projected onto a screen behind live, illuminating Maggie’s (Leah Brotherhead) nervous finger tapping, the bottle of Smirnoff before it is switched to Polish vodka, the finger on the wine glass rim with Uncle Pete’s (Joe Alessi) recitation of Nottinghamshire’s mining pits. This also showcased some of the humorous areas, like funny faces to the audience and the kicking of confetti.

There is heaps of tension throughout the show, with wounds cut open in the first half that are deftly ripped into in the second half – but for local audiences, the mining strand will resonate particularly. One of the underlying tensions was with the Polish ‘taking’ jobs – especially in an area like Mansfield, which had already had them taken with the mine closures. But then this would be steered back gently with a big bit of comedic relief, usually from the excellent Aunty Carol (Sadie Shimmin), who came into each scene with such gusto and witty lines.

There are also a few other more subtle nods that local audiences will love, like the shout-out to Warsaw Diner, for example (the pancakes and hash browns are amazing for breakfast, FYI).

Throughout, there is a sense of foreboding, which is foreshadowed with small talk about the heatwave and the wedding lantern aflame in the first half. I can’t really speak about the second half without completely spoiling it, but I will say I found the ending uncomfortable. This isn’t a criticism – if anything, it’s praise of Beth Steel’s powerful writing. Life is uncomfortable, and it felt like it captured that perfectly.

I have never come out of a show feeling so breathless, so torn apart, and so moved. It is beautifully poignant and unforgettable. I highly recommend seeing it while it’s still at Nottingham Playhouse – local or not, it’s bittersweet brilliance.

Till the Stars Come Down is playing at Nottingham Playhouse until September 26 (from £14.50pp, nottinghamplayhouse.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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

I stayed in Nottingham after studying at Nottingham Trent University (over 10 years ago!) and falling in love with the city. This means not only do I know what spots are student-friendly, but I also know the area really well. I've rounded up everything from top food and drinks spots to places you can go and get away from it all, so you can make the most of your time here.

If you're looking for things to do in Nottingham and around the area and are a student, this guide is packed with useful info. You can also keep up with everything happening here by signing up for The Notts Edit, as we send out our weekly newsletter Notts Going On, as well as articles.

Subscribe now

The ultimate Nottingham student guide

By Eve Smallman

Fun facts 💭

Get to know your new home with these interesting tidbits (that will also come in handy whenever anyone asks you about Nottingham!).

Inventions 💡

HP Sauce 
The original recipe was invented and developed in 1899 by Nottingham grocer Frederick Gibson Garton, who sold it on to the Midlands Vinegar Company for £150.

Ibuprofen 
When you’re picking up a packet for your freshers' hangover, you can thank Dr Adams and his colleagues, who discovered it at the Boots Laboratories in the 1960s.

Tarmac
This was patented in 1902 by Edgar Purnell Hooley after he saw how spilled tar and gravel bonded on Radcliffe Road.

MRI scanner
Sir Peter Mansfield made the breakthrough at the University of Nottingham in 1977, which led to MRI being used across the world. 

Shin pads
Sam Weller Widdowson created them in 1874 by cutting down a pair of cricket pads and strapping them over his socks when playing football.

French bulldogs
Lace makers in Nottingham bred English bulldogs to create ‘mini bulldogs’ in the 1800s, before taking them over to France when they emigrated. 

Famous people ⭐

Vicky McClure
The Line of Duty star studied her craft at The Television Workshop and got married at the Council House.

Bella Ramsey
Another success story from The Television Workshop, the actor has starred in Game of Thrones and The Last of Us.

Jake Bugg
He grew up in Clifton, before becoming an indie singer-songwriter famous for songs such as Lightning Bolt and All I Need.

Mary Earps
The former England goalkeeper started her career when she joined the West Bridgford Colts.

Matthew Horne
Hailing from Burton Joyce, he is known for starring as Gavin in the hit sit-com Gavin and Stacey.

Sir Paul Smith
The luxury fashion designer was born in Beeston. You can visit his store in Nottingham and sit in the Paul Smith screen at Broadway Cinema.

Torvill and Dean
Known for their Olympic gold-winning Bolero dance, the ice skating duo are both from Nottingham.

Famous graduates 🎓

NTU

Matt Berry
The comedian starred in Toast of London and is known for his fantastic voice. Is that you, Clem Fandango?

GK Barry
The media personality is known for influencing, her podcast Saving Grace, and for being on I’m a Celeb.

Jack Saunders
He presents BBC Radio 1's New Music Show every weeknight, as well as The Official Chart on Fridays.

UoN

Tim Martin
When you rock up to Wetherspoons for your post-night-out hangover breakfast, you’ve got him to thank.

Theo James
He studied Philosophy, before going on to star in hit shows such as The White Lotus and The Gentlemen.

Ruth Wilson
The Olivier-winning actor has starred in appeared such as Jane Eyre, Luther, and The Affair.

Transport 🎟️

Nottingham has brilliant transport facilities that make it super easy to go wherever you want, whether you’re heading into the city or want to explore the wider area.

By bus 🚌

We’re lucky to have Nottingham City Transport buses here, which go around the whole county. You can simply tap on and head wherever you wish. If you are studying at a campus outside of the city (Clifton, Brackenhurst, and UoN students, I’m talking to you!), you might want to grab a uni pass from £349, which covers you for the whole year. nctx.co.uk

There are also Trentbarton buses, which serve Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire. This company operates the Red Arrow service that goes non-stop to Derby if you fancy a change of scenery. You can catch this from the Victoria Bus Station or Upper Parliament Street pretty much every quarter of the hour. trentbarton.co.uk

By tram 🚋

Yes, we have a whole tram system here, thanks to Nottingham Express Transit (NET). It has two services — Hucknall-Toton Lane and Phoenix Park-Clifton South. Both lines run between the city centre, which is useful if you’re running late or hauling bags from the station. The Hucknall-Toton Lane line also goes to and from UoN.

Make sure that you buy a ticket, as tram inspectors regularly come around — you can either buy a paper one at the machines or just tap the contactless points at each stop. Or, you can get a Student Academic Year pass to cover you for £315. thetram.net

By train 🚄

No matter where you’re travelling across the country, Nottingham Station is the place to go. Some of the major cities you can get to from here (often direct) include:

Birmingham — around 1hr 30mins
London — around 1hr 50mins
Manchester — around 2hrs
Liverpool — around 3hrs

By taxi 🚕

Sometimes you might get lost, feel too lazy to walk, or have had one too many Jagerbombs. If you need a taxi, we recommend DG Cars, which is Nottingham’s own award-winning taxi service. Download the app or ring to book. dgcars.co.uk / 0115 950 0500

Places for drinks 🥂

Discovering the best places to go for cocktails in Nottingham and the cosiest pubs will come in useful for hanging out with friends old and new.

Cocktail bars 🍹

The Magic Garden
Enjoy fruity cocktails and tapas in the sun or boozy hot chocolates wrapped up, depending on the weather. themagicgardennotts.com / @themagicgardennotts

Penny Lane
Play arcade games and sip on Instagrammable drinks. The Ey Up Me Duck is even garnished with a rubber duck! pennylanenottingham.com / @pennylanenottingham

Coco Tang
It offers students discounted listed cocktails all night Tuesday-Friday (the Fight Club is a fun choice!). cocotang.co.uk / @houseofcocotang

400 Rabbits
This is one of my favourite bars in Nottingham, and it’s a stone throw’s away from NTU. If you like tequila, you’ll love it here. fourhundredrabbits.co.uk / @400rabbitsinsta

The Beeston Social
You could easily spend a whole afternoon here tucking into pizzas and burgers, drinking playful cocktails, and competing against each other in retro games. thebeestonsocial.com / @thebeestonsocial

Pubs 🍺

Six Barrel Drafthouse
This is one of the best dog-friendly pubs in Nottingham and has locations next to the Victoria Centre (@sixbarrelvictoria) and in Hockley (@sixbarrel.hockley). sixbarreldrafthouse.co.uk

The Angel Microbrewery
It serves local ales and its own brews, as well as a crowd-pleasing food menu with plenty of vegan options. theangelmicrobrewery.co.uk / @theangelmicrobrewery

Crown Inn Beeston
A proper real ale, old-school pub that regularly hosts street food such as Secret Burger Club and Nick the Greek’s Grill. @crowninnbeeston

The Kilpin
Named after the Nottingham-born founder of AC Milan, this is my favourite pub in the city. It serves European ales and has an adorable beer garden. thekilpin.co.uk / @the_kilpin_beer_cafe

Fox and Grapes
It’s a little walk away from the city centre to Sneinton Market, but this pub’s warm atmosphere and legendary pub quizzes on a Wednesday night make it well worth the trip. castlerockbrewery.co.uk / @foxandgrapes_notts

The Playwright
Located on Shakespeare Street, this relaxed spot is perfect for campus socials and watching live sports. theplaywright38.co.uk / @theplaywright38

Places to eat 😋

There are so many wonderful food places in Notts, but these ones all offer delicious, student-friendly food when you need more than packet noodles.

The Beefy Boys
When nothing but a thick, juicy, mouthwatering burger will do, this is an excellent option that’s super close to NTU. thebeefyboys.com

Slice ‘n’ Brew
We are spoiled for pizza places in Nottingham, but this New York-style joint has nailed flavours, fresh dough, and a vibrant atmosphere. slicenbrew.co.uk

Everyday People
Serving steaming, nourisihing bowls of ramen with exciting twists, this is the mastermind of Masterchef’s Pete Hewitt (who we’ve interviewed) and is loved by critic Jay Rayner. theeverydaypeople.co.uk

Taquero
Who said tacos only have to be for Tuesdays? Start with totopos and five pots of salsa, share tacos and quesadillas, and wash it all down with margaritas. taquero.co.uk

The Pudding Pantry
Whether you have a sweet or savoury tooth, need breakfast in Nottingham, or want coffee and a cake, this cute eatery has locations in the city, Beeston, and Sherwood. thepuddingpantry.co.uk

Crocus Cafe
This vegetarian and vegan cafe might be Lenton’s best-kept secret. Its all-day breakfast menu is sure to sort any hangovers out. crocuscafe.com

Places to study 🤓

Both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham have great study spots on campus. But sometimes, you need a change of scenery to get your head in the game.

Public and Plants
Head down for the chic interior, then stay for the strong coffee and decadent croissants. ourpublic.co.uk

200 Degrees
Our own Nottingham-brewed coffee shops, there are three of these in the centre – by Old Market Square, by the Victoria Centre, and by the station.

Blend
Expect locally-roasted coffee, hot grilled cheeses, and cosy tables to study on. The location in Nottingham Contemporary is the most spacious, but the one in Sneinton Market has lovely outdoor seating for sunnier days. blendnottingham.co.uk

Dispatch
While a little smaller than some of the other spots, the bright Wes Anderson-style decor will make you feel at home while you work. dispatchcoffees.co.uk

Nottingham Central Library
This bright and modern building has a host of tables and booths to hop onto, as well as all the study material you could possibly need.  nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk

Bustler
While a little walk away to Sneinton Market, this is a spacious spot with free wifi, great coffee, and a host of food vendors. bustlermarket.co.uk

Places to relax 🌳

When you need to take a break and practise some mindfulness, take a walk around these beauty spots in Nottingham.

The Arboretum 
This is the magical place that apparently inspired J.M. Barrie's Neverland. It's right by Nottingham Trent University and on the tram line, making it a great picnic location in Notts. nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Victoria Embankment
The canalside spot has plenty of space for a stroll, and even to sit down on a sunny day with a book. canalrivertrust.org.uk

Highfields Park
University of Nottingham students, you are so lucky to have this on your campus! See if you can find the hidden fountain. nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Colwick Country Park
The two lakes here are perfect for strolling or running around. I recommend getting a hot drink from Wired on Wheels for your journey around. nottinghamcity.gov.uk

Wollaton Hall and Park
See stunning deer outside and see fascinating natural history inside this Elizabethan mansion (that you may know as Wayne Manor from The Dark Knight films). wollatonhall.org.uk

Newstead Abbey
Formerly the home of the great romantic poet Lord Byron, this has sprawling grounds that you can spend ages walking around. See if you can spot a peacock! newsteadabbey.org.uk

Activities 🎉

You can’t spend your whole time at university studying. These fun locations will help you let your hair down.

Bowling 🎳
You can head to Discobowl — aka the UK’s biggest bowling alley (yes, really!) — for endless hours of enjoyment. If you’re a UoN student in need of a break, Tenpin has bowling, plus karaoke, laser tag, and arcade games. Or if you’re in the city centre and want to do more than just bowling, Roxy Lanes has huge lanes, a baseball cage, shuffleboard, and more. nottinghambowl.co.uk / tenpin.co.uk / roxyleisure.co.uk

Cinema 🍿
Head down to Broadway Cinema in Hockley for a chilled-out cinema night in the city (keep an eye out for themed movie weeks!) and the pre-WW2 Savoy Cinema on Derby Road for a romantic date night. broadway.org.uk / savoyonline.co.uk

Escape rooms 🔑
Ready to do some bonding with your new flatmates or course mates? Escapologic offers realistic escapes from abandoned laboratories to cursed crypts, while Break Escape will whisk you away into settings from Robin Hood to Daylight Robbery. escapologic.com / breakescape.co.uk

Gameshow 📺
For a completely different activity, try your hand at Gameshow All-Stars, which has eight minigames based on nostalgic TV shows like Catchphrase and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. gameshowallstars.co.uk

Mini golf ⛳
The mega Golf Fang is a must-visit for freshers thanks to its Instagrammable holes and cocktails. Meanwhile, Lost City brings all the tropical vibes and is ideal for family trips. golffang.co.uk / lostcityadventuregolf.com

Sports ⚽
Go watch football at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground and Notts County FC’s Meadow Lane (which are very close to each other!), cricket at the famous Trent Bridge, and ice hockey at the National Ice Centre, where the Nottingham Panthers play. nottinghamforest.co.uk / nottscountyfc.co.uk / trentbridge.co.uk / national-ice-centre.com

🤳 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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We’ve curated a variety of these, from fun workshops to sweet markets, and from fabulous festivals to glowing adventures. These have been narrowed down based on their seasonality, their uniqueness, their significance to the area, and how good value for money they are.

If you’re looking for events in Nottingham, autumn is an excellent time to try different things around the county. For more events and guides like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

15 of the best autumn events around Nottingham

By Eve Smallman

1. Till the Stars Come Down

When: September 5-26
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

It’s Sylvia and Marek’s big day, and the Stone family have gathered in Mansfield. But once the vows have been made and the drinks start flowing, deep-seated family resentments begin to bubble up. Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated, funny family drama comes to Nottingham for the first time in this regional premiere. ‘It’s a full night out: cracking cast, beautiful and vivid production, and a story that will hopefully make you laugh and cry,’ Beth shared with us in our Q&A with her.

Do if: You’d like to see a show with a local feel – Beth is from Mansfield, and many of her shows have taken inspiration from the area.

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

2. Heritage Open Days

When: September 11-20
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free entry

Explore our county’s past during this free yearly celebration, where venues across the area will be opening their doors for exclusive look arounds, rare opportunities, interesting tours, exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more. Our top two picks are the St Mary’s Church tower tours with city views (September 12, heritageopendays.org.uk), while in the wider county, the Lowdham Signal Box (September 12-13 and 19-20, eventbrite.co.uk) is a unique, hands-on experience. Find out our full curation in our guide.

Do if: You enjoy seeing and learning about areas of real historical importance.

heritageopendays.org.uk

3. Autumn Luxury Candle Making Workshop

When: September 26
Where: Augustin Events Creative Studio, Annesley Woodhouse
How much: £44.03pp

During this hands-on candle-making workshop, you’ll learn how to blend luxurious seasonal fragrances, pour natural wax, and create a stunning handcrafted candle to take home. Choose from a selection of autumn-inspired fragrances, including pumpkin spice, cinnamon, vanilla, apple, clove, cedarwood and warm woodland scents. You’ll do all this while sipping on unlimited tea and coffee. Once you’re done, you’ll even craft a personalised label before taking the whole candle home with you.

Do if: You love cosy candles and would like to create one that you’ll truly enjoy.

eventbrite.co.uk

4. Autumnfolk Market

When: September 27
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: Free entry, but a ticket needs to be booked

From cosy autumn comforts and rich seasonal colours to playful Halloween magic, this market brings together over 45 talented independent makers, bakers and creatives from Nottingham whose work perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Expect ceramics, prints, woodwork, felting, photography, paintings, jewellery and more. There will also be a street food line-up offering tasty bites and sweet snacks, as well as a bar and a tea and coffee truck.

Do if: You’d like to embrace autumn by shopping for seasonal, locally-made treasures.

gigantic.com

5. Autumn Glow Fun Run

When: October 4
Where: Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
How much: £11.15pp

A family-friendly fun run where everyone is welcome, you’ll be able to take on a 5k by sprinting, jogging, or even simply walking. Bright neon colours, tutus, face paint, or anything that glows are encouraged, and there will be official race bibs and glowing accessories to pick up before the race starts at 5pm. Plus, this is all for a good cause, with the organisers running the London Marathon for Caudwell Youth.

Do if: You’re looking for motivation to get a run in this autumn.

eventbrite.co.uk

6. Trent Bridge Wine, Champagne and Prosecco Festival

When: October 8-10
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £12pp early bird, from £18pp on the day​

During this first edition of Nottingham’s biggest wine festival, you’ll be able to visit an array of bars by local wine merchants and established brands alike, as well as sampling nibbles, street food and musical entertainment. This will all be over four floors of the redeveloped Pavilion. A complimentary glass is provided, which you are free to take home. This is running at the same time as Nottingham Beer and Cider Festival (trentbridge.co.uk), which your ticket will also allow entry to, so you can dip between the two easily.

Do if: You’d like to try new tipples, especially with the festive hosting season on the way.

trentbridge.co.uk

7. Nottinghamshire Pick Your Own Pumpkins

When: October 10-11, 17-31
Where: Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell
How much: Free entry

Truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the season by visiting the best pumpkin patch in the area. Here you’ll be able to pick your own pumpkins for seasonal soups and for Halloween decorating. There is a charge for the produce, as well as if you’re a professional photographer (what better place for seasonal pics, right?). Plus, a hot drinks van will be parked up, for cosy coffees and hot chocolates as you roam.

Do if: You’d like to create special autumnal memory – this is a particularly lovely activity to do with children.

nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com

8. Chutneys & Jam Cooking Class

When: October 11
Where: Pippley Walled Garden, Beeston
How much: £75pp

Head to the beautiful Pippley Walled Garden and into its Cookery School for a day that’s all about jams and chutneys. You’ll learn how to make these with the school’s chefs, ready to take home later in the day. While the jams are bubbling down, you’ll tuck into your autumnally themed bagel selection and soup for lunch, before wrapping warm and join the garden team on a foraging tour to help with the garden’s autumn harvest. At the end, you’ll take home your treats and recipe sheets.

Do if: You’d like to learn how to properly make chutneys and jams – here, you’ll find out all the skills for doing so for years to come.

pippley.co.uk

9. Sundown Adventures | AD

When: October 16-18, 23-31, November 1, 7-8
Where: Go Ape at Sherwood Pines, Edwinstowe
How much: £31.95pp

When the sun goes down, the lights come up during this atmospheric event, which takes Go Ape’s exhilarating experience up a notch. You’ll climb ropes, zip down lines, crawl through tunnels, and clamber across cargo nets, all with colourful glowing lights showing you the way. Time slots normally run from 4.30-6.30pm, so you can easily choose a time that suits you. Dates are available across the season, including during October half-term and even on Halloween for a fun treat.​

Do if: You’d like to try one of Nottinghamshire’s most thrilling activities – this is it on a whole different level.

goape.co.uk

10. Halloween Outdoor Cinema

​When: October 23-25
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £17.37pp

The striking Wollaton Hall is the perfect venue for a Halloween cinema night. This is hosting three films over three days – Scream (October 23), Hocus Pocus Spooktactular (October 24), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (October 25) Bring your own spooky snacks or pick up hot food and drink on-site. Don’t forget your blanket for staying warm/hiding under – and don’t be afraid to dress up.

Do if: You’ve been thinking about having a Halloween cinema night – Adventure Cinema’s offering is an easy way to do that without needing to host.

​adventurecinema.co.uk

11. Hockley Hustle | AD

When: October 25
Where: Various venues across Hockley and Sneinton
How much: Wristbands £15pp early bird, £25pp on the day

​Our city’s own music and arts festival is celebrating 20 years of hustling this year with 400 acts playing across 50 bars, pubs, cinemas, chapels, and galleries. Big highlights include the Anniversary Exhibition, UFO Orchestra, Queer Hustle, Step n Groove, and The Hustle Parade. However, it’s always worth checking out the full line-up, as there’s everything from tiny rooms filled with acoustic music to beatbox battles in the Bodega, and from streets full of Samba to silent discos.

Do if: You’d like to discover more music from Nottingham’s talented artists – this is an especially special year to do so.​

hockleyhustle.co.uk

12. Nottingham Comedy Festival​

When: October 30-November 8
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £5pp, some pay what you want

This 10-day-long comedy festival brings together a wide range of comedians from around the country, from brand new acts to top established names. Our top picks include the Ha Ha Halloween Spooktacular (October 31, Nottingham Contemporary, £6pp, nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk), Saturday Night Live’s Paddy Young (November 5-6, Canalhouse, £20pp, nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk), and Ben Macpherson Does Poems At Adults (November 8, Fisher Gate Point, £10pp, nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk), but be sure to check the full programme of events.​

Do if: The lack of sun is getting you down, and you’d like a few laughs.

nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk

13. Bonfire Night & Fireworks Display

When: November 1
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £14.50pp adult, from £6.50pp child

Soak up the Bonfire Night atmosphere in style at this gorgeous Georgian house that makes the evening a real experience. Warm up by the bonfire, be amazed by a breathtaking fire dancer performance, and then watch the night sky light up with a spectacular fireworks display. There will also be local food vendors. We went to this last year with the hospitality tickets (£26pp adult, £15.50pp child) and loved the chic setting and the fact that there were drinks on arrival, jacket potatoes, and a great view of the fireworks.

Do if: You’d like to watch fireworks in the most dazzling way possible.​

norwoodpark.co.uk

14. Mean Girls

When: November 3-7
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £25pp

Regina, Gretchen, and Karen rule North Shore High – but when home-schooled Cady Heron arrives, she shakes up the school food chain. Coming to Nottingham from the West End, this smash-hit musical is filled with iconic characters, razor-sharp wit, and catchy songs. The creative team includes writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), and lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), so it should be be totally fetch. Wearing pink is optional – unless you go on a Wednesday, that is.

Do if: Mean Girls is one of your favourite feel good film, or if you’ve never seen it and want to know what it’s all about.

trch.co.uk​

15. Bill Bailey: Vaudeville

When: November 12
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £32.60pp

Before streaming, TV, cinema, and even radio, there was Vaudeville: the prime-time entertainment of its day. This was a vibrant mix of comedy, music, and remarkable skills – and Bill Bailey is returning with a show that honours this tradition. He’s known for Black Books, Have I Got News For You, QI, and even for winning Strictly Come Dancing – so the man knows a thing or two about entertaining in style.

Do if: You’re a fan of dry humour and would like to watch one of the UK’s top comedians in a big arena setting.

motorpointarenanottingham.com

🤳 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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We went to see it during its showing at the Theatre Royal on its press night. It is touring the UK until May 2027 (heathersthemusical.com). We have shared our honest thoughts about the show. There are themes mentioned that may be triggering, so please read with caution.​

If you’re looking for September events in Nottingham, Heathers the Musical is playing at the Theatre Royal until September 12 (from £22pp, trch.co.uk). For more reviews like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Heathers at Theatre Royal, Nottingham theatre review
★★★

By Charlotte Brudenell
Photos by Pamela Raith Photography

Heathers the Musical has taken the world by storm, and you could certainly say it is one of those shows that defines modern musical theatre. It’s based on the 1988 film of the same name, but turned into a show with plenty of pop-rock tunes blended with that Broadway flair.

It follows the story of a nerdy high schooler, Veronica Sawyer (Gerardine Sacdalan), who joins popular clique the Heathers (Liberty Stottor, Jessica Ibadin, Lou Henry) to avoid getting bullied. She meets the brooding JD (Louis Hearsey), who ends up being a lot darker than she thought…

Written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, the show debuted Off-Broadway in 2014, and made its West End debut just four years later. It has also had multiple tours worldwide and gained a massive cult following. It has even won multiple What’sOnStage awards.

I thought the show really encapsulated that feeling of being a teenager in high school and dealt with difficult themes, such as suicide and sexual assault, very well. On the other hand, I feel as though some of the performances lacked energy and enthusiasm, and the script comes across as slightly cringeworthy.

Gerardine Sacdalan’s take on the protagonist’s role of Veronica was so unique, and I really enjoyed it for the most part. She came across as your typical teenage girl who seemed to be rather naive and dorky. Her rendition of I Say No was stunning and so powerful.

I do feel as though there were moments where she was lacking, as though some songs didn’t have the same energy as others – like in Dead Girl Walking, for example. Other than that, I really did enjoy her take on the character, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Heather Duke’s uptempo Never Shut Up Again entirely lacked the energy required for the number. I did notice there was some sort of issue with the microphones – the singing was overpowered by the orchestra at times, making the songs sound very quiet. So, perhaps this was not entirely the fault of the actors.

I absolutely adored Sophie Manners’ portrayal of Martha. She put so much emotion into her rendition of Kindergarten Boyfriend, and beautifully showed the darkness within her childish character.

The set was designed very well, using minimal set pieces and props, and still managing to convey the plot well is no easy feat. The costuming was still as iconic as ever, with the Heathers in their colourful outfits and the brooding JD in his all-black outfit. However, I didn’t like the choices regarding hair. This is very picky, I know, but allowing actors to wear their natural hair over a wig made it look more like an amateur production over a professional national touring production.

My favourite part of the show is the songs. They’re just so catchy and have the perfect blend of spiky tunes, and moving ballads. Yes, the actual script of the show is cringey. But I think that this may have been a creative choice to reflect the awkwardness of being a teenager and the school experience.

However, the songs were so fun and definitely a work of genius from O’Keefe and Murphy. I like how some of the instrumental parts hone back to songs previously sung or are yet to come, creating that important sense of foreshadowing. Dead Girl Walking and Freeze Your Brain are by far my favourites. It was a very nostalgic experience for me, as this soundtrack defined my later teenage years.​

I definitely recommend Heathers the Musical to anyone who enjoys dark comedy and musicals with a punchy pop-rock score. It may not have hit the spot for me, but it certainly does for many, as it has such a large, dedicated following. If you’re a fan of the original film as well, I certainly recommend it. It may not be entirely accurate to the original plot, but it carries on the film’s legacy for a newer generation.

Heathers the Musical is playing at the Theatre Royal until September 12 (from £22pp, trch.co.uk) and is touring the UK until May 2027 (heathersthemusical.com).

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

A note from the editor

I thought my calendar was going to be a bit quieter this month, but it is already jam-packed with great events around the area. Please do let us know if there is anything you’d like to see more of! Any questions or feedback are always welcome to me at editor@thenottsedit.com.

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Heathers the Musical 🎭

When: September 8-12
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £22pp

Welcome to Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death, and Veronica Sawyer is just another of the nobodies dreaming of a better day. But when she’s unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. Based on the iconic movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers is a funny, dark musical. Keep an eye out for our review of it this week.

Do if: You’d like to see an excellent show this week – this is following sold-out runs in London and New York, so you should be in for a treat.

trch.co.uk

Guided Tree & Seed Walk 🌳

When: September 9
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Free entry

Join Izzy from the Sherwood Seedbank, Sherwood’s only Community Tree Nursery, for a gentle guided walk through the iconic Sherwood Forest. During this relaxed 1.5 hour session, you’ll discover more about our native broadleaf trees, why they matter, how to identify them, and the important role they play in supporting wildlife and protecting landscapes. If seeds are available on the day, there’ll also be an opportunity to help collect tree seeds for the community nursery.

Do if: You were sad to hear about Major Oak dying, and would like to do more to help our famous forest.

eventbrite.co.uk

Heritage Open Days 📜

When: September 11-20
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free entry

Explore our county’s past during this free series of events that kicks off this weekend with exclusive lookarounds, rare opportunities, interesting tours, exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more. This weekend’s highlights include St Mary’s Church Tours and Activities (September 12, heritageopendays.org.uk), the Courtroom Trial at the National Justice Museum (September 13, heritageopendays.org.uk), and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and Heritage Centre (September 13, 14, and 15, heritageopendays.org.uk). See more of our top picks in our guide.

Do if: You enjoy seeing and learning about areas of real historical importance.

heritageopendays.org.uk

Equinox Star Party ⭐

When: September 12
Where: Idle Valley Nature Reserve, Retford
How much: £10pp

Join local experts from Bassetlaw Astronomical Society for a fun-filled evening of talks, demos and guided walks centred around the beauty of the night sky. You’ll learn about astronomy, the effects of light pollution and astrophotography, and marvel at the scale of the Solar System,. There will also be a telescope clinic, offering the chance for one-on-one guidance. Few tickets remain, so be speedy if you’d like to go.

Do if: You got swept up in solar eclipse fever last month, and would like to learn more about what’s above us.

nottinghamshirewildlife.org

Nottingham Green Festival 🌱

When: September 13
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Promoting sustainability and environmental protection, this festival is all about celebrating the environment and ethics - fittingly in one of the city’s best green spaces. Expect live music in partnership with Acoustickle, family activities, vegan food, and community stalls from crafters and producers. Plus, there will be practical knowledge sharing, talks and workshops in the Arboretum Rose Garden.

Do if: You’d like to learn more about how you can do your bit for the planet from knowledgeable local people

nottmgreenfest.org.uk

More events:

Theatre 🎭

Hot Property 🏡

Set within the beautiful Holme Pierrepont Country Park, this four-bedroom Grade II home is absolutely gorgeous. The period character is abundant downstairs, with feature ceilings and charming fireplaces in both living areas. The open-plan kitchen diner is cleverly designed to make prepping, cooking, and dining oh-so-simple. We also like the spacious utility room. Upstairs hosts four well-sized bedrooms, as well as a cosy balcony with parkland views. Plus, the garden is a great mix of patio and lawn. The property is being marketed by Fine & Country, which is looking for offers in excess of £1m. rightmove.co.uk

Fashion 🧣

News 🗞

🎡 The goose is loose: It just isn’t autumn in Nottingham without Goose Fair – and it just wouldn’t be Goose Fair without Goosey being reinstated on the Forest Recreation Ground roundabout. The sculpture is now there for all to see – just be sure not to climb on it. Goose Fair returns from September 25-October 4, with more than 400 rides and attractions. It has been held annually in Nottingham since at least 1284. goosefair.co.uk

⛸️ Get your skates on: Nottingham will welcome the world of synchronised skating in 2027, hosting four World Championships across nine days. Nottingham ice skating legends Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean were at the National Ice Centre and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham on Friday as plans for World Synchro 2027 were officially unveiled. The championships will take place from March 27-April 4, bringing around 1,100 skaters from 21 countries to the city. marketingnottingham.uk

🍻 Cheers to that: Castle Rock Brewery – the biggest independent beer maker in Nottingham – has confirmed it will be moving its main site after planning permission was granted for a new brewery. Castle Rock Brewery said it will close its current brewery off Traffic Street once the lease expires next year, and open a new base at Percy Street in Basford, in a 19th Century Grade II listed building once home to Prince of Wales Brewery. bbc.co.uk

🏏 Good lord: Cuckney Cricket Club played its first-ever Cawston Press Village Cup Final at Lord’s on Sunday, when they faced four-time winners Blackheath from Surrey. Our county’s team won by five wickets, with 19 balls to spare. This is the second time in three years that Cuckney has had a team playing at Lord’s, following the First XI’s National Club Championship triumph in 2023. ‘You dream of being a professional cricketer for England, but this is second only to that,’ captain Richard Bostock told the BBC. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s wait for a first Premier League win of the season goes on after a 0-0 draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur. Forest were aggrieved that a Neco Williams goal was ruled out for handball as the ball was bundled over the line, with manager Oliver Glasner accusing the VAR of ‘guessing.’

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town were beaten twice in the week in League One, first a 5-0 away defeat to Reading before a 1-0 defeat at Bradford.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County drew back-to-back away games in League One, with 1-1 draws with Doncaster and Huddersfield. Ollie Cooper scored in both games to take his goal tally to three for the season.

🏏 Cricket

Nottinghamshire were held to a draw by Leicestershire at Trent Bridge. Jack Haynes’ 159 and Liam Patterson-White’s 111 helped the hosts to 458 in the first innings before a defiant Leicestershire innings ate up enough time to force the hosts to bat again and earn a draw. The Blaze sit at the top of the Women’s One Day Cup standings after a six-wicket win over Somerset.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

She has styled celebs, runways, and even models for international photo shoots. However, she especially loves to dress regular modern women and men who often feel overwhelmed with fashion.

If shopping is one of your favourite things to do in Nottingham, Bee has put together her top autumn and winter picks. To find out more about her, you can subscribe to her Substack.

Bee Newham

Luxury Personal Stylist turning fashion from overwhelming to effortless.

For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

I’m a Nottingham fashion stylist — here’s what to wear this autumn and winter

By Bee Newham (beenewhamstylist.com)
Portrait by Ofelia Rodriguez Lemiale (ofeliaeme.com)
Studio photos by Abi Buck Photography (abibuckphotography.co.uk)

The summer felt never-ending, but in a great way. With the hot weather and incredible events, it really was one to remember. I have worn pretty much all of my summer wardrobe, which very rarely happens. I also can’t remember what it is like to wear jeans!

However, despite this, I am quite excited to get stuck into a new season, wear new trends and to start layering again. There are so many amazing pieces that are dropping already, and I can’t wait to style them.

As a fashion stylist, I always tell my clients to buy pieces when they see them. The best pieces drop from September onwards, so it is a great time to pick up some new season staples.

If you are struggling to know where to begin, I have styling services suitable for every client and fashion brief. I have seen many of my clients for many years as we build up their dream wardrobe. My most popular service is my virtual Wardrobe Edit service (beenewhamstylist.com/wardrobeedit).

However, if you prefer to know what trends to look out for, here are my favourite ones that I will be styling my clients in over the next few months.

1. Vibrant winter brights

This season, colour will dominate. After years of neutrals reigning supreme, colours like bottle green, red and purple will all take centre stage this autumn. These colours are sophisticated and will easily pair with most autumnal wardrobes.

Wear it head to toe if you are brave, or choose just a pop of colour to add interest to an outfit. If you want to dip your toe into purple, Cos has a gorgeous merino wool layered v-neck jumper. Style it with a white t-shirt underneath and a pair of tailored trousers for added polish.

If bottle green seems too intimidating, try adding it through your outerwear. As it won’t be something you wear all day, it’s an effortless way to introduce a new colour into your wardrobe.

Massimo Dutti has a stunning cotton blend plaid trench coat that is perfect for autumn. It features a stunning green shade, but is also classic enough to be worn year after year.

For red, I like wearing it as a pop of colour through my accessories. I love a woven handbag all year round, and Dragon Diffusion has created their Rosanna tote bag (available from FARFETCH) in a gorgeous dark red shade. Wear this piece now with jeans and a white t-shirt, or pair it with a navy wool coat when the weather gets colder.

2. Gothic romance

If colour is too much, then gothic romance might be more your style. Think rich velvet, sheer black lace and supple leather. These fabrics and textures were all seen on the runway at Saint Laurent and Gucci.

On the high street, Cos has some great options. This brown high neck lace top is crafted from delicate floral lace with pretty scalloped frayed trims. Pair it with a black leather pencil skirt to add some edge to the look.

A black leather jacket is also an autumn wardrobe staple and, if you want to purchase the most trending shape this season, I would choose a funnel-neck. This one from Cos is crafted from lamb leather, which is used for its exceptionally soft feel and subtly grained texture.

I would pair it with a pair of slouchy white jeans (from Gigi Bottega), a grey cashmere jumper (from Arket) and a pair of pointed heeled boots (also from Arket).

3. ‘90s revival

‘90s fashion dominated in spring/summer, and it shows no signs of slowing down in autumn. Slouchy suiting and cool checks will feature in this season’s key looks.

If you want to dip your toe in, I would recommend a baseball t-shirt. I’ve just bought this one from Uniqlo, and I love the charcoal grey and chocolate brown colour combination. It looks modern, but not too sporty.

If you prefer something a bit bolder, I love this sky blue and burnt orange version from Reformation. I would style it with a pair of mid-wash blue straight jeans (like these from With Nothing Underneath), as well as black ballet flats and a suede handbag (both from Marks and Spencer).

4. Bold animal prints

At this point, animal print should be treated as a neutral. This season, I would look to add it in through your accessories. This leather leopard print handbag from Massimo Dutti is a great way to add interest to simpler outfits. The furry texture also adds some softness to heavy fabrics like leather and suede.

Or if you want an easy way to update an existing coat or jacket, this jacquard animal print scarf from Marks and Spencer would be a great addition.

​5. Napoleon jacket

Finally, this autumn will see the return of the Napoleon jacket (I like this from John Lewis). This is a blast from the past as it was popular in the early noughties, and worn by the likes of Kate Moss. Instead of wearing it with grungy eyeliner, this time around, add some polish through straight leg denim (like these from With Nothing Underneath) and a pair of loafers (from Arket).

beenewhamstylist.com
@beenewhamstylist

🤳 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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

The show is set in Mansfield, and follows a wedding night with all the drama that comes with it. It is penned by Shirebrook-born playwright Beth Steel, who we asked about her background in playwriting, how she wrote the play, and why you should go and see it.

If you’re looking for events in Nottingham, Till the Stars Come Down is playing at Nottingham Playhouse from September 5-26 (tickets from £14.50pp, nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk). For more interviews and events, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Till the Stars Come Down playwright Beth Steel on the Olivier-nominated play

By Eve Smallman
Photos by Sam Taylor

Tell us about your background in playwriting

Till the Stars Come Down is my fifth play; I wrote it whilst I was Writer in Residence at the National Theatre. My plays have been produced in London and Nottingham. Wonderland came to Nottingham Playhouse in 2018 and 2019.

How did the idea for writing Till the Stars Come Down come about, and what was it like writing it?

I really wanted to write a play where the whole thing takes place on the day of a wedding – the high-octane emotions, the rituals, the excitement... The fascinators! I thought a wedding would be an interesting way to explore community tensions through a family.

Why was it especially important for you to set it in Mansfield, and how did you make the setting distinctive?

It was instinctual. I adore family dramas, meaty ensemble plays, and the more specific you are with a setting in a story, the more universal it is.

What has the reception to the show been like so far?

The reception of the play genuinely took me by complete surprise. After opening, it almost immediately sold out its run at the National Theatre, and a run in the West End and 20 international productions have followed. It’s quite something to watch your play, as I did, in Tokyo being performed in Japanese.

It’s also Olivier-nominated – how do you feel about that?

The Olivier Award nomination was a beautiful thing – I do love a party!

Why are you looking forward to it coming to Nottingham Playhouse?

It’s a homecoming! Many people have said to me after watching the play that the family captured on stage was their family in real life, but the recognition for a Nottingham audience will be, I think, more profound.

What sorts of themes can people expect throughout?

I’m fascinated by change, and it’s one of the reasons I adore Chekhov’s plays, for it is his great subject. Now, as in Chekhov’s time, people have a sense of profound shifts up ahead... The world is changing, and we know it. How people respond to change – fear and excitement – interests me, and I have a lot of empathy for. Of course, there is also lashings of love and loss too!

Why should people go and see it?

It’s a full night out: cracking cast, beautiful and vivid production, and a story that will hopefully make you laugh and cry.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Just that I’m grateful to everyone who has booked a ticket!

Till the Stars Come Down is playing at Nottingham Playhouse from September 5-26 (tickets from £14.50pp, nottinghamplayhouse.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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

A note from the editor

I know we don’t normally send Notts Going On on a bank holiday Monday, but I thought it would be nice to get this in your inbox to get you set up for the week ahead. There are some really excellent theatre shows this week with local talent, as well as a lovely looking pizza pop-up. We’re also heading down to Gameshow All-Stars this week, so keep an eye out on our socials for more on that. We’re so close to 10k followers on Instagram @thenottsedit – be one of the last 100 and have my forever thanks!

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

Robin Hood Improv Festival 🎭

When: August 31-September 6
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and ticketed events, festival pass £120, concessions available

Bringing more than 120 performers to the city for a week, this fun festival will host both international names and Nottingham talent. For a Friday night treat, try the Brand New Musical (September 4, Squire PAC, £10pp, trybooking.com) featuring festival director Lloydie James Lloyd with a completely improvised concert. Or for Saturday, Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (September 5, Squire PAC, £21.15pp, trybooking.com) is a great option.

Do if: You’ve always liked the idea of going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – our city’s own comedy festival is a great alternative.

robinhoodimprov.co.uk

By the Slice at Bonington 🍕

When: September 3
Where: Bonington Farm, Sutton Bonington
How much: £45pp

Slice ‘n’ Brew is one of our favourite pizza spots in Notts – and this Thursday, it will be serving up pizzas by the slice alongside chicken tenders, Caesar salad and picky bits at this picturesque location. Its new branded beer will be making an appearance too, and there will be tiramisu or New York cheesecake to finish. There’ll be plenty of time to eat, drink and enjoy the music as the sun sets, with the event running from 7-9pm.

Do if: You’d like to try food from one of Nottingham’s best restaurants in a gorgeous setting.

eventbrite.com

Nottingham Book Festival 📚

When: September 5
Where: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for

We’re actually big fans of Derby Book Festival (*gasp, across the border!*), so we’re excited to see Nottingham having its own Book Festival – even if it’s just for a day. This will feature workshops such as with Ian C Douglas on writing complex characters, and Eve Makis and Anthony Cropper on creating a minute memoir. The whole event will finish with a panel discussion hosted by John Holmes. Plus, there are 1-2-1 sessions with literary agents and illustrators available.

Do if: You’d like to try writing your own stories – cosy season is the perfect time to do so, and this is an excellent opportunity to learn from the pros.

nottinghambookfestival.org

Restore: Wellness Day Retreat 🧘‍♀️

When: September 5
Where: Manor Arts, Beeston
How much: £85pp

This day is all about embracing calm and creativity to restore your energy as autumn arrives. You’ll enjoy a morning meditation, an hour of energising yoga, a journaling workshop, and a nutritious lunch, snacks, and drinks. From here, you’ll take a short walk, and do a creative workshop to end the day (with cake!). You’ll also take home a goodie bag. This is all led by creative facilitator and wellbeing coach Beth Ward, who is all about bringing joy.

Do if: You’d like to properly switch off for a day.

livehappycreative.co.uk

Till the Stars Come Down 🎭

When: September 5-26
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

It’s Sylvia and Marek’s big day, and the Stone family have gathered in Mansfield. But once the vows have been made and the drinks start flowing, deep-seated family resentments begin to bubble up. When secrets start spilling out, alliances shift, and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be quite the same again. Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated, funny family drama comes to Nottingham for the first time in this regional premiere.

Do if: You’d like to see a show with a local feel – Beth is from Mansfield, so expect plenty of authenticity (also keep an eye out this week for our Q&A with her!).

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

More events:

What’s On This September 🗓️

Hot Property 🏡

Balancing rustic features with ultra-sleek modernity, this detached barn conversion in Cropwell Bishop – as featured in Real Homes magazine – is very stylish. The living area is bright and open, with chic panelling and a balcony above it. This leads to the kitchen, with a huge island perfect for hosting. Upstairs, all the bedrooms are a great size, as are the two bathrooms. The garden is also lovely for having people round, with both a patio and lawn. The best part? The house is right next to Cropwell Bishop Creamery, so you can get all the local cheese while living here. The guide price is £575k and it’s marketed by Yopa, East Midlands and Yorkshire. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🌟 Hey now, you’re an all-star: Gameshow All-Stars is launching in Nottingham on Saturday, with the Hockley venue being its third site following success in Sheffield and Leeds. It will have eight state of the art, larger than life TV Show inspired minigames ideal for groups and parties. Alongside games, there will be themed bespoke drinks, cocktails, mocktails and pizzas. It is also offering 50% off the first 500 tickets sold in September, with tickets £8.50pp for adults (add multiple to your basket to get the discount). gameshowallstars.co.uk

🥊 He’s punching: Former professional boxer and owner of Nottingham’s CardioBoxFit gym, Terry Maughan, is set to undertake an official 24-hour Continuous Guinness World Record Heavy Bag Boxing Challenge this Saturday. The challenge aims to raise vital funds and awareness for The Harley Jae Trust – a local charity dedicated to providing essential, life-saving medical equipment and support for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre. The event starts at 9am and there will be a 24 hour livestream. theharleyjaetrust.enthuse.com

🕰️ Time Lord: We mentioned last week that the Emett Clock is set to return to the Victoria Centre – and if you’re as pleased about this as we are, you might enjoy this feature about the man restoring it. Since May, Pete Dexter has been breaking it down into thousands of parts to check, repair and carefully return each piece to its correct place. “It doesn’t matter how much time I spend on it, it’s a labour of love – I want to get it right, I want to put it back as it was,” he told the BBC. bbc.co.uk

🦊 Cutie alert: A fox cub is having swimming sessions in a hydrotherapy pool in Mansfield to help his recovery after he was hit by a car. Chance, as his rescuers have aptly named him, lay injured by the roadside for days. Vets who examined Chance, as his rescuers have named him, initially thought he may have to be put down, but Mansfield Wildlife Rescue stepped in to rehabilitate him. This has involved assisted swimming to help rebuild his confidence and strength. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest drew 2-2 with Liverpool at Anfield, with Dan Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White on the scoresheet for the Reds in what was an overall good performance. Forest were beaten 2-0 midweek against Leeds in the EFL Cup. Liam Delap joined the club in a £50m deal from Chelsea last week, and full-back Daniel Muñoz signed from Crystal Palace today.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town scored five in a rout of Luton Town in League One. Two goals from Nathaniel Moriah-Welsh, two more from Jon Russell and one from Louis Reed put the Stags 5-0 up, before two late goals from Luton made the final score 5-2.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County came from behind to beat Burton Albion 2-1, thanks to two goals from substitute Luka Smyth. There was also a tribute to Quévin Castro, who died last week aged 25. The Portuguese midfielder had played for both clubs.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire were able to extend their County Championship Division One lead in a rain affected game against Warwickshire. Joe Clarke made 150, and Olly Stone took five wickets to help secure a few bonus points, with much of the match washed out.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

I’ve curated a range of events, from fun theatre shows to fascinating open days. These have been chosen based on their uniqueness, seasonality, and how good value for money they are.

Just because it’s a little chillier out, it doesn’t mean Nottingham’s events season has slowed down or there are less things to do. For more events and guides like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

10 of the best events around Nottingham this September

By Eve Smallman

1. Robin Hood Improv Festival

When: August 31-September 6
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and ticketed events, festival pass £120, concessions available

Bringing more than 120 performers to the city for a week, this fun festival will host both international names and Nottingham talent. Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical (September 5, Squire PAC, £21.15pp, trybooking.com) is a great option for a Saturday night out. As well as this, local performers feature strongly, including Nottingham Playhouse’s Making It Up Ensemble (September 1, Malt Cross, free entry), and the Brand New Musical (September 4, Squire PAC, £10pp, trybooking.com) featuring festival director Lloydie James Lloyd with a completely improvised concert.

Do if: You’ve always liked the idea of going to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – our city’s own comedy festival is a great alternative.

robinhoodimprov.co.uk

2. Till the Stars Come Down

When: September 5-26
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

It’s Sylvia and Marek’s big day, and the Stone family have gathered in Mansfield. But once the vows have been made and the drinks start flowing, deep-seated family resentments begin to bubble up. When secrets start spilling out, alliances shift, and by the end of the night, nothing will ever be quite the same again. Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated, funny family drama comes to Nottingham for the first time in this regional premiere.

Do if: You’d like to see a show with a local feel – Beth is from Mansfield, so expect plenty of authenticity (also keep an eye out for our Q&A with her!).

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

3. Equinox Star Party

When: September 12
Where: Idle Valley Nature Reserve, Retford
How much: £10pp

Join local experts from Bassetlaw Astronomical Society for a fun-filled evening of talks, demos and guided walks centred around the beauty of the night sky. You’ll learn about astronomy, the effects of light pollution and astrophotography, marvel at the scale of the Solar System, try your hand at using telescopes and learn to identify constellations. There will also be a telescope clinic, offering the chance for one-on-one guidance and tips on how to get the best out of your equipment.

Do if: You got swept up in solar eclipse fever last month, and would like to learn more about what’s above us.

nottinghamshirewildlife.org

4. Heritage Open Days

When: September 11-20
Where: Various venues around Nottinghamshire
How much: Free entry

Explore our county’s past during this free yearly celebration, where venues across the area will be opening their doors for exclusive look arounds, rare opportunities, interesting tours, exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and more. One excellent event in the city is St Mary’s Church Tours and Activities (September 12, heritageopendays.org.uk), while in the wider county, the Lowdham Signal Box (September 12-13 and 19-20, eventbrite.co.uk) is a great option for railway lovers. Find out our full curation in our guide.

Do if: You enjoy seeing and learning about areas of real historical importance.

heritageopendays.org.uk

5. The Silence of the Lambs

When: September 15-19
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £22pp

Come face to face with this chilling cultural phenomenon as it makes its world stage play premiere. Based on Thomas Harris’s literary masterpiece, it follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling as she’s sent to interview the psychiatrist and infamous murderer Hannibal Lecter, when it’s hoped his mind will help catch new serial killer Buffalo Bill. If thrillers aren’t your thing, other highlights at the theatre this month include Heathers (September 8-12, from £22pp, trch.co.uk) and Mamma Mia (September 29-October 10, from £31.50pp, (trch.co.uk).

Do if: You’re just as intrigued as I am about a Silence of the Lambs play.

trch.co.uk

6. Fabulous Places Autumn Market

When: September 19
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: From £6.50pp, under 18s free

Fabulous Places – which is known for its thoughtfully curated markets – is returning to Norwood Park for a special autumn edition. Explore over 50 thoughtfully selected stalls showcasing stylish home décor, handmade creations, seasonal flowers and plants, artisan food, vintage treasures, jewellery, gardenware, and more. There will also be food and drink vendors to keep you fuelled up while shopping.

Do if: You’re looking to give your home an autumn refresh, and would like to pick up lovely local pieces.

norwoodpark.co.uk

7. Alan Lodge: Common Grounds: Counterculture and Confrontation Since 1976

When: September 25-December 12
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

This exhibition brings together a range of Alan Lodge’s remarkable photography capturing travelling communities, free festivals, rave culture, environmental campaigns, and anti-war protests. In 1990, Alan Lodge moved to Nottingham to study photography at Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University), where he became involved with the city’s influential music collective DiY Sound System. Now he is one of the most significant chroniclers of British counterculture – and he still resides in Nottingham today.

Do if: Seeing a visually powerful exhibition with thought-provoking themes sounds fascinating to you.

boningtongallery.co.uk

8. Goose Fair

When: September 25-October 4
Where: Forest Recreation Ground, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Would it be a Nottingham September events guide without Goose Fair? I think not! For the unfamiliar, this is an annual fairground that rolls into the Forest Rec with hundreds of brightly lit stalls and rides. Think hook a duck, ferris wheels, and ghost trains. Oh, and getting a pot of mushy peas with mint sauce is absolutely mandatory. I highly recommend going in the evening, when the fair truly lights up.

Do if: You’d like to experience a real Nottingham tradition.

visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk

9. Portraits Painting

When: September 26
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £70pp, including materials

Discover varied, expressive approaches to painting the face during this relaxed and supportive workshop. Ideal for beginners and intermediate participants, you’ll be guided through dynamic brushwork and colour mixing, before moving onto steady guidance for completing your own portrait. This will be taught by visual artist Jane Stockley and will last five hours. Tickets are down to the final few as of time of publishing.

Do if: You’d like to immortalise yourself or someone else in a special way – after all, a painting has more to it than a phone camera picture.

lakesidearts.org.uk

10. Robin Hood Half Marathon

When: September 27
Where: Across Nottingham
How much: Charity places vary, free for spectators

The city streets will be filled once again with runners pacing through The Park, Wollaton Park, The Embankment, and more. While the event has completely sold out, there are still charity places available, such as for the Richard Whitehead Foundation, Nottingham Hospitals Charity, When You Wish Upon a Star, and Imara. I have ran for Emmanuel House previously, and while I’m not participating this year, I can confirm running for a charity is a lovely thing to do. If you’re not participating, you can join me on the sidelines to cheer everyone on.

Do if: You’d like to support the city and wider community, either by lacing up your shoes or showing up with a sign.

robinhoodhalfmarathon.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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We’ve rounded up a range of events happening across the city and county, from fascinating exhibitions to breathtaking tours. These have been narrowed down based on location and uniqueness. Oh, and the best part? They’re all free – but some need to be booked in advance.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham in September, these are all excellent events to pencil into the diary. For more events and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

10 of the best Heritage Open Days around Nottingham

By Jade Watson and Eve Smallman

1. Parades to Pantomimes: The Brigades in Beeston

When: September 11-12
Where: The Pearson Centre For Young People, Beeston
Pre-booking required?: No

From the first day of the 17th Nottingham Boys’ Brigade in 1909, through to the Beeston Lads’ Club, the Pearson Centre for Young People has been active for over 100 years – and it has a huge archive that houses military history through to pantomime antics. This is the first ever opportunity to view the extensive archive of items of Brigade uniform through the ages, with medals, awards and even the first ever subs book from the 17th Nottingham, dating back to 1909. The event on Saturday will also have activities for children.​

Do if: You or someone else was part of the Brigades or even another club – this will be a great showcase of camaraderie.​

heritageopendays.org.uk

2. Store Tour: Work, Play, Retire

When: September 11, 15, and 17
Where: Bobbers Mill area of the city, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: Yes (email curator Ann Inscker at ann.inscker@nottinghamcity.gov.uk​)

Against the backdrop of Nottingham City Museums and Galleries stores, this is a rare opportunity to explore three units and investigate items of significance to the working lives of those at Raleigh, Players, Ericsson, the lace industry, printing, Manlove-Alliott, and more. Rattle collections from child psychology pioneers John and Elizabeth Newson, caricatures of staff from Ericsson’s 1940s Drawing Office, and a redundancy notice for a lace worker are just some of the items on offer.​

Do if: You were saddened to hear the news of Raleigh, and would like to discover more about significant companies in Nottingham.​

heritageopendays.org.uk

3. St Mary’s Church Tours and Activities

When: September 12
Where: St Mary’s Church, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: No

Climb the towers of this beautiful church, as well as seeing spectacular, soaring views of the surrounding city, during this rare opportunity. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as this will require heading up approximately 130 steps and a short section by ladder. There will also be brass rubbing, children’s activities, guided tours of the church, and refreshments in the churchyard to keep you going as you explore.​

Do if: You’d love to see the city from a new perspective.

heritageopendays.org.uk

4. School of Musical Instrument Crafts Open Day

When: September 12
Where: School of Musical Instrument Crafts, Newark
Pre-booking required?: No​

In an unassuming corner of Newark on Trent, a quiet market town known for its history and a beautiful 12th-century castle, there is a pocket of tradition and pride that those outside the industry might not know about. Inside this stunning Watson Fothergill-designed building, originally built as a bank, is now the home of the School of Musical Instrument Crafts, which also has the internationally acclaimed Violin School. During this one-day event, you can see inside this and learn about how repairs and restoration take place.

Do if: You’re a musical instrument buff who is interested in how they are made.

heritageopendays.org.uk

5. Mill Waters Festival at Sutton Lawn

When: September 12
Where: Sutton Lawn, Mill Waters, off Lawn Avenue, Sutton-in-Ashfield
Pre-booking required?: No

Celebrate the heritage and nature of Mill Waters during this fun day filled with activities and entertainment by local groups. These will include live music, traditional crafts, bowls and model boats, historic photos and films, traditional games, tours, and more. We recommend heading down early for vintage tennis, which starts at 10am before the main festival. The event will also host the launch of Water Mills of The River Maun, penned by local author Denis Hill.

Do if: You’d like to enjoy some true community spirit in a stunning setting.​

heritageopendays.org.uk

6. Lowdham Signal Box

When: September 12-13, 19-20
Where: The Sidings, Lowdham
Pre-booking required?: Yes (eventbrite.co.uk)

A signalman’s job was a responsible one with a huge safety role. Between the wars, there were around 15,000 signal boxes – and this is a way of life that has almost completely disappeared. Here, you can learn how the equipment worked and how it developed to prevent repetitions of railway accidents. You will be welcome to try your hand at pulling the levers or ringing the block bell. There will also be signalling demonstrations with five virtual trains passing the box in just over half an hour – taken from the actual working timetable of an unusual Monday morning in 1954.

Do if: You know a train enthusiast who would love to find out more about their history.​

heritageopendays.org.uk

7. Courtroom Trial

​When: September 13
Where: National Justice Museum, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: Preferred (nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk)

The museum’s interactive trial re-enactments in its Victorian Courtroom are one of the highlights of its paid museum ticket – but this is free for Heritage Open Days. In 1812, at the Nottingham Assizes, William Carnell and Joseph Maples were charged with burglary and entering a dwelling house, as well as for breaking stocking frames. At just 16 years old, Joseph Maples was one of the youngest people arrested for this offence. Take part in the re-enactment of Maple’s trial – and find out for yourself how skilled labourers took the threat to their livelihood into their own hands.

Do if: You’re looking for a family-friendly Heritage Open Days event.​

heritageopendays.org.uk

8. Tuxford Traditional Building Tour and Skills Demonstration Day​

When: September 15
Where: 33 Lincoln Road, Tuxford
Pre-booking required?: No

Go on a tour of a rare timber-framed cottage currently being repaired using traditional craft skills. There will also be demonstrations of traditional building skills including hot lime, hemp lime plastering, daub/clay plasters and sash window restoration. This is a combined venture by Nottinghamshire Building Preservation Trust and the Walks of Life Museum, which will provide you with plenty of useful facts as you look around.

Do if: You or someone you know are keen DIY buffs.

heritageopendays.org.uk

9. Green’s Windmill and Science Centre Activities

When: September 16-20
Where: Green’s Windmill and Science Centre, Sneinton
Pre-booking required?: No

Green’s Windmill is a restored 19th-century tower mill, once home to mathematical physicist George Green. During this exhibition that has been specially curated for Heritage Open Days, you will be able to find out about the mill’s history using excerpts from its extensive archive. Afterwards, visit the adjacent science centre and experiment with the things that fascinated him, such as light, electricity and magnetism. From here, be sure to explore the award-winning community garden. It’s worth noting that the mill itself is undergoing repairs, but will be reopened in November.​

Do if: You’re looking for a Heritage Open Days event that’s easy to get to from the city centre – it’s a 15-minute walk, or just hop on the 43 NCT bus.

heritageopendays.org.uk

10. Bagthorpe Gardens Open Day and Tours

When: September 20
Where: Bagthorpe Gardens, Nottingham
Pre-booking required?: No

​Explore these historic Grade II* cottage gardens dating from the 1840s, with original hedging and restored bothies, including a new bothy renovated in the original style. See these at your leisure, or enjoy a tour at 12.30pm or 2.30pm. As well as this, you will be able to see an array of fruit and vegetables being grown and talk to the gardeners. Plus, browse displays of photos, interesting artefacts in its new museum, along with plant and book stalls.

Do if: You are looking for garden inspiration, or just love walking around beautiful locations.

heritageopendays.org.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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

A note from the editor

I’m back from America! There sadly wasn’t any Disney Robin Hood merch, but I am writing this Notts Going On with some Chips Ahoy and a coffee. There are lots of excellent events this week to celebrate the bank holiday with. I’m also looking forward to celebrating Nottinghamshire Day – the history behind it (visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk) is a little bloody, but I love our county and I’ll take any excuse to raise a glass to it. I hope you will all join me.

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Outdoor Cinema 🍿

When: August 28-30
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £12.89pp adult, from £9.80pp child

With the heatwave finally over, why not sit outside and enjoy the last of the sun with a film? Dirty Dancing (August 28) and Jurassic Park (August 30) make excellent date-night choices, while Sing (August 29) and Bing (August 30) are perfect for families. Meanwhile, music lovers can enjoy screenings featuring Queen (August 29) and Andrea Bocelli (August 30). Hot food, snacks and an on-site bar are available, although you’re welcome to bring your own refreshments too.

Do if: You’re looking for a memorable way to round off the summer with family, friends or someone special.

adventurecinema.co.uk

Southwell Music Festival 🎶

When: August 28-31
Where: Various venues around Southwell
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events

Welcoming professional musicians from across the county and the UK, this festival celebrates a wonderful range of music. Nottingham-born renowned pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason will serve as the festival’s 2026 artist-in-residence, and you can see her perform with the Festival Sinfonia (August 28, from £6.29pp). Other highlights include A Night at the Opera (August 29, from £6pp), and the Festival Fringe with free performances in venues and outdoor locations. Be sure to check out the full programme.

Do if: You’ve been meaning to visit this picturesque town – this music festival is the perfect opportunity to do so.

southwellmusicfestival.com

Nottingham Running Festival 🏃🏼‍♀️

When: August 30
Where: Colwick Country Park
How much: From £28pp

Set within the stunning Colwick Country Park, this is an excellent opportunity to tackle a 5K, 10K or even a half marathon if you’re preparing for the Robin Hood Half next month. Expect scenic lakeside paths, wide open trails, and even the opportunity to run through one of the UK’s oldest racecourses. Afterwards, Wired on Wheels is the perfect place to reward yourself with a coffee, cob, or ice cream. Plus, your entry includes chip-timed results, a medal, race photos, and post-run goodies.

Do if: You’re looking for a fun run or hoping to chase a new PB – it’s a wonderfully flat course and one of our favourite places to run in Nottingham.

runthrough.co.uk

Foolhardy Folk Festival 🎶

When: August 30
Where: The Arboretum, Nottingham
How much: £46pp, under 11s free

Personally curated by folk artist Beans on Toast and set within one of the city’s best green spaces, this one-day festival will have plenty of fabulous folk music. This year’s headline act is Badly Drawn Boy, who you might know from the soundtrack for About a Boy. Skinny Lister, 3 Daft Monkeys, K.O.G, Gecko, Nuala and King Killership will also perform, while local street food and bars featuring Nottingham breweries will keep you fuelled for dancing.

Do if: You love scouting out independent music and hearing it live – this is an excellent way to discover it.

alttickets.com

Love Hurts Yard Party 🍹

When: August 30
Where: Hurts Yard, Nottingham
How much: Free entry

One of our favourite spots for a cocktail is 400 Rabbits, which is nestled within the vibrant Hurts Yard. The alley is having a party this weekend to celebrate the independents within it, with special drinks from 400 Rabbits, Tropichol, Local, and Barrel Drop, as well as food from Muchos Locos and Local. There will also be a DJ spinning decks, as well as plenty of party vibes.

Do if: You’d like to live it up this bank holiday.

@400rabbitsinsta

More events:

Food and Drink 🍽️

Hot Property 🏡

If living in a sleek home with oodles of luxe features sounds like the dream to you, you’re going to love this seven-bedroom home in Bramcote. The open-plan living area opens up to a pool area, for seamless indoor outdoor fun. From here, the diner with a metal island is perfect for rustling up snacks. There is also a breakfast kitchen for larger meals. Plus, the cloakroom has space for hundreds of pairs of shoes. Upstairs, each bedroom is a great size, but the plush principal, complete with a marble-clad ensuite, is a particular highlight. This is being marketed by Robert Ellis, Beeston, which is looking for offers over £2.5m. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🕰️ Clocked it: The Victoria Centre has confirmed that Nottingham’s much-loved Emett Clock is coming home – returning to its rightful place in the heart of the centre. It will return to the part of Victoria Centre where so many people remember it, outside John Lewis, marking a major moment in the landmark’s history. Created by celebrated British artist and inventor Rowland Emett, the extraordinary kinetic clock has been part of Victoria Centre since 1973. Preparations for its homecoming are now underway in South Square, with the clock set to make its return this winter. victoria-centre.com

🌱 Fresh look: Plans to transform Old Market Square into a greener, more sustainable public space have been included in a wider programme intended to improve Nottingham city centre. The long-term proposal is to create a city centre ‘central park’ while retaining the square’s distinctive open character and its ability to host major events. An initial £4 million has been identified for the first phase of the project. westbridgfordwire.com

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest started their new Premier League season with a 1-0 defeat to Leeds at the City Ground. Oliver Glasner’s side conceded directly from a free kick two minutes before the end of the game. Forest will play Leeds at the City Ground again on Tuesday in the League Cup.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town fell to a late 2-1 defeat to Peterborough in League One. Michael Smith was on the scoresheet, but the Stags looked to have earned a point before Harry Leonard’s 92nd-minute strike.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County drew their League One fixture 2-2 with Luton. Cal Roberts and Ollie Cooper helped Notts come from 1-0 to lead before Luton scored to share the points.

🏏 Cricket

Nottinghamshire beat Surrey inside three days to retain the lead in the County Championship. Ollie Stone, who has just extended his contract, took 10 wickets in the match. Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue helped England to a Test win over Pakistan, with Tongue taking a five-wicket haul.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We asked co-owner Dan Lindsay about highlights and challenges of running the Spanish tapas spot (baribericotapas.com), his favourite dishes and drinks on the menu, what makes the restaurant so special, and more. Today there is 20% off food, and tomorrow (August 21) a bottle of house wine is £20. Plus, there are throwback dishes on the menu the whole week.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Nottingham, Bar Iberico is an excellent place to visit. For more interviews like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Bar Iberico’s Dan Lindsay on 10 years of the iconic Nottingham restaurant

By Eve Smallman

10 years of Bar Iberico! How are you feeling about this?

I’m really happy to have reached a really big milestone, and so proud of what we’ve achieved to this point.

Tell us a bit about why you opened Bar Iberico in the first place

We had Iberico World Tapas (ibericotapas.com) providing a more refined dining experience, which was oversubscribed at the time, and we felt that there was a more casual all-day offering that would be really well received by the public. We went for a much more relaxed style – no bookings and a more prominent position on the high street – and that was the main reason.

What have been some highlights?

We won best independent business in Nottingham two years in a row at It’s in Nottingham’s Nottingham Independents awards. We also won restaurant of the year at the Nottingham Food and Drink Awards. Those two things were really nice to have – those endorsements were a good morale booster for the staff.

What have been some challenges?

Going through COVID, diversifying the business, and having a takeout operation of the business. That was a big one, and also doing lots to help with vulnerable people that were housebound, so we did lots of meals for FareShare and supported the community that way. We were really proud to do that.

We also did an outside catering at Winter Wonderland in 2018, which was a real challenge for us, providing an outside catering element in a very tricky space. But that was a challenge that we enjoyed doing.

One of the more recent challenges we’re facing is the very well-publicised difficulties that the hospitality trade is facing at the moment. It’s a bit of a perfect storm with regards to the cost of living crisis, energy utilities, wage increases, and National Insurance contributions. There are lots of difficult situations for us to be in, and only a certain amount of that we can pass on to customers. So we’re all struggling a bit with that at the moment.

What are some of your favourite dishes and drinks on the menu (can be past or present)?

The pork belly pinchos with quince glaze is definitely up there as my favourite dish that we’ve done. Also the iceberg lettuce with Nashi pear and a soy sesame dressing – it’s one of those dishes that people can never believe is as tasty as it is for what’s in it. It’s a really unique dish. Then, I always tend to lean towards white wine – you can’t beat a nice glass of Albariño when you’re having tapas.

What is it about Bar Iberico that you think makes it so special?

It ticks a lot of boxes for people. They know they can come down and get a great meal for what we consider to be a pretty reasonable price for the quality of the food. It’s very accessible and suitable for families. It’s also great for special occasions and can go really well with date nights.

Single diners also love being there because you don’t feel uncomfortable sitting on your own at the bar. It seemed to hit the nail on the head of what people wanted in Nottingham.

What are some of your other favourite places to eat and drink in Nottingham at the moment?

I always give a big shout-out to a very small Japanese restaurant and takeaway on Carlton Road called Sosu (sosujapanese.co.uk). I go there once a week, minimum. It’s near my office, and for me, that’s the best Japanese food in the city. The ramens are amazing, and the sushi is exceptional. It is also family-run, which I really love. When you go there, you really feel that it’s something they feel very passionate about.

For special occasions, I would go somewhere like Langar Hall (langarhall.com), which is somewhere I worked when I was a kid, where I first started my training in the industry, and that’s what inspired me to get into it. I always said that it’s Imogen Skirving’s fault – the sadly passed away owner of Langar Hall – that I’m now in catering. We used to have a bit of a laugh about it when she was here.​

Future plans?

I’m doing the hotel at the old Via Fossa site, so I’m very much involved in that at the moment. Then, I’m sure that we will look to do more restaurant-based stuff in the future between myself and my business partner Jacque [Ferreira], who’s my business partner and executive chef.

baribericotapas.com
@bariberico

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We were kindly invited to try this, and were gifted our two meals and drinks. However, we have given our honest opinion on the menu, the food, and the value for money it offers.​

Whether you’re looking for breakfast in Nottingham or just a super restaurant, Bombay Deli is well worth visiting. For more reviews and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Desi brunch at Bombay Deli food review

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

Bombay Deli is where I first fell in love with Nottingham’s food scene. As a student, I discovered its original Hyson Green shop (still there!) while living in Radford, and its onion bhajis became a regular treat after a big ASDA shop. Before this, I ordered its samosa chaat while operating on Uber Eats vouchers in my first year, and it genuinely changed my life. It showed me how exciting Nottingham’s food scene was – and has become even more so within the 10 years I have been here.

I’m also a big brunch girl, as I don’t normally have an appetite in the morning. So, I was super excited to try its desi brunch (bombay-deli.com). This goes back to the restaurant’s roots, with recipes from three generations of the family that owns it. After sitting down in the beautiful interior, director Rahul Passan explained to me about his mother passing on his grandmother’s recipes to the kitchen team, which I thought was really beautiful.

The menu is very much traditional desi – none of the restaurant’s viral loaded croissants or French toasts here. There’s aloo puri (£7.50) – crisp puris with potato curry and pickle – which I wish I had started with. From here, you’ve got a host of parathas – aloo (spiced potato), gobi (cauliflower), paneer (cheese), dahl (lentils and spinach), and methi (fenugreek). These range from £5-£6, so just a little above what a meal deal costs nowadays.

We tried the paneer paratha (£6) and the chole bhature (£9), which were both hearty and indulgent. With the first dish, we did think that the spiced cheese would be layered on top of the paratha in a wrap style situation – but instead, it is folded into the cheese with an oozy, buttery layer on top. The bread married together with the pickle and yoghurt on the side. This was well-cooked, and the whole combination was delicious.

Meanwhile, if you have an appetite, the chole bhature (£9) is an actual curry option, with spiced chickpeas alongside fluffy fried dumpling bread. I had never had the bread before, and found it to be like a mixture of roti, poppadom, and (naturally) fried bread. Two of these were quite filling, but I did really enjoy them.

They were the perfect vehicle for the curry – I folded this in my hand and sort of pinched it in (I think I was taught to do that once). I did take some of the yoghurt from the paneer paratha to break up the richness of this, and perhaps think this should be on the side anyway, considering it is a hotter curry. I also thought it was a little oversalted, and just needed this reining in slightly. That being said, it had the right balance of spice and the chickpeas were firm and not soggy.

I also recommend adding onto a lassi (£4) to wash it all down with, which is a fruity drink with yoghurt. Mango is a wonderful all-rounder – sweet with a little bite of yoghurt – but it does also have strawberry and pistachio, which I very nearly went for too. I found this to be just the right level of sweetness, creamy, and not too thick, so easy to get through a straw (which some lassis elsewhere aren’t).

The menu is undeniably budget-friendly. To be able to get a good full brunch and a drink if you’d like it for around £10 is really excellent. I do also think that for the wider menu – I went home with a bread pakora (£3) and an onion bhaji (£2, with two Great Taste stars, by the way). I did a comparison of it against Kayal (kayalrestaurant.com), which is well-known for its budget-friendly business lunch. This has three smaller curries, rice, sauces, and a crisp bread for £6.95 – so slightly more on the plate than you get at Bombay Deli for the £5 or £6 options, but not massively so and it is slightly more.

If you’re looking to mix up your brunch game in Nottingham, I highly recommend trying it. It’s a flavoursome, authentic, nourishing meal that won’t break the bank, and there are meat, veggie, and vegan options available. Bombay Deli is serving this at all three of its locations – Carrington Street, West Bridgford, and my beloved Hyson Green, so you can get your fix wherever you’re located.

bombay-deli.com

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

Note from the editor

I’ve swapped Nottingham for America this week, so I’m writing this Notts Going On with an elbow squashing down my suitcase. There will be a midweek review and there might be a weekend long-read if I can get time to write in between rollercoasters. I have also scheduled a couple of things for social on Instagram @thenottsedit (where we’re nearly on 10k followers, so please do follow if you don’t already!). In the meantime, I will be keeping my eye out for Disney Robin Hood merch.

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Lantern Making Workshops 🕯️

When: August 17-21
Where: Creswell Crags, Worksop
How much: £6pp child, £3pp crafting adult, free for supervising/non-crafting adults (but must still book a space)

People have found ways to light up Creswell Crags since prehistoric times – and during this workshop, you’ll craft your own lantern using a range of materials and styles. Will you go for a Stone Age-style clay lamp, a traditional Victorian-looking one, or come up with your own design? This is perfect for children over five, and will last 45 minutes. Plus, you could always book to explore the caves afterwards.

Do if: You’re looking for a creative activity to do with the children over the summer holidays.

creswell-crags.org.uk

Fashion: An Evening of Film and Storytelling 👗

When: August 18
Where: Broadway Cinema, Nottingham
How much: Free but donations appreciated

The best of local storytelling and Eastern European cinema are coming together for an unforgettable night exploring fashion. This evening will explain topics such as questions about how we learn what we should and should not be wearing, and how clothes can be an extension of your skin, have your back, cover you up – by choice or force. This is a collaboration between Kino Koło Notts and TenX9 – the latter of which is about helping ordinary people to tell true stories of their life.

Do if: You’d like to learn more about how and why your wardrobe is the way it is.

eventbrite.co.uk

1:1 Training Sessions 🏋️

When: August 19
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free but booking essential

What’s better than working out? Working out artistically, apparently! This will be within the gallery’s current exhibition Physical Culture, which features a large-scale sculptural installation which invites audiences into a hybrid space of activity – a performance space, drawing studio, and gym. Organised by July Styles, a fitness and wellbeing coaching specialist, the session will allow you to directly engage with Augustas Serapinas’s installation, all while working up a sweat for 30 mins.

Do if: You’ve been trying to pencil in a workout – this is one that you certainly won’t forget.

eventbrite.co.uk

Summer Wine Tasting 🍷

When: August 20
Where: Jenkins, Sherwood
How much: £30pp

Enjoy the last of the summer wine with this relaxed evening filled with glasses perfect for warm evenings and long nights. Wine expert Raj will guide you through eight carefully selected wines, chosen to suit the season, with a complimentary artisanal cheese pairing to enjoy alongside them. Expect plenty of insight, relaxed conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere – no wine knowledge required.

Do if: You’re looking to stock up your wine cabinet, or simply fancy a fun night out with friends.

jenkinsbar.co.uk

Nottingham Panthers Vs Ducs d’Angers 🏒

When: August 23
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £12pp

It’s nearly ice hockey season again, and Nottingham Panthers are getting warmed up for another year of action. They’re playing against the French side Ducs d’Angers in the pre-season Aladdin Cup, with the face-off starting at 4pm. Last year the Panthers won the Challenge Cup and the Continental Cup, so fingers crossed this game spells out good omens for another season of wins.

Do if: You keep meaning to watch a Panthers game – tickets for this pre-season game are an especially great price.

motorpointarenanottingham.com

More events:

Theatre 🎭

Things to Do 🛏️

Hot Property 🏡

Beeston is one of the most sought-after areas to live in Nottingham currently – and this four-bedroom detached house is a fab option if you’re looking for a family home here. The open-plan kitchen with a cream Rangemaster, the navy blue living room with fireplace, and the cosy drawing room with woodburning stove are all lovely. Head upstairs and you’ll find the well-sized bedrooms, along with a contemporary bathroom with checkerboard tiles and forest green walls. This is being marketed by Bairstow Eves, which is looking for offers over £550k. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🍿 On screen: Nottingham’s own Bella Ramsey’s new film Sunny Dancer was released in UK cinemas last Friday. The coming-of-age comedy drama sees them as Ivy, who spends the summer in a camp for children who have had cancer. They spoke to The Guardian about the film and other topics, as well as appeared on the Off Menu podcast. The film is available to watch in the Vue in town and in The Arc Cinema in Beeston. theguardian.com / spotify.com / myvue.com / arccinema.co.uk

🥃 We’ll drink to that: DropWorks Rum – which is located at the Welbeck Estate – has boosted its national profile with even more rums being stocked by national luxury hotel group THE PIG. This now has Distiller’s Drop #001 and Distiller’s Drop #002 behind the bar at all nine of its venues. ‘The boutique hotel chain champions sustainability, British suppliers and locally sourced produce, and we are very proud to be associated with them,’ says founder and master distiller Lewis Hayes. dropworks.co.uk

🏃‍♀️ Our champion: Newark’s Amy Hunt became the first athlete ever to win four gold medals at a European Athletics Championship. The sprinter picked up two golds in the individual 100m and 200m before adding medals in the women’s and mixed relays. bbc.com

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town started their 2026/27 League One campaign with a win over Doncaster Rovers. Rhys Oates put Stags ahead early before Doncaster equalised, with Louis Reed scoring the winner for a 2-1 result.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County drew their first League One game of the season in an East Midlands derby against Leicester City at Meadow Lane, which finished 1-1. The visitors took the lead in the second half in an entertaining game, before Conor Grant secured a deserved point.

🏏 Cricket

The Trent Rockets have won the women’s Hundred. An excellent bowling performance limited Sunrisers Leeds to just 93, which was chased down in just 54 balls. The men’s side lost a nail-biting final to Manchester Super Giants, and Notts Outlaws were knocked out of the One Day Cup semi-final by Leicestershire

🏍️ Motorcycle racing

Jacksdale’s Kyle Ryde picked up a win and a podium in the Thruxton round of the British Superbike Championship. The two-time reigning champion is 47 points clear at the top of the standings.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We’ve rounded up a range of places within the county and around the border, whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, a romantic retreat, time in the city, or even the whole place to yourselves. We have narrowed these down based on their uniqueness, amenities, and value for money.

When it comes to things to do in Nottingham, holidaying around our very own area is an excellent idea. For more guides like these, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

7 of the best staycation spots around Nottingham

By Katherine Aucock

1. Wolds Wine Estate

Where: Thurlby Lane, near Keyworth, NG12 5BS
How much: From £140 a night

Located on 11 acres of gorgeous family-owned vineyards, these one- and two bed glamping pods come in a range of sizes, making them a brilliant choice for couples, families, and friends. Each pod is privately placed and is fully self-contained with private bedrooms, a living area, kitchens and bathrooms. Visit during peak growing season for a bright summer escape, or hunker down during the cooler months with the help of double glazing and radiators.​

During your stay, be sure to book onto one of the vineyard tours, where you will take a relaxing stroll around the property’s vineyards and orchards, before finishing the day off with a wine and cider tasting, fresh from the estate itself. To remember your trip, head to the shop for a few bottles of its small-batch drinks, as well as local artisan produce and handmade treats.

Visit if: You’d love to go on a countryside stay with stunning vineyard views.

woldswineestate.com

2. Hart’s Hotel & Kitchen

Where: Standard Hill, Park Row, Nottingham, NG1 6GN
How much: From £175 per room per night

Sitting up by the prestigious Park Estate, this four-star hotel has 32 bedrooms that are all relaxed yet refined. Classic, Family, and Garden rooms are all lovely choices – or for an extra treat, Superior rooms and Suites are also available. Its two-rosette restaurant serves afternoon tea and à la carte meals. You might even spot a famous face or two during your stay – peep the wall at the restaurant for stars that have previously stayed.​

From here, Nottingham Castle (nottinghamcastle.org.uk) and the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (England’s oldest inn, greeneking.co.uk) are all within a breezy downhill stroll. Or, head up Derby Road for pastries at Tough Mary’s (@toughmarysbakehouse), drinks at The Good Fellow George (@thegoodfellowgeorge), and dinner at Michelin-star restaurant Alchemilla (alchemillarestaurant.uk). And, of course, the beauty of being in the city is that you’re able to reach plenty of eateries, galleries, and theatres.

Visit if: You’re looking for a luxury city stay that makes it easy to explore Nottingham’s history and creativity.

hartsnottingham.co.uk

3. Southwell Holiday Cottage

Where: Lavender Cottage, Southwell, NG25 0LQ
How much: From £300 for two nights

Nestled on a private terrace in Southwell, Lavender Cottage is the perfect English countryside cottage to enjoy award-winning hospitality. This 18th century farm workers cottage has had a full upgrade, and provides five star accommodation with a charming feel. On arrival, you’ll find personalised gifts left for children and a welcome hamper brimming with local goodies, so you can truly make yourself at home.

In the wider town, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Southwell Minster (southwellminster.org) is beautiful for a wander and often has musical and artistic events on. For beautiful gifts and trinkets, Last Night I Dreamt (lastnightidreamt.co.uk) and Love at First Sight Vintage (@loveatfirstsightvintage) are excellent for browsing. Plus, we highly recommend picking up a loaf of sourdough from Little Brunette Bakery (@littlebrunettebakery) and even stopping for brunch.

Visit if: You’d like to escape to a nearby Nottinghamshire place – Southwell is one of the loveliest towns in the county.

southwell-holiday-cottage.co.uk

4. Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Spa

Where: Great North Road, Retford, DN22 8QS
How much: From £200 per room​

This 17th-century, four-star hotel mixes timeless character with a premium feel. The rooms at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel are all individually designed rooms, with rich fabrics, opulent furnishings, and indulgent bathrooms. Staying here, you won’t want to leave the site’s extensive grounds. The on-site spa (easy to walk to in flip-flops) has 11 thermal experiences, including a salt room, saunas, and a tropical shower. It’s also a treat to lounge by the pool and order drinks – hot chocolate by the fire is a wonderful experience.

We recommend lunching at the spa, then dining at the AA Rosette restaurant. If you do decide to venture out, the market town of Retford is a 10-minute drive away and lovely for a spot of shopping. Just under an hour from Nottingham, it is an ideal break from the bustling city.

Visit if: Your ideal staycation looks like spa time, excellent food, and pure, uninterrupted bliss.

​yeoldebell-hotel.co.uk

5. Center Parcs Sherwood Forest

Where: Sherwood Forest Holiday Village, Newark, NG22 9DN
How much: Prices start from £549, staying in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge

A staycation perfect for all ages, this is a real paradise nestled in the heart of Nottinghamshire’s famous forest. Choose from Woodland and Forest lodges, Woodland Premium Lodges and Grand Forest Lodges, or immerse yourself fully in a luxury Treehouse, featuring a private outdoor hot tub, sauna and games room.

Your days will be kept plenty busy, with 400 acres of woodland to explore, as well as an all-weather Subtropical Swimming Paradise for cooling off. There are also cycle trails, playgrounds, a diverse choice of restaurants, and activities such as bowling and adventure golf. For an extra relaxing trip, head to the Aqua Sana Forest Spa, which has up to 25 nature-inspired spa experiences to enjoy as well as a Treetop Sauna – exclusive to Sherwood Forest.

Visit if: You’re looking for a family-friendly staycation that feels like a true getaway.

centerparcs.co.uk

6. Thoresby

Where: Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9EP
How much: From £400 for two nights

For those looking for either a peaceful countryside break or a more active stay, staying on one of our county’s most famous estates is an excellent idea. Choose from Lake View, which has a modern interior and is perfect for couples, Butterfields which is ideal for groups and is colourful and bright, and the quaint Century House which boasts plenty of original features.

A 15-minute walk takes you to Thoresby Estate’s 16th-century courtyard where you will find a café, brewery, children’s playground, shops and access to Sustrans’ cycle route. There are also plenty of activities nearby, including paintball, archery, and jewellery workshops. Plus, if you time your visit just right, you might even catch an event at the estate, which it regularly hosts.

Visit if: You’d like to combine relaxation, adventure, and quality time with loved ones all in one place.

thoresby.com

7. Bonington Farm

Where: Sutton Bonington, LE12 5RQ
How much: From £200 per night

While this isn’t in Nottinghamshire, it’s a really beautiful offering and is just a 25 minute drive from the city. It has a host of different stays within the site – Freya’s Farmhouse for larger gatherings, Pamella’s Place for ‘sleepover’ style gatherings (perhaps for wedding hen-dos?), Molly’s Cabin for couples, and The Grain Store for couples and solo-travellers. The stays are self-catered, meaning they have all the essentials, including soft towels and linens, as well as tea and coffee.

The outdoor space is a breeze to explore, with horses to see and a treehouse to spend a little extra time in. Freya’s and Pamella’s both include a hot tub, while Freya’s also includes a sauna. And, for a cosy evening in, the Film House can be booked separately. Draped in yellow velvet and fitted with deep, comfy sofas, a large projector screen, and cinema-style surround sound, here you can have your own private cinema experience.

Visit if: You’re looking for something outside of Nottinghamshire that’s a true home away from home.​

boningtonfarm.com

🤳 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

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We went and reviewed it on its UK tour during its visit to the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on its press night. It is currently touring the UK until October this year (waitressthemusical.co.uk).

If you’re looking for August events in Nottingham, Waitress is playing at the Royal Concert Hall until August 15 (from £25pp, trch.co.uk). For more reviews like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Waitress at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham theatre review
★★★★

By Charlotte Brudenell

Waitress is such an emotional modern musical. It follows the story of Jenna – a diner waitress with a flair for making pies, who falls pregnant with her abusive husband’s child. The show is all about the importance of friendship and love, as well as leaving those who do you wrong.​

Written by Jessie Nelson and pop singer Sara Bareilles, it made its Broadway debut 10 years ago, and then made its official West End debut in 2019. It is based on the 2007 film of the same name. Since its debut, the show has been nominated for a Tony, a Grammy, and also an Olivier Award.

I thought this show was beautiful. It really tugs at the heartstrings, with the perfect mix of comedic relief as well.

​Musical theatre legend Carrie Hope Fletcher starred as Jenna, the title role. Her voice never fails to blow me away – she played the role so well, and I personally believe the backlash she has received over this run is entirely unnecessary. There is certainly a reason for how Carrie has gotten to play so many amazing theatre roles, and it can be seen from how she pours every emotion into it, ensuring we get the perfect performance.

Ogie, played by Mark Anderson, was absolutely hilarious. He never missed a beat and never failed to make the audience laugh whenever he was on stage. He absolutely nailed the role and was the comedic relief the show needed in its darkest moments.

I also really enjoyed Les Dennis as Old Joe. He was so funny and perfectly encapsulated the grumpy-but-secretly-kind old man persona. Take It From an Old Man was one of my favourite songs of the show – it was very sweet, and he performed it so well.​

The musical is accompanied by a pop and contemporary soundtrack, with some folk and country undertones in there too. Though it sounds like a ‘typical’ modern musical score, I loved it. There is a wonderful balance of ballads, uplifting songs and some with a bit more energy.

For those who are fans of Sara Bareilles, it is definitely her style of music, and you can instantly tell as the musical starts. The band is on stage throughout the whole musical, which I always love as I enjoy seeing them play the music while the show is going on. As they’re not hidden away in the orchestra pit, they get the true recognition they deserve, as the musical would not be the same without these musicians.

I also liked the set – there was minimal use of screens, which I always love to see. The props are amazing as well. When Jenna is making pies, it seems they use real cooking ingredients, which makes it feel a bit more real. There is a lot of flour used as well – during the interval, you could see them cleaning it all off the stage! I really love when a creative team gets inventive with the props to add to the atmosphere.​

What let the musical down slightly, and to no fault of the cast, was that it felt a bit quiet. I’m not sure if there were sound issues at this performance or not, but there were many times when the performers’ voices didn’t seem to fill the stage. It makes me wonder if it would have been better at the Theatre Royal, which is a slightly smaller venue.​

As well as this, even though I loved the set, there were clunky black set partition-curtains that moved at the sides of the stage depending on the scene. I thought they took away from the set and made the stage look a bit bare. If they had been normal curtains instead of what looked like big black floor-to-ceiling boxes, it may not have looked as bulky and out of place.

Nonetheless, this is a heartwarming and uplifting musical, and I really hope it gets another residency in London or goes on another tour in the future. It spreads some extremely important messages and highlights the importance of happiness and living your life how you want to – even if there are bumps along the way which may be difficult to overcome.

Waitress is playing at the Royal Concert Hall until August 15 (from £25pp, trch.co.uk) and touring the UK until October 2026 (waitressthemusical.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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Waitress 🎭

When: August 10-15
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £25pp

This West End favourite stars Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, who is a (you guessed it) waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. Can laughter, love and friendship provide the perfect recipe for happiness? Find out during this fun show, which has catchy songs penned by Sara Bareilles.

Do if: You’d like to see a feel-good show that’s plenty impressive – this has Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award nominations.

trch.co.uk

Sunrise Pilates ☀️

When: August 13
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: £10pp

Experience pilates in a truly unique way during this soothing workout session, where you’ll get a full workout while relaxing in front of the stunning Helios installation. Instructor Kathryn Flinn will guide you through a series of basic floor and standing exercises, with an ‘awe-inspiring’ soundtrack adding to the atmosphere. Be sure to bring a thick mat due to it taking place in the Minster, as well as water and a towel.

Do if: You’ve been meaning to get some exercise in – this is a lovely opportunity to do so.

eventbrite.co.uk

The Notts Review Zine Launch Party 🎶

When: August 15
Where: The Grove, Sneinton Market
How much: £8.80pp no zine, £11pp with zine

Our friends over at are all about championing local artists – and this Saturday they’re showcasing three upcoming ones at The Grove. The line-up features El Rashid, EMiDORA, and Lucy Crisp. This is to celebrate the launch of the fourth edition of their zine, of which a copy can be picked up with a ticket. If you can’t make the event, the zines are distributed around the city centre.

Do if: You love discovering new music and/or want to support local, independent journalism in Nottingham.

gigantic.com

Mamma Mia at White Post Farm 🍿

When: August 15
Where: White Post Farm, Farnsfield
How much: £13pp adult, £9.50pp concession, £40 family ticket

Sure, going to the cinema is great – but you know what’s better? Watching a film in the fresh outdoors on a fabulous farm. It’s showing the classic musical movie Mamma Mia, which follows a family in Greece as they all get together for a wedding to the tunes of ABBA’s greatest hits. Food and drink is available on-site, and it recommends bringing camping chairs with you.

Do if: You’re looking for a lovely activity to do with the family or with a date this week.

maize-maze.co.uk

Nottingham Carnival 🎉

When: August 16
Where: Victoria Embankment, Nottingham
How much: Parade free to watch, carnival area £10pp adult, £5pp child

Hundreds of spectacular carnival dancers will be partying along the riverside on Sunday. The free-to-watch parade starts at 2pm at Victoria Embankment, heading up Wilford Grove, Felton Road and Green Street, before making its way back down. From here, there will be a dedicated stage within the carnival site with live music, sound systems, delicious food, and family-friendly fun. The complete parade should take no more than two hours and you can watch the parade at any point along the route.

Do if: You’d love to see and celebrate a vibrant part of our city’s culture.

nottinghamcarnival.co.uk

More events:

Things to Do 💐

Hot Property 🏡

A true traditional home, this three-bedroom property in Tollerton is really inviting and gorgeous. Step inside The Cottage (that’s its name) and you’ll find a large living room with wooden beams, a bright yellow kitchen with robust wooden cabinetry, and the well-sized bedrooms all with individual character. Speaking of character, the green bathroom with a walk-in shower and bidet (how European!) is also quite charming. Plus, we absolutely love the cottage garden, which is complete with a pretty patterned shed. The guide price is £510k and it’s marketed by Smith & Partners. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🎨 Work of art: Hucknall’s John Bennington has had a stunning mural painted on the side of his house by local artist Kid30. The piece, named Barceudi, brings together a range of his favourite places, football team and artists. He told us a little bit about the inspirations and references in it:

‘I regularly travel to Barcelona to watch FC Barcelona play and love the city for its modern and historic buildings, beach and the works of Antoni Gaudí. Ibiza is another favourite place where I have been going since 1992. The Bougainvillaea grows across Ibiza and has been used to frame the main piece. Then, in homage to Antoni Gaudí, I have incorporated the El Drac (The Dragon) located in Park Güell, Barcelona.

‘There is a colourised version of the Picasso Guernica. Guernica is a large 1937 oil painting by Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, which I have seen in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. Picasso’s Dove is also represented with ties to the black and white theme.

‘The love heart symbol stands as a powerful symbol of enduring struggle, unbreakable unity, and deep-rooted love, embodying a shared journey toward peace and an unwavering hope for a brighter, more harmonious future. This is represented with a heart in the main piece.’ @blkwteclothing

🚲 Riding high: It was sadly announced last week that Raleigh – Nottingham’s iconic bike makers – has begun insolvency proceedings. It was formerly one of the city’s big three employers, along with Boots and Players cigarettes. We really enjoyed this BBC article which shares stories from people who had family who worked there, are loyal to the brand, and loved riding its bikes. As one of the interviewees said, ‘It's the end of an era.’ bbc.co.uk

🎭 Room for improvement: Newark’s century-old Palace Theatre will be getting more safety improvements and a new art mural after plans were approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council. The Appleton Gate venue first opened as a picture house in 1920. Council officer Oliver Scott said the theme of the mural would be books, celebrating the Newark Book Festival. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town were beaten 3-0 at home in the first round of the League Cup by Championship side Sheffield United. The Stags get their League One campaign underway against Doncaster on Saturday.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County were beaten on penalties at Burnley. Cal Roberts scored a fine goal to put the Magpies ahead, but lost 4-3 in the shootout to the Championship side. Notts’ first League One game of the season is on Saturday, against Leicester at Meadow Lane.

🏏 Cricket

Both the men’s and women’s Trent Rockets have qualified for The Hundred Eliminator, with both sides sitting top of their respective groups. Meanwhile, Notts Outlaws remain second in the One Day Cup group after a win over Northamptonshire and a defeat by Gloucestershire.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

Our wedding columnist Misha Zala went down to Pitcher and Piano to try Petal Icon Floristry’s Petals and Prosecco (petal-icon-floristry.sumupstore.com), as well as asking for top tips on taking care of and curating blooms.

If you’re searching for wedding inspiration in Nottingham or just love finding new things to do, these workshops take place around the whole county, and have different themes month to month. For more reviews and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

Tying the Knott — Petals and Prosecco workshop at Pitcher and Piano, Nottingham review

By Misha Zala (mishasimagination.com)
Photos by The Notts Edit

Flowers have been entwined with weddings since Ancient Greece and Roman times. Traditionally, they bring good luck, ward off evil spirits and mark the bride and groom’s new beginnings. When it comes to modern wedding flowers, betrothed couples have a lot of options.

If floral design isn’t something you’ve given much thought to before, prepare to get in the weeds. Real, faux or a bit of both? Will you have a flower arch, centrepieces on the tables, arrangements on plinths, or bespoke installations? And of course, there’s the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets to consider.

Personally, I’d like a professional florist to create the bouquets – but for the venue, I’m drawn to a DIY, mix-and-match approach, with bud vases on long tables and foliage runners down the centre. I’m also aiming to create a few faux flower clouds for the marquee ceiling. Besides the cost-saving element, I think it’s a great way to get creative.

With that in mind, I was keen to get to grips with some floristry basics. When I heard about Petals and Prosecco, run by Dani Waddington of Petal Icon Floristry, I was excited to have fun and learn some tips about wedding flowers. The two-hour workshop took place at Pitcher and Piano, which, as a converted church, is an iconic Nottingham venue. Upstairs, beams of evening sunlight streamed through the beautiful stained glass windows.

Dani gave a warm welcome to the group with glasses of the eponymous prosecco and fruit juices we could add to create an extra-special touch. As an autumn bride-to-be who is quite enamoured with the blousy petals of summer flowers, I was excited by the summer nights theme of the event (it was certainly hot!).

Fiery sunset shades are in my chosen wedding colour palette. Peeking around the corner, I could see vibrant pink and orange flowers in large vases on a long table, where the group of around 25 attendees would sit. Florist tools and materials were laid out ready to use.

Dani told us all about the flowers we were working with, including statement snapdragons, summery germinis and chrysanthemums, voluminous burgundy dahlias, and classic coral roses. I found Dani’s experiential approach and sunny personality very encouraging, as she emphasised going with the flow and creating for joy.

She also gave us a quick health and safety demonstration, including how to use and store spring-loaded secateurs, and how to remove thorns and foliage below the waterline. We set to work dividing the flowers, using the foliage strippers (Dani did warn us there are a lot of euphemisms in the floristry world!) and cutting our stems at a 45-degree angle for longevity. We also learnt how to gently pull petals back to create a fuller-looking flower.

The best tip I learnt from the Petals and Prosecco workshop was the spiral technique. This involved holding the bouquet in your hand like a puppet, spinning it a quarter-turn, adding a flower, and repeating until you get your desired look. I felt this absolutely improved the style of my bouquet compared to my previous supermarket flower attempts, and I’ll definitely be adopting this technique for my wedding.

Dani gave me some tips on autumnal flowers with a summery feel: dahlias are a great choice for autumn, and roses are available all year round. For my wedding, I’ve contacted a few florists, and some requested to be the exclusive flower supplier at the event. I found this quite surprising, though I hear it’s so they don’t get associated with photos of terrible-looking floral displays. So, it’s key for DIY brides to work with a florist who has a more experiential approach.

‘DIY can absolutely save money, particularly if creating flowers is something you’ll genuinely enjoy – it can be a wonderfully wholesome experience,’ Dani explains. ‘If it feels like another item on an already full to-do list, having a florist take care of it can give you back time, headspace and one less thing to worry about.’

I thoroughly enjoyed the expressive freedom, although I had been expecting more direction throughout the workshop. After preparing our flowers, it took quite a while to get to the arranging step, and I was unsure at times about when to move on and cut the stems or where to cut the paper to wrap the bouquet.

The event’s long table layout made it tricky to see and hear the directions at times, as Dani had to move down the table to give instructions. I would have found a step-by-step approach easier to follow – instructing the group to all trim the stems and then come back together.

The workshop felt like a very social event, though most had attended with a friend. I definitely recommend the Petals and Prosecco workshop as a hen activity as a way to get creative with your bridesmaids. Now that the roses in my bouquet are starting to dry out, I’m going to use the petals in my confetti as a reminder of this special workshop.

Read on for Dani’s tips and tricks for flower lovers and brides-to-be who are hoping to DIY their wedding flowers.

How to look after your flowers (wedding or otherwise)

Remove any leaves below the waterline

Leaves left in water rot quickly and encourage bacteria, shortening the life of your flowers. This applies to both during storage of flowers, as well as in vase arrangements.

Don’t overfill vases with water

Around one-third to halfway up the stems is usually plenty.

Refresh the water every couple of days

Refreshing the water will remove any potential bacteria building up in the water occurring from the stems or otherwise. It will also keep glass vases looking clear and reduce water lines appearing.

Keep flowers away from ripening fruit

Fruit gives off ethylene gas, which can cause blooms to age more quickly. This is particularly important when creating DIY wedding blooms.

Tips for creating your own wedding blooms

Align with your aesthetic

Think about how you want your day to feel, and replicate that in your flowers. Align your theme and aspirations for a cohesive day. For example, if you’re after a rustic theme, classic or traditional floristry genres such as wildflowers will fit better.

Be aware of what flowers will be available at the time of year you’re getting married

Everyone loves a peony, but they have a relatively short availability window. If you’re keen on a specific flower, bear that in mind when booking your wedding day, or look at suitable alternatives.

Practice creating a bouquet at least once beforehand

Trying it out well in advance will let you see how the flowers look, feel and work together and also allows you the opportunity to try again before the big day. Practising a bouquet will also give you an insight into whether you’ll have the capacity to create larger features like flower meadows. These can be repurposed throughout the wedding, as altar decorations or welcome signs, cake tables and so on.

Consider the full end-to-end of your DIY florals

Your bouquet / arrangements is only one small part of wedding floristry. Someone also needs to transport everything safely, place every arrangement, pin buttonholes, distribute bouquets, move ceremony flowers if needed, and deal with any last-minute surprises. There is also the clearing down element to consider the next day!

Dani from Petal Icon Floristry is also developing a brand-new bridal experience called The Wedding Petals Edit, designed especially for newly-engaged brides and couples.

@petaliconfloristry

petal-icon-floristry.sumupstore.com

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

A note from the editor

Hope you’re all enjoying this sunshine – especially as it has been slightly less relentless! Just letting you all know that there won’t be a weekend read this week, as I’m having a break for my birthday. However, we have updated our days out with the kids article for the summer holidays, and there will still be a midweek review. Oh, and there are some very cool articles in the pipeline, so keep an eye on your inbox for them.

✉️ 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.

Subscribe now

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.

Share The Notts Edit

☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.

Support The Notts Edit

Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

Owl Babies Experience 🦉

When: August 4 and 18
Where: Rufford Abbey Country Park
How much: £5pp

Presented by Go Falconry, this adorable session is perfect for families and young animal lovers. The session will begin with a touch of storytime magic, before getting to meet the feathery owls from just a short distance away. You’ll also learn sweet secrets about them, such as how they fly silently, why their eyes are so big, and how they grow from tiny fluffballs to great birds. The sessions are at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, and 45 minutes each.

Do if: You’re looking for an outdoorsy summer holiday treat that’ll entertain the whole family.

ruffordabbey.co.uk

Summer Camargo 🎶

When: August 6
Where: Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham
How much: £12.50pp

Recently named as one of the rising stars of jazz by DownBeat magazine, New York based trumpeter and composer Summer Camargo is known for performing at NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s and Birdland – and is now coming to our city’s own jazz club, Peggy’s Skylight. Here, she’ll perform an intimate evening of music with the Andrew Wood Trio. All seats are at a table or bar where you can order food and drink with table service.

Do if: You’ve been searching for a summer date night idea that’s something unique and special.

peggysskylight.co.uk

Gloworm Festival 🐛💡

When: August 7-9
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £57.75pp adult, £46.75pp child, £198pp family ticket

Celebrating its 10th birthday and returning to Thoresby Park, Gloworm offers the chance to meet TV favourites including Bluey and Bing, sing along to tribute acts, and take part in everything from arts and crafts to laser tag. You can all see the dedicated Playmobil play tent, White Post Farm’s animals, and colourful circus acts. Campers can also enjoy a pamper area and morning campsite activities this year. It’s worth noting that this is particularly suitable for little ones from 0-13.

Do if: You have children and would love a day where you can happily say ‘yes’ to almost everything they want to do.

glowormfestival.co.uk

Shrek Jr. The Musical 🎭

When: August 7-8
Where: Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
How much: £14pp

Thought love was only true in fairytales? Think again, with this stage production of Shrek Jr performed by young cast members, all who have learned it in a week. When Lord Farquaad banishes a bunch of misfits to the swamp, Shrek sets out on a whirlwind adventure with his trusty steed Donkey. Can he save Fiona… in more ways than one? Expect plenty of laughs and tunes that you’ll happily sing along to.

Do if: You’d like to see a feel-good show – all the better for being performed by our own up-and-coming talent.

squirepac.co.uk

Robin Hood Festival 🏹

When: August 8-9 and 29-31
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Free entry, costume competition entry £3pp, £15 per vehicle parking

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Robin Hood Festival is returning to the iconic Sherwood Forest with spectacular arena shows, performances and displays for all ages, inspired by Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Expect medieval jousting, combat demonstrations, drama, comedy, storytelling, music and more. This weekend sees the wizards, witches, and wardrobes costume competition, with categories for 14 and under, and 15+.

Do if: You’d love to embrace the spirit of Nottinghamshire’s most famous export.

visitsherwood.co.uk

More events:

What’s On This Month 🗓️

Summer Holidays ☀️

Last Chance to See 🎨

Hot Property 🏡

A spacious Georgian home, this three-bedroom cottage in Epperstone is full of characterful charm. Inside you’ll find a kitchen with a wooden breakfast bar, a huge wall wine rack, and wooden beams – the latter of which stretch across the whole living space. We especially like the dining room with a wood-burning stove – perfect for cosy evening meals. Upstairs, the bedrooms are light and inviting, while the farmhouse-style bathroom has a walk-in shower and a large bath. Outside has a stone patio and just the right amount of lawn space. The guide price is £625k and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley Mapperley. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

🍰 Time for tea: Love finding gorgeous spots for tea and cake? Rufford Abbey Country Park has opened the Abbey Kitchen Tea House and Garden – a boutique dining destination built directly inside the Abbey’s 12th-century vaulted stone rooms. The Grade I listed kitchen has been transformed with a striking, bespoke botanical ceiling installation and warm pendant lighting. Here, you can dine on a traditional Victorian afternoon tea (£19.95pp) served on signature rustic birdcage stands, alongside casual walk-in takeaway options for weekend visitors. ruffordabbey.co.uk

☎️ Ringing endorsement: The K6 phone box in Hockley, which sits just outside No. 1 Lloyds, is now Grade II listed. This was converted into an information hub for vulnerable people back in January, thanks to Framework and Nottingham Recovery Network, with support from It’s in Nottingham. This means it is now protected both as a source of hope for the city and an important part of Nottingham’s heritage. @itsinottingham

🎭 Stars in their eyes: Nottingham Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for the regional premiere of Shirebrook’s Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated West End hit, Till the Stars Come Down. This includes Joe Alessi, Leah Brotherhead, and Emma Pallant, as well as Ellie Daley, Anya Marshall and Amelia Yates, all from the Television Workshop. The show is set in Mansfield, and follows a wedding night as family feuds and resentments come to the forefront. It is on from September 5-26 and tickets are from £14.50pp. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

⚽ Football

Mansfield Town and Notts County get their 2026/27 seasons underway this week, starting with the EFL Cup. Mansfield will host Sheffield United on Sunday, while Notts will travel to Burnley on Saturday.

🏏 Cricket

Notts Outlaws sit second in Group A of the One Day cup with a game in hand on leaders Leicestershire. The mens Trent Rockets sit top of the standings after back-to-back wins over Birmingham Phoenix and SunRisers Leeds, while the women are second after beating SunRisers. England men have appointed Steven Fleming as head coach. The New Zealander captained Notts to the County Championship in 2005.

🤳 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 to receive our media pack

☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words

We have rounded up a range of different places, from glorious sunshine spots to parks perfect for burning off energy. Milly is the mum of a young daughter, so these are all places she has tried and tested herself.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham, these are all lovely family-friendly options. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

Subscribe now

5 of the best days out with the kids around Nottingham

Words and photos by Milly Greaves

1. Wheelgate Park

Where: Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HX
How much: £10.88-£24.55pp (under 95cm free)

Wheelgate is a family favourite in our household. Packed with attractions for all ages, there is something that everyone can enjoy. It has a few parks, a miniature village, animal encounters, and splash park, as well as plenty of rides and attractions. Many of the rides are suitable for younger children, making it an excellent place to spend the whole day with the family. Even if the weather takes a turn, don’t worry, as they have multiple indoor soft play areas and cafes to enjoy still.

It’s easy to get immersed in everything they have to offer, in particular the number of attractions or animals. Particularly for summer, the water park provides the perfect place to cool down, with slides, splash zones and water activities all included with your ticket.

Visit if: You’re looking for a place that will entertain rain or shine.

wheelgatepark.com

2. White Post Farm

Where: Mansfield Road, Farnsfield, Newark, NG22 8HL
How much: £16.95pp (under 2s free)

On the outskirts of Farnsfield, this farm offers a fun mixture of play and exploration. With lots of animals and encounters to visit, you can expect to see a range of different wildlife, from armadillos to honeybees. It even has West African dwarf crocodiles! One of my favourite experiences here is the opportunity to walk the alpacas – something the grown-ups will love just as much as the kids.

Once you have finished exploring, it’s time to have lots of fun in the indoor and outdoor play zones. I highly recommend the outdoor beach, situated at Merv’s lookout, for some sensory play in the sunshine. If you have older children, the lookout is great for more adventure-based play. The Sky Jumpers are always popular too, with separate areas for different ages, so everyone can enjoy.

Visit if: Your kids love farmyard animals – this is a lovely place to meet and greet with them, as well as playing throughout the seasons.

whitepostfarm.co.uk

3. Sundown Adventureland

Where: Treswell Road, Retford, DN22 0HX
How much: £20.75-£25.95pp (under 90cm free)

A magical day of family fun truly awaits you here. With over 30 rides and attractions throughout, and different themes to keep all children entertained, including Fairytale Villages, Pirate Adventure, and Shotgun City, each area offers something different to interact with and enjoy.

While many of the classic rides have been entertaining families for years, the park continues to add, giving visitors something fresh to discover. The Angry Birds Park is an excellent example of that, providing the space to climb, crawl or slide. There are numerous cafes and pop-ups for food, snacks and ice cream, but they also have many benches situated around the whole park to enjoy a sunny picnic.

Visit if: You’re looking for a memorable day out where every turn brings a new adventure.

sundownadventureland.co.uk

4. Little Nature Tots

Where: Newthorpe, Nottingham NG16 3QZ
How much: Various prices depending on activity and dates

An outdoor, nature-themed play for your little ones (from six months to five years), this offers child-led play and adventure using resources and the natural space around them. Based in the woods, children are encouraged to explore natural toys and resources to support their early development and learn about the world around them – including a mud kitchen, role play, sensory and water play.

This is a small business, so pre-booking is essential. It runs stays and play themed sessions all year round, but throughout summer you can expect to take part in crafts, a beach party or even a fire pit special, where mini explorers can enjoy a toasted crumpet or sweet treat.

It is a welcoming and supportive space that encourages the family to get messy, have fun and explore the wonders of the world around them. Each session ends with a sing-along, and my daughter always leaves with a huge smile.

Visit if: You are looking for somewhere to truly allow your child to enjoy the outdoor space around them.

@littlenaturetotsplaygroup

5. Funtimez at Bizzy Beans

Where: John Davies Workshops, Unit 7 off Main Street, Huthwaite, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 2LQ
How much: Under £10pp

A soft play centre is always a brilliant, budget-friendly zone giving your little ones plenty of space to climb, play and burn off energy while making new friends. When paired with a café, it is also a nice space for parents too, offering the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy a well-earned coffee.

There are many soft play centres around Nottingham, but Bizzy Beans, based in a small village in Huthwaite, is a regular visit for our family. Not only does it have different zones for all ages, but you can also book out a private sensory room that gives you private space to enjoy with your younger toddlers. Alongside soft play, it regularly hosts arts and crafts sessions, giving families another reason to visit.

Visit if: You are looking for an activity for a rainy day.

jimmybeans.uk

🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok

✉️ Want to share stories with us? Send 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

☕ Enjoying our content? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi