A note from the editor

We went to Sat Bains’ pop-up at No. 8 Deli in West Bridgford on Sunday, which was absolutely exceptional. It was fantastic to see the two-Michelin star chef make his cooking highly accessible, and we loved the chorizo eggs, Sat-shuka, and cured trout.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman

What’s On 🗓️

Pugin’s Summer Crafts: Lace and Flax Cordage ✂️

When: July 28
Where: Nottingham Cathedral
How much: Free entry

Join Nottingham Lace and Bobbin Society and Alex Vincent Turner for a day of craft inspired by AWN Pugin. As part of the Restoring Pugin project, experts are currently uncovering gorgeous, hidden wall designs originally painted by the cathedral’s architect. With this in mind, you will use real plants and flowers to design detailed patterns. At the end, you’ll have made a beginner’s piece of lace, as well as learnt how more complex pieces were made. This is the first in a series of workshops so if you can’t make this, more are on throughout the month.

Do if: You’d love to discover more about our city’s lace making past, all while giving it a go yourself.

eventbrite.co.uk

Helios ☀️

When: July 29-August 15
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: £5pp, £3pp under 16s, free for under 5s

Measuring seven metres in diameter, this sunny artwork features detailed imagery of the sun’s surface, sunlight, and a specially created surround sound composition. It also features the source of the solar flares, which caused the northern lights to be visible from the UK. If you’d like to see it first, the preview night is on Tuesday (£12pp, drink on arrival) We particularly like the sound of the sunrise pilates next month (August 6, 12, and 13, £10pp).

Do if: You love seeing beautiful pieces of art – even better with fascinating information and in a stunning minster.

southwellminster.org

Crime Club: Transportation to America 🔎

When: July 30
Where: National Justice Museum, Nottingham
How much: £16.50pp

America: the land of the free… unless you were an 18th-century convict. While Britain’s transportation of prisoners to Australia is widely remembered, far less is known about the thousands sent to Britain’s North American colonies before the War of Independence. Why were convicts transported across the Atlantic? And how did transportation to America differ from the later penal system established in Australia? Find out at our very own National Justice Museum – free drink included.

Do if: You love learning history facts from across the world.

nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk

D.H. Lawrence Festival 📚

When: August 1-September 13
Where: Various venues across Eastwood
How much: Free entry

Celebrating Eastwood’s famous author – known for books such as Lady Chatterley’s Lover – this festival takes place across the area and spans music, literature, heritage, visual arts, and community. It officially kicks off on Saturday at 3pm at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum with poetry readings from Annette Pateman, free refreshments, and the chance to pick up your free brochure. Be sure to check the full programme of events to plot out activities.

Do if: You’re looking for a family-friendly event that will add both fun and education to the summer holidays.

broxtowe.gov.uk

Fragrance Design Experience 💐

When: August 1
Where: Hilton Hotel, Nottingham
How much: From £49pp

Craft your own fragrance during this workshop, guided by a professional perfume stylist. You’ll learn how different scent notes combine to form a beautifully balanced perfume, until you come to a scent that reflects your personality. Once your creation is complete, your bespoke perfume will be bottled for you to take home. Plus, you can upgrade to larger versions of your bottle for additional costs.

Do if: You’ve always wanted to create your signature scent – this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

fareharbor.com

More events:

Music and Theatre 🎭

Hot Property 🏡

Is country living the dream for you? This five-bedroom detached home in Bagthorpe is the perfect combination of character and cosiness. Step inside and find a living room with wooden beams and wood-burning stove, the traditional kitchen with cream cabinetry, and four stylish bathrooms. We particularly love the bright principal bedroom, which comes complete with a balcony that looks onto the garden. The outdoor area has a huge lawn, cottage borders, and a lowered patio area for dining al fresco. The guide price is £750k and it’s marketed by eXp UK. rightmove.co.uk

Weddings 💍

News 🗞

🎄 Light up: Remember the Nuthall Christmas Lights? Tony and Wendy Swift – known for transforming their home into the annual display – have been awarded Nottingham Express Transit’s Community Heroes, with a tram named after them. They have raised more than £300,000 for Nottingham-founded children’s charity, Wish Upon a Star, and Hayward House. The community hero accolade was awarded to Tony and Wendy after Nottingham residents were asked to nominate the person or charity they felt had made a positive and long-lasting difference to the city, with the nominees then shortlisted and put to a panel of judges. @thenottsedit

💚 Being green: A blueprint for a green, healthy city created by the people of Nottingham was unveiled on Thursday. Nottingham has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the UK, with it aiming to become carbon neutral by 2028. The Nottingham Environment & Climate Assembly manifesto sets out a vision of a forest city with clean air and waterways, with community-led initiatives and more safe ways to get around the city by foot, bike, and public transport. The full manifesto is on the site. nottinghamclimateassembly.co.uk

🎬 On screen: Have you watched The Odyssey yet? The Christopher Nolan film, which is an adaptation of Homer’s epic Greek poem, stars the likes of Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Matt Damon – but it also has our own Samantha Morton in it. The Nottingham-born actor – who trained at The Television Workshop – plays Circe, and her performance even gained her a standing ovation on set. gq-magazine.co.uk

🍵 And breathe: If you checked out our Her Days in Kirkby-in-Ashfield review, you might be pleased to find out that the acai bowl and matcha cafe has confirmed that its newest location, with Flo Pilates on Derby Road, is opening this Sunday. The first 20 through the door will receive a complimentary Her Days + Flo goody bag, and there will also be discounts and free demos. @we.are.flo_

🚕 Let’s go to the city: Nottingham had a city break write-up in The Times over the weekend, with writer Ben Aitken saying its line-up is ‘impressive.’ He stayed over at The Lace Market Hotel, had drinks at the likes of Pogo, Bustler, and Yolk, and dined at Raymond’s during its Friday set menu. It’s a really lovely showcase of our history, culture, and food and drink offering. thetimes.com

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🏏 The Hundred

The Trent Rockets men’s team won by four wickets against London Spirit in the men’s Hundred on Sunday, in what was a truly thrilling game. The home side’s chase of 160 in Nottingham went down to the wire, with 10 needed off five balls. The Rockets’ chase was set up by Ben Duckett’s 75 from 47 balls. Meanwhile, the women’s team lost, with London Spirit holding a five-wicket win over Trent Rockets with three balls to spare.

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I’ve curated a range of different venues across the area, from country homes and Victorian pubs to walled gardens and intimate halls. No matter what capacity and budget you’re working with, there is certainly something to suit here.

Whether getting married is on your wish-list to do or you simply wish to peruse gorgeous venues, there is plenty of inspiration ahead. For more guides and features, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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8 of the best wedding venues in Nottinghamshire

By Eve Smallman

1. Stubton Hall

Where: Fenton Road, Stubton, Newark, NG23 5DD
How much: Venue hire from £3,900, packages from £159 per person

Set in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside, Stubton Hall is an exclusive-use country house where you can enjoy a day that’s completely your own. Say “I do” in the elegant music room before celebrating in the light-filled orangery, with every part of your day unfolding in one stunning setting. The venue can host up to 200 guests during the day and 240 in the evening. It also has 25 stylish bedrooms, so your family and friends can stay overnight, turning your wedding into a relaxed celebration that lasts a little longer. And, because it knows dogs are part of the family too, it’s proudly dog friendly.

Book if: You’re looking for a country home that will be completely yours for your wedding celebrations.​

stubtonhall.co.uk

​2. Pippley Walled Garden

​Where: Wollaton Road, Beeston, NG9 3DA
How much: From £2,500 for elopement, packages from £7,500

A once-forgotten Victorian garden, now this Beeston venue is an outdoor space that changes naturally throughout the year. There are plenty of packages to suit all seasons and sizes, such as the snow drop with winter cocktails and winter garlands (up to 80 guests), the Bridgerton with canapes and paella on the patio (up to 100 guests), the twilight with BBQ and an ice cream bike (up to 60 guests), and the birch with all the food and drink, along with venue availability from 12pm (up to 80 guests). Or, simply ask them for a bespoke package, so you can easily design every detail.

​Book if: You love the outdoors or are searching for a highly unique venue in Nottinghamshire.

pippley.co.uk

3. Nottingham Council House

​Where: Council House, Nottingham, NG1 2DT
How much: Venue hire from £185, reception packages from £1,500​

Plenty of Nottingham folk have married here, including TV star Vicky McClure. The council house has a range of different venues nestled within it, such as Robin Hood’s room for intimate ceremonies (up to 12 guests), the tea room with a marble fireplace (50 person capacity), and the grand dining room with elegant portraits (up to 90 guests). The grand staircase and painted ceiling make for dramatic photos, as does stepping outside straight into the city centre. I’ve seen wedding parties walk around everywhere from the Lace Market to Hockley – both with excellent options for dinners and dancing.

​Book if: You’re looking for a budget-friendly wedding that still has plenty of wow-factor.

nottinghamcity.gov.uk

4. The Pumping House

​Where: Brake Lane, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9HQ
How much: Venue hire at The Pumping House from £2,500, all-inclusive packages starting at £6,495

Set on the edge of Sherwood Forest, this beautifully restored Grade II listed wedding venue has oodles of original features, including its iconic red brick frontage and towering chimney. Full-length arched windows flood the space with natural light – ideal for capturing pictures. The heart of the venue is the impressive double-height Engine Hall, perfect for seated dinners, dancing, and performances. Meanwhile, upstairs, the licensed ceremony room offers enchanting views over the forest. It has space for up to 250 guests, as well as 10 elegant guest bedrooms.

Book if: You’re looking for a chic venue that still feels distinctively Nottinghamshire.

​thepumpinghouse.com

5. Colwick Hall

​Where: Colwick Park, Racecourse Road, Nottingham, NG2 4BH
How much: Packages from £8,800

​Built in 1776 and the ancestral home of Lord Byron, Colwick Hall is an opulent venue that’s nestled within one of the city’s best beauty spots. For ceremonies, the grand ballroom is an opulent suite with a hand-painted ceiling and a capacity of 150 people. Adjoining this is the champagne lounge, opening out to the lawns overlooking the lake and fountain, making a wonderful photo opportunity under the great oak. From here, you could continue celebrations in town, with it being near to the city centre – or stay and party the night away at the lakeside bar, complete with its own private bar and dance floor.​

Book if: You’d like a venue that’s the best of both worlds – both a historic estate and conveniently located.

​colwickhallhotel.com

6. Malt Cross

Where: St James's Street, Nottingham, NG1 6FG​
How much: Packages from £3,990

Built as a Victorian music hall in 1877, the Malt Cross has original features and overarching windows, create a characterful setting for celebrations. The lower floor is a lovely space for a wedding breakfast and afterwards to party into the night, with its own stage for your band or DJ. Meanwhile, the galleried first floor and other rooms serve as lounge areas for guests. The venue lends itself to intimate weddings with a three-course, sit-down meal for between 60 and 110 guests, and works equally well for a more relaxed, buffet-style meal, seating up to 120.​

Book if: You’d like a modern wedding that will photograph wonderfully, all while still feeling effortlessly relaxed.

maltcross.co.uk

7. Norwood Park

​Where: Halam Road, Southwell, NG25 0PF
How much: Packages from £8,772.50

A privately-owned historic Georgian country house, this award-winning venue is set in over 100 acres, including ancient parkland. This is an exclusive-use wedding venue, with Norwood Park, the house, the grounds, and clock tower all available. With it having both indoor and outdoor options for the ceremony (up to 160 guests for this and dinner, plus 250 for the after party), it’s a gorgeous choice. It even has a wedding package builder on site. Plus, if you’re looking for a wedding venue with accommodation, the house can sleep up to 47 of your nearest and dearest, along with the option to add its holiday cottages.

Book if: You’re looking for a versatile space that’s easy to tailor your needs.

norwoodpark.co.uk

8. Woodborough Hall

​Where: Bank Hill, Woodborough, NG14 6EE
How much: Packages from £4,500

This Grade II* venue has history dating back to the 1600s, and can accommodate up to 100 people for the ceremony. You can exchange your vows in the sunlit orangery or host a wedding breakfast with 70 guests in attendance. Alternatively, you could do the same in the dining room (up to 30 guests) or the stylish lounge bar (up to 120 guests). To start the day it has a dedicated dressing room where the bridal party can get ready in style, while to end the day it has five luxurious guest suites.

Book if: You’re looking for a venue that specialises in micro weddings, all while keeping a refined feel.

woodborough-hall.co.uk

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We were invited to go down to Wollaton Park on both days, seeing artists across its stages, trying its food and drink, and scoping out its entertainment.

It was one of the best July events in the county, and we are sad to see it go. For more reviews and events, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The last Splendour in Nottingham — review and pictures

Words by Eve Smallman

Turning the corner and going over the hill, Splendour was truly a sight to behold. On two sunny days, with crowds of people on both, it felt absolutely gorgeous to soak in the vibes – and a little bit bittersweet knowing that it would be the last time.

I found it a bit of a surprise to find out it had been cancelled, with the cost of staging events, household budgets, and the crowded festival scene as contributing factors. Everyone that I spoke to about it mentioned that the line-up was weaker this year considering the cost. The headliners were The Wombats and Snow Patrol – both with a number of big hits – and a range of local and national favourites joined them.

I arrived at Splendour on Saturday afternoon. While I would have loved to see Vicky McClure’s Our Dementia Choir earlier, there wasn’t anything that really made me want to dance or sway in between them or Estelle. The latter brought dance moves and powerful vocals, especially for the last song, American Boy.

I feel like high energy was where the festival really was won for me. East Midlands’ own Hard Life stormed the parkside stage with crowd surfing, while Craig David won over the lake stage with non-stop sing-along hits on Sunday. These drew the bigger crowds, as did Neville Staple from The Specials and The Flaming Lips, also on Sunday. The patina between energy and variety felt better on the second day – and I’m clearly not the only person who thought so, as it was even busier than Saturday.

One of Splendour’s greatest attributes was its championing of local and upcoming acts, and it was fabulous to see three of Nottingham’s biggest recent music exports on the main stage – Divorce, Alt Blk Era, and Jayahadadream. The Bodega New Music Stage also had the likes of Saffron Gray, Marvin’s Revenge, and Villanelle. I have to admit – last year I didn’t venture this far up, so I thoroughly enjoyed hearing new music across a range of genres. Festivals like Dot to Dot (dottodotfestival.co.uk) and Hockley Hustle (hockleyhustle.co.uk) are also excellent for this, if you want to discover more in future.

There was a huge variety of food and drink, from local vendors such as Indian Memsaab (the samosas and mango lassi get me every time) all the way to the viral jacket potatoes from Spud Man. Some of the prices could be questioned (£6 for chips?), but you could bring in your own picnic food and sealed drinks… providing it wasn’t alcohol, as that would cost you £7.50 for a pint, after your £85 ticket (although two-for-one after the closure announcement).

I did miss some of the older kids and adult activities on offer last year, such as The Hundred cricket area, just to break things up between sets. The kids’ area looked well-equipped and busy though – musical instruments, blocks, and tents all looked like great fun – and the comedy stage was also a good idea. Oh, and I did appreciate the little CeraVe pop-up – adorable tiny suncreams, hello.

One thing I have to note was how small the World Cup final screen was on Sunday. I know it was Argentina vs Spain, but it was a 32-inch TV screen. It was super that it had it on, which it didn’t have to being a music festival, but it felt a little bit of an afterthought. Perhaps they were banking on England making it through to the final, where it would have been on the main stage.

The Wombats rocked the main slot with confidence on Saturday but, for me, Snow Patrol on Sunday were on another level. They spaced out their hits like Run, Chasing Cars, and Just Say Yes, and I was left with absolute goosebumps as the crowd took it away a cappella to the middle song. I might have swapped that to be the last song – especially with the Bitter Sweet Symphony montage of Splendour following right after the set finished.

The montage left a lump in my throat as I left. Like the line-up or the ticket prices or not, it didn’t feel quite right that it was the last Splendour. However, it certainly was a fine farewell. Here’s hoping that they bring it back in some format in a couple of years… perhaps as Splendid?

Splendour Festival took place at Wollaton Park on July 18-19. splendourfestival.com

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Queer history is seldom written down; it’s passed from person to person, which is how so much of it gets lost over time. As a queer historian, CJ DeBarra has been searching for Nottingham’s hidden stories and buildings by finding evidence and oral histories from 1770 to 2025. Ahead of Notts Pride (July 25, nottspride.co.uk), they have made a list of the seven places you should know about.

Finding out about our city and county’s history is always an excellent activity to do in Nottingham. For more guides and features, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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7 LGBT+ places from Nottingham’s history that shaped the city and county

By CJ DeBarra (@nottsqueerhistoryarchive)

1. The Napier Pub on Union Road (now student accommodation)

The Napier was the pub to go to if you were a lesbian in the 1950s and 1960s. It was not a dedicated space, but Nora Osbourne and her husband kept a backroom open for their queer clients. The pub was a real mix of St. Ann’s locals and queer people, complete with a piano which often prompted a raucous sing-along late in the evening.

The pub was also known for its fights – mainly among the women! Often, a punch-up would happen when the ‘butch femme’ rules were not observed. This was very much the style of the time, which faded out into the 1970s amid the feminist movement.​

The Napier was demolished during the demolition of St. Ann’s in the late 1960s. It was one of four pubs that welcomed queer drinkers in the area – today, only the Forester’s Arms (New Foresters) remains.

2. Central Tavern on 310 Huntingdon Street

​It’s hard to believe that this boarded-up pub was once one of the titans of Nottingham’s queer scene – but it was. It was originally known as Central Tavern due to its proximity to Central Market. Its queer life, that we know, started in the 1980s when Hilda Bradley opened it as ‘Gatsby’s’ with her sons. Hilda ran the pub with precision, as she had the Dog and Partridge on Parliament Street. Her sons were often spotted serving behind the bar and in their own venues: Nero’s on St. James Street, The George and Dragon on Angel Row, the Old Elm Tree in Hoveringham, and briefly, a pop-up night at Madison’s on Goldsmith Street.

They quite literally ruled the scene.

After Hilda let the pub go, it never really regained its hold on the scene: it was Central in the early 2000s, then Niche, New Gatsby’s and also Intrigue. Finally, in 2019, it closed for good after a violent incident that led to the revocation of its license.

3. The White Hart, Mansfield​

The White Hart Hotel in Mansfield began holding exclusively gay discos on Friday and Saturday nights in the upstairs function room. It was run by Roy and Jean, a straight couple who had previously run the Belle Vue pub on Stockwell Gate.

Many of the regulars would start drinking in a corner of the nearby Red Lion pub, which often held drag shows before gravitating to the Belle Vue. Eventually, the ex-Shipstone pub was demolished to make way for the Ring Road in 1981. When the pub was closed, the couple promised their queer regulars they would create a space for them in the new location.

The club night was referred to as ‘The Hart’, or ‘Dragon’s Den’ after Jean, who was described as having a ‘fiery temperament.’ She was said to breathe fire on anyone who offended her LGBT+ patrons. The hotel hosted drag nights with queens such as Rita Box and strippers, both male and female.

4. The Outhouse on Lennox Street

​The former Outhouse Project had a dream that began in the late 1970s. An ever-changing group of volunteers wanted to build a centre that could serve the LGBT+ community. This would be everything from Nottingham Switchboard to the health services to a cafe and crèche. While many venues were scouted, one of the corners of Lennox Street was promising. After a successful funding bid, the building was bought, and work began to renovate it.

Sadly, in 2005, the project stalled, as it was realised there wasn’t enough money to finish it. It was sold, and the proceeds were donated to other LGBT+ charities. However, without the Outhouse team, Nottingham Pride would not have been revived after there were no celebrations in 2001 and 2002.

5. The George Hotel on George Street

In the 1950s and 1960s, queer men often frequented hotel bars as they were quieter than their high street counterparts. Also, many of them ran a gentlemen’s-only bar for hours that made it easier for men, given that homosexuality was still illegal. The George had a bar called the Dickens Bar, which was an upper-class establishment, so named because Charles Dickens had stayed in the hotel, and the bar displayed a cheque from him.​

Decades later, the hotel, then called The Comfort Hotel, hosted the Lezzie Love Ball as part of Pride 2003. There was a full entertainment line-up, although the staff may not have been ready for the ‘Full Mufty’ performance… exactly what it sounds like.​

6. The Manor Hotel. West Bridgford

The Manor Hotel in West Bridgford began hosting occasional lesbian disco nights. It is unclear when it was built, but the earliest mentions of the ‘social club’ date back to 1933, when it was known for its pool tables. Seemingly, nothing had changed in the 1980s, when it began to open for lesbian discos. It is unclear when the Manor Disco ceased operations, but the venue was demolished in 2005.

7. Kitsch / Casablanca on Greyhound Street​

Incredibly, Greyhound Street wasn’t always a toilet! Casablanca came first, opening in 1986, but the club never really took off. It was redesigned and reopened as Kitsch in 1995. Kitsch was small but had a strong following among house music fans. It also hosted club nights after Pride buses returned to Nottingham from London in the early hours, and fundraisers for support services like the Gai Project.

It eventually faded from the scene in 1996 after an undercover documentary hinted at the drug scene within the club. It finally became a toilet in the late 2000s after the bathroom at Market Square was removed during renovation.

CJ DeBarra is the author of the Queer Nottingham books. fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk

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We reviewed this show on its UK tour during its visit to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on its press night. It’s currently touring until November 2026 (operationmincemeat.com) but, if you’re looking for tickets, be sure to be quick as they’re selling fast.

If you’re looking for July and August events in Nottingham, it’s on until August 1 (tickets from £28.50pp, trch.co.uk). For more reviews and guides, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Operation Mincemeat at Theatre Royal, Nottingham theatre review
★★★★

By Charlotte Brudenell
Photos by Matt Crockett

Operation Mincemeat is one of the UK’s hottest shows. Since its opening in the West End in 2023, after a short stint at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019, it’s gone on to have a successful Broadway run, multiple international tours and, now, a dazzling UK tour.

The Olivier and Tony award-winning show is based on a true story which occurred during the Second World War, where MI5 agents create a somewhat desperate scheme to trick the Nazis. To throw them off the scent of an invasion in Sicily, they create a plan to make them think they are invading Sardinia instead.

​It’s truly a wonder how SpitLip, the group who created the musical, made such a serious operation into a funny, light-hearted show. I couldn’t stop giggling throughout, and I certainly believe this to be one of the most genius modern musicals written so far.​

SpitLip, formed by David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson and Zoë Roberts, wrote this show in the hope of creating a ‘big, dumb musical’. Using physical comedy – which is so perfectly curated – and a funky pop score, this musical goes down a treat. The music is reminiscent of a mash-up of Hamilton and Six, with plenty of British humour sprinkled throughout.

The cleverest part of the show must be the costume changes. The show only has five principle actors, who portray over 30 characters. While there are five core roles, the actors quickly swap hats and jackets to portray these different characters, and it’s done so seamlessly that it’s hard to believe the simplest changes of costume can be so effective. For example, to portray Adolf Hitler, a finger is placed in front of the nose to represent his infamous moustache.

Each actor was fantastic. It must take such skill to do any show, but this requires just that bit extra. Katy Ellis’ Ewen Montagu was just stunning. She was the standout for me. How she can so effortlessly embody the confident, arrogant co-leader of the operation was mesmerising, and she made what should be an unlikeable character my absolute favourite.

Jordan Pearson’s Hester Leggatt was also one for the books. His rendition of Dear Bill brought tears to my eyes, showing the hidden vulnerability of an uptight character. Meanwhile, Seán Carey as Cholmondeley embodied the awkward, nervous character so well. It was stunning when he switched into other characters; you could hardly tell it was the same person!

Jamie-Rose Monk’s flair for comedy is impeccable, especially as the ‘bafflingly sweaty’ Captain Haselden. Her comedic timing is perfect, and her line delivery is insane – whenever she was on stage, it was hard to keep a straight face. Finally, Charlotte Hanna-Williams was a wonderful Jean Leslie.

She expertly portrays the struggle of being a woman during this period, wanting so desperately to be successful but being restrained by society. She shows that resilience and perseverance can lead to great success, even if it means getting ‘no medals, no flowers for Hester and Jean.’ But she shows so wonderfully how useful women can be.

Another thing I absolutely love about this show is that gender doesn’t limit anyone. Every actor plays both male and female roles, and it makes the audience realise that it doesn’t matter what the actor identifies as – they will absolutely embody the character they are playing regardless. I believe this is a great move for theatre going forward, as it shows theatre should have no limits.

The only disappointing aspect of the show is the struggles with sound throughout. This is no fault of the actors or anything like that – I think it’s just one of those things many touring companies struggle with when playing in new theatres. During harmonies of songs and when singing overlapped in songs like Just for Tonight, it was extremely difficult to figure out what everyone was saying as some voices overpowered others.

I feel as though it should be taken into consideration that, when there are some voices stronger than others, they should accommodate this to let everyone shine through as intended. As well as this, some of the dancing in songs like All the Ladies felt unsynchronised, when it was a necessity for them to all dance in time.

Aside from this, it is fair to say that this show is truly incredible. I was captivated the entire time. I was watching a history lesson, comedy and musical all at once. I truly cannot recommend this musical enough. The cast really makes this show, and their endless talent baffles me in all the best ways.

It deserves all the awards it has already received, and I think (and hope) it will lead to a lot more musicals in this style. I cannot wait to see what this group creates next. To have this as the debut show for this version of the ensemble is amazing – and I’m sure their next shows will be just as great or even better. As the second show from the musical says… God that’s brilliant.

Operation Mincemeat is playing at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until August 1 (trch.co.uk) and is currently travelling the country until November 2026 (operationmincemeat.com).

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A note from the editor

Did you head to Splendour this weekend? We did, and it was absolutely packed both days – especially on the Sunday. It was excellent to see our county wave off the festival in real style. Here’s hoping it might just come back in the future.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Operation Mincemeat 🎭

When: July 20-August 1
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £28.50pp

The year is 1943 and, right now, we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. This show is Olivier Award-winning and the best-reviewed show in the West End, so you’re sure to be in for a treat.

Do if: Historical events always fascinate you – add in a musical touch, and you’re all in.

trch.co.uk

Films in the Forest 🍿

When: July 24-26
Where: Sherwood Forest. Edwinstowe
How much: £16pp adult, £8.50pp child, £38.50pp family bundle

Outdoor cinema doesn’t get more magical than this. During this film series, you can soak in all the beauty of the iconic woods while watching a wonderful movie. These include Wicked (July 24), How to Train Your Dragon (July 25), Labyrinth (July 25), and Pirates of the Caribbean (July 25). And, of course, there will be both big Robin Hoods – the Disney version and Prince of Thieves. There will be a pizza van and sweet stall on site, but picnics are also welcome.

Do if: With Major Oak sadly dying, spending time in Sherwood Forest feels like an important idea to you.

visitsherwood.co.uk

Notts Pride 🏳️‍🌈

When: July 25
Where: Various locations around Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Show your pride at this glittering annual event, which begins with a midday march through the city centre, starting at Lister Gate. From here, Sneinton Market will host the main stage and stalls, while fringe events will take place across Hockley in the newly-crowned Rainbow Quarter. This year’s music line-up includes pop sensation Meek, Drag Race UK alumni Nyongbella, and Nottingham’s Drag Pageant All Stars winner, Bin Bag. Plus, this year will also see the launch of the first official Notts Pride afterparty at The Palais.

Do if: You’d love to support our city’s LGBTQIA+ community – especially this year, with the Rainbow Quarter now officially recognised.

nottspride.co.uk

Gin & Rum Festival 🍹

When: July 25
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: From £23.65pp

Spirits seem to go hand in hand with summer, and The Nest is hosting a huge variety of these. More than 120 premium gins, rums and tequilas will be available to sample, while the cocktail bar will demonstrate how to mix them. Your ticket also includes a reusable steel cup and straw, a gin and rum guide and (perhaps our favourite finishing touch), a drink on the way out.

Do if: You’re looking for tasty tipples to bring to summer parties – and what better way to sample them all first?

thenest.gigantic.com

The Hundred 🏏

When: July 26-August 10
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £44pp adult, £5pp child

For those who like their sport fast-paced, The Hundred is a brilliantly dynamic version of cricket. Each team bats and bowls for just 100 balls an innings, making matches shorter and packed with big moments. The Trent Rockets has a stellar squad, including Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett and the legendary Nat Sciver-Brunt. Alongside the cricket, expect live music, DJs and family entertainment. This Sunday Trent Bridge’s games kick off, with the Trent Rockets playing the London Spirit.

Do if: You’d like to introduce yourself – or someone else – to the beautiful game of cricket in an accessible and entertaining format.

thehundred.com

More events:

Food & Drink 🍽️

Hot Property 🏡

Originally constructed in the 1960s, this five-bedroom home in Ravenshead has plenty of mid-century features, as well as modern touches. We absolutely love the enormous kitchen with green cabinetry, large windows, a seating area, and a pantry. This opens up to a living space, as well as an outdoor patio with an enclosed terrace. From here, there’s a further living room, spacious bedrooms, and bright bathrooms. We’re also fans of the arches and herringbone flooring that run throughout. Fishpool Lodge is marketed by Fine & Country, and the guide price is £950k. rightmove.co.uk

Art 🏹

News 🗞

💚 Green city: 10 Nottingham parks have received Green Flag Awards and five Green Heritage Site Accreditations. The awards recognise the very best-managed parks and green spaces across the country and are an international benchmark for quality, safety, sustainability, and community value. The parks are the Arboretum, Bilborough Park, Forest Recreation Ground, Highfields Park, King Edward Park, Sandy Banks Nature Reserve, The Green Heart, Victoria Embankment, Wollaton Hall and Deer Park, and Woodthorpe Grange Park. westbridgfordwire.com

🍽️ Award-winning food: Two Nottingham restaurants have been named as the top 100 local restaurants in the UK by The Good Food Guide. Little Brickhouse on Derby Road, which specialises in home-cooked food and natural wines, placed 66th, while Bib Gourmand holder Piccalilli, which specialises in British and European-inspired small plates, placed 73rd. thegoodfoodguide.co.uk

🍳 How do you like your eggs?: Ever wanted to have a Michelin-star breakfast? Sat Bains, who owns one of the best restaurants in Nottingham, is heading to No. 8 Deli in West Bridgford this Sunday to cook up breakfast and brunch. Deli-style eggs with buttered sourdough are on the menu, and there will also be takeaway options available. The pop-up starts at 9.30am and will be on until sell-out. @satbains1

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest and 🐦 Notts County

Nottingham Forest beat Notts County 2-0 in a preseason friendly on Saturday, with Igor Jesus and Arnaud Kalimuendo on the scoresheet. For Forest, it was a first chance to see new manager Oliver Glasner, while for Notts several players made their Meadow Lane debut.

🏏 Cricket

The Blaze have won the Women’s T20 Blast after a comfortable 10-wicket victory over Durham. Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Bruce made light work of the final run chase, with both openers scoring half-centuries. The Outlaws were, however, knocked out in the semi-final by Hampshire.

Nottinghamshire have also paid tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, who died last week aged 89. The legendary West Indian all-rounder played for Notts between 1968 and 1974. Amongst many achievements in a fine career, Sobers was the first player to score six sixes in an over, while playing for Notts against Glamorgan.

🏍️ Motorcycle racing

Kyle Ryde won two of three races at Brands Hatch in the British Superbike Championship, and holds a 19-point lead over Scott Redding in the standings.

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The exhibition launches on July 17 at BACKLIT, located behind Sneinton Market, following the unveiling of the public Maid Marian sculpture. This will be an open studio event, with visitors invited to meet the BACKLIT community alongside the exhibition. The free-to-attend launch event is 6-8pm, while the open studios are open from 5-7pm (eventbrite.co.uk).

From here, the exhibition will run from July 18-August 8, with opening times Thursday to Saturday, 12-4pm (backlit.org.uk).

If you’re looking for July events and things to do in Nottingham, seeing this wonderful sculpture and the exhibition around it are both excellent ideas. For more features and guides, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The Maid Marian statue and Our Marian exhibition are celebrating Nottingham’s famous female folklore figure

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

Everyone knows Robin Hood and Maid Marian – the classic rebel couple that have etched their way through time in folklore, films, and fairytales. But it’s not often that Maid Marian herself is observed by herself, even in our own city and county.

This has now changed, with a public sculpture embodying her on Maid Marian Way available for all to see. In October 2024, BACKLIT was invited by It’s in Nottingham, alongside Nottingham City Council, to lead the management and artistic commissioning process for the new public artwork.

The project formed part of a wider central government initiative to reshape the road system at Maid Marian Way. The decision to put Maid Marian centre stage was due to the natural prominence of the location, the name of the road, as well as the limited representation of her around the city – all information formed from public feedback.

‘Robin Hood has contributed enormously to Nottingham’s identity and remains an internationally recognised symbol of the city – however, this felt like an opportunity for Marian to take centre stage,’ shares Suzanne Golden, co-director of BACKLIT. ‘Women’s stories are often underrepresented within historical narratives and, although Maid Marian originates from folklore, she represents a wider legacy of women past, present, and future.’

She says that the project provides a space to explore themes of identity, independence, resilience, justice and equality, all while recognising Marian as a figure who challenges traditional gender expectations and demonstrates agency despite the social constraints of her time.

‘Maid Marian’s connection to the May Queen tradition links her to medieval celebrations of nature’s renewal and the changing seasons – as a symbolic figure of spring, she represents growth, fertility and the relationship between human communities and the natural world,’ Suzanne continues. ‘This ecological reading positions Marian not only as a heroine of social justice, but also as a figure connected to cycles of regeneration and care for the environment.’

The artist chosen for the sculpture was Alicja Biala – a contemporary Polish artist known for her large-scale public works. BACKLIT approached a shortlist of artists directly to invite them to submit a proposal based on the brief. From here, the Council Statue Committee reviewed the submissions, and ultimately decided on Alicja.

‘She has a strong track record of delivering public arts sculptures across Europe. Her idea met the brief well, with a focus on the environment and the use of native plants to form the work,’ says Suzanne. ‘She had also created a work that was symbolic of Maid Marian, although still allows the public to create their own interpretation of her and her character - the artwork was presented as a community socially engaged process, and we felt that ultimately it was the most compelling offer.’

Alicja led a weeklong series of intensive workshops, focused for different ages and abilities, with contributors from Sutherland House School, St Joseph Primary School, Bluecoat Aspley Academy, Women’s Centre, BACKLIT artist members, as well as the general public.

‘Throughout the week, we had nearly 300 people contribute, including those who completed our survey – they were invited to bring along native plants, and collectively they made over 700 waxed plants,’ Suzanne says. ‘The majority have been taken to the Castle Foundry, Liverpool by Alicja to be cast in bronze and will be used as part of the actual structure of the statue.’ Through the use of native plants, the work highlights the importance of the area’s green surroundings and our own connection to the natural landscape.

Alongside the creation of the Maid Marian sculpture, BACKLIT has been working closely with the arts and feminist collective, Lumin, to produce new commissioned work for Our Marian. Artists featured are Rocky Mol, Lucy Nelson and Wingshan. ‘Through successful funding from UKSPF, the newly produced work addresses medieval women – we focused on medieval headwear, class, gender and social themes,’ shares Suzanne. This extends the collaborative theme of the project.

For Our Marian, Alicja Biala also presents the Hyperaccumulator series – two indoor bronze sculptures that share a conceptual and material relationship with her newly commissioned public monument, which will stand proudly Maid Marian Way. ‘Intersecting ecology, foraging and botanical forms from the Nottinghamshire landscape, Alicja’s work reclaims bronze, a material historically reserved for the statues of male figures, to explore environmental and female resilience,’ Suzanne explains.

There is also an animation by Dominique Golden about Julian of Norwich. For the Maid Marian exhibition, Dominique explored connections between Julian and Marian, returning to Julian’s visions of the Virgin Mary. An artist map has helpfully been designed to show the location of the statue to BACKLIT, along with a publication that documents the whole project.

As well as curating Our Marian, BACKLIT has plenty of projects in the works and planned for the rest of the year. ‘We’re the largest studio space in the Midlands, and we are thriving and growing on both a physical and operational scale,’ Suzanne tells me. ‘Our core premise is about supporting the creative practitioners in the city with artist professional development, signposting, networking and guidance.’

BACKLIT is part of a September touring exhibition spanning Nottingham, Brighton and Portsmouth, which is bringing together artists and curators in to engage with the work of Tessa Boffin – a pioneering British photographer and performance artist whose work confronted sexuality, gender and social identity.

Plus, Jazz Singh Swali, BACKLIT curator, has led on lots of development for its onsite archive. ‘The archive celebrates the history of the building as a Victorian textile factory, previous community and artist-led practice, in physical, digital and audio form – we expect this space to be a real focus and feature of the new ground floor,’ Suzanne adds.

For now, it’s Maid Marian coming into the spotlight. ‘Our Marian offers a fresh perspective on one of Nottingham’s most enduring legends, bringing together contemporary artists who reimagine Maid Marian through themes of identity, folklore, feminism, ecology and community,’ says Suzanne. ‘The exhibition invites visitors to explore how a familiar historical figure continues to inspire new conversations and creative responses today.’

Alongside the exhibition, BACKLIT provides an opportunity to experience Nottingham’s vibrant contemporary art scene. ‘Whether you’re interested in local history, contemporary art or discovering new creative voices, Our Marian offers a unique reason to visit and explore both the exhibition and the wider BACKLIT programme,’ Suzanne finishes by saying.

The Maid Marian sculpture is available to view on Maid Marian Way, while the Our Marian exhibition will run from July 18-August 8, with opening times Thursday to Saturday, 12-4pm (backlit.org.uk).

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We were invited to try Vol. 3 of The Ivy Edition menu, assessing three courses, a bottle of wine, as well as the atmosphere and service. While we were kindly gifted our meal, this is an honest review of what we experienced.

If you’re looking for places to dine out in the city with plated dishes, a stylish atmosphere, and attentive service, this is a lovely choice. For more reviews and guides, subscribe to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The Ivy Nottingham Brasserie food review

By Sam Swain
Photos by The Notts Edit

I’ve been intrigued by The Ivy since it was announced for Nottingham last year. I’d heard a great many things from friends and family who had visited some of its other locations, while the degree of hype that the announcement carried made it impossible to ignore. Indeed, I was fortunate to attend the launch party and its many proseccos, and we were also invited to sample Vol. 3 of The Ivy Edition menu, which gave me the opportunity to find out if it did live up to the hype.​

The Ivy Nottingham Brasserie opened its doors in November – the Nottingham offshoot of the London restaurant, which opened in 1917, and is part of a chain which aims to bring what made the original Ivy so popular with some of London’s theatre scene, with an art deco interior and classy atmosphere. I do think it’s important to make a distinction between the two – the Nottingham restaurant is part of The Ivy Collection, which is not quite the same as the London location frequented by Hollywood stars.

On entering The Ivy, you are immediately struck by what is one of the more dramatic restaurants in the city. There are pillars, high ceilings, plants, and it’s hard not to feel like you’re in a sophisticated establishment. The staff are adorned in smart uniforms, with forest green waistcoats and bow ties, and they treated us really rather well throughout.​

We were specifically invited to sample Vol. 3 of The Ivy Edition menu (two courses £34.95pp, three courses £42.95pp, ivycollection.com), however, we did take a glance at the à la carte menu (ivycollection.com) – a crowd-pleasing mixture of everything from fish and chips (£20.95) and shepherd’s pie (£19.25) to Moroccan chicken (£23.50) and sweet potato curry (£21.95).

Vol. 3 of The Ivy Edition is much lighter, consisting of dishes such as tomato, watermelon, and plant-based cheese. I am not sure why the cheeses and creams in the starters were vegan given that nothing else on this particular menu was. For myself, the tempura prawns with citrus mayo to start were light and crispy (although lacking punch of zest or chilli), while the main of tuna and avocado was well-portioned and well-cooked – a protein-packed, healthy dish for summer. It was good, if not mind-blowing.

​We chose an accompanying bottle of Silverhand Estate strawberries and cream pinot noir (£64, but available for £15 online), which was an extra treat, refreshing and light and did accompany the dishes we chose well, and was well presented elegantly in a free-standing wine cooler. It was also placed about six feet away from us – I’m not sure if this was to make us exercise some self control or because of the fairly densely packed number of tables in our area.

Dessert was our favourite part of the meal. The strawberry savarin was sweet without being overly sugary, and was particularly evocative of Wimbledon and other such British lawn sports, as some parts of this menu do try and lean into. My choice of whipped honey with coffee and vanilla ice cream was a satisfying choice – whipped honey was a first for me, and it was interestingly light and fluffy.

I’m self-aware enough to admit that I’ve overused the word light in describing this menu, but it’s really hard not to – larger appetites will definitely need to supplement this menu with the sides. This does dampen the appeal at £42.95 for three courses. Plus, a lot of the menu choices are solid without being completely unique, and you, like me, may baulk at the idea of a £20 chippy tea.

That being said, I can see the appeal of The Ivy. It eschews the current trend of small plates in favour of an à la carte menu, which makes it relatively unique in the immediate area. There is also grandeur and spectacle without being overly stuffy, and the menus – both The Ivy Edition and its regular menu – are varied and familiar enough to appeal to even the fussiest members of the family. This certainly does make it a great choice for a special occasion.

ivycollection.com

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A note from the editor

I’m gearing up for an exciting week, with two huge events happening in Nottingham – Beyond Monet & Van Gogh and the last ever Splendour. I’m also excited that the Our Marian statue will be finally unveiled – it’s fabulous to see the famous figure take centre stage by herself, especially in such a nature and community-led way.

I definitely recommend following us on Instagram @thenotttsedit if you’re not already, as we tend to post on-the-day action on there (which will be happening for all the above). I am conscious about not spamming your inboxes! That being said, I hope you’ve been enjoying the new review content. As ever, if you’d like to let me know about anything or ever have any feedback, drop me an email on editor@thenottsedit.com.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Summer Scents Fragrance Masterclass ☀️

When: July 15
Where: Molton Brown, Nottingham
How much: £10pp

Spend the evening getting to know delicious summer fragrances at Molton & Brown. The coastal cypress and sea fennel has notes of bergamot and cardamom, while the sunlit clementine and vetiver has citrusy notes paired with earthy bourbon. The ticket price includes a goody bag with little luxuries and is redeemable against any purchases made on the night, making the evening super value for money.

Do if: You’re hosting this summer and want to freshen up your home with a touch of luxe.

eventbrite.co.uk

Grease Outdoor Cinema Sing Along 🍿

When: July 17
Where: Newstead Abbey
How much: £17.37pp adult, £10.92pp under 12

Go go go to Newstead Abbey for an evening of watching and singing along to the iconic high school musical Grease. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the film follows how their characters John and Sandy reunite after a summer fling, all while navigating rivalries and peer pressure. Picnics are welcome, but hot food is available. Plus, be sure to bring a blanket or camping chair to sit on.

Do if: You’re looking for a fun Friday night activity that will bring you plenty of joy.

eventbrite.co.uk

Thoresby Ceramics Fair ☕

When: July 18-19
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Free entry, £5 event parking

Over 65 potters and ceramic artists, including The Great Pottery Throwdown contestants, will be showcasing original handmade work at the beautiful Thoresby Park. The fair will also feature live demonstrations including sculpting, wheel throwing, and Raku firing. Be sure to pay close attention to the lovely stands, as you can take part in a public vote for the best stand, with the chance to win a pottery workshop as a prize.

Do if: You’re a fan of the pottery show and/or you want to learn more about the art of it.

thoresby.com

Splendour 🎶

When: July 18-19
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £85.60pp adult, from £64.20pp youth, under 17s free, two for one tickets

For the last time ever, Splendour will be hosting two days filled with music from well-known artists and local acts. The Wombats and Snow Patrol are headlining, as well as acts such as Hard Life, Estelle, and Craig David. Plus, keep an eye out for local ones such as Jayahadadream, Alt Blk Era, Divorce, Archie and the Astronauts. Tickets are two-for-one, so if you’re thinking about going, be sure to snap up tickets before they sell out.

Do if: You’d love to spend the weekend singing along to favourite tunes while discovering some new ones too.

splendourfestival.com

Beyond Monet & Van Gogh 🖼️

When: July 18-August 9
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £14pp

Immerse yourself in the world of art through these mesmerising installations celebrating two of history’s most famous artists. Van Gogh’s masterpieces include The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace at Night, while Monet’s dreamlike works feature Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise. We’re visiting both exhibitions this week, so keep an eye on our Instagram for a preview.

Do if: You’d love to experience beautiful artworks in a way you’ll remember for years to come.

beyondvangogh.co.uk

More events:

Music 🎶

Hot Property 🏡

Did we just put this in because it has a pool? Maybe… but it’s also beautiful inside too. This four-bedroom home in The Park is ultra-modern, with a sleek cinema room, a living kitchen diner with a stunning island, and stylish bedrooms with plenty of wardrobe space. It also has a huge garage and an outdoor patio area. And, of course, there is the hotel-style pool, which is cocooned in wooden panelling and has a sauna next to it. It’s marketed by Fletcher & Company, which is looking for offers over £1.25m. rightmove.co.uk

Food and drink 🍽️

News 🗞

🖼️ Our Marian: BACKLIT is launching its Our Marian exhibition this week, which will bring together newly commissioned works across sculpture, film, textile and fashion. The new public sculpture, based on Maid Marian Way and created by Alicja Biała, will be available to view at the free-to-attend launch event from 6-8pm on July 17.

From here, the free exhibition will run from July 18-August 8. In addition to the commissioned works, the exhibition will be a celebration of Nottingham’s community, with nearly 300 people from local groups taking part in hands-on workshops led by Alicja Biała, exploring medieval making traditions. eventbrite.co.uk / backlit.org.uk

🌊 Call to action: Retired firefighter Simon Carr from Ollerton has started a campaign urging social media companies to display safety warnings on videos featuring open water swimming. Simon told the BBC that he attended numerous water rescues during his 31 year-long career. He has started an online petition, which he is hoping will reach 10,000 signatures, in order for the government to issue a formal response. bbc.co.uk / petition.parliament.uk

🥯 Fresh bites: Looking for a new lunch option? Arran’s Bagels has officially opened today (July 13) on Bridlesmith Gate. Expect fillings such as salmon and cream cheese, salt beef, and Nutella. We tried its collaboration with Slice ‘n’ Brew last week which was delicious (see it at @thenottsedit), so we’re looking forward to seeing how its actual bagels stack up. @arransbagels

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Oliver Glasner has been confirmed as the new manager of Nottingham Forest. The Austrian, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League with previous club Crystal Palace, signed a three-year deal to replace Vitor Pereira.

🏏 Cricket

Notts Outlaws will have a home quarter-final against Surrey in the T20 Blast as they aim to reach Finals Day. Their winning run in the competition was, however, ended by Yorkshire at the weekend. The Blaze are through to the Women’s Finals Day, having finished 3rd in the table.

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​I was kindly invited to watch the performance, which was part of the Nottingham Chamber Music Festival (nottchamberfest.com). It was a unique experience, and enchanted me even as a non-classical music goer.

The festival was one of our top July events, and it was lovely to see its pièce de résistance. For more reviews and events, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Tunnel Vision in the Park Tunnel music review

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

‘It’s fitting that we’re playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons outside,’ says cellist Tim Smedley – and I have to agree. Not only is this performance of it outside, but it’s in the gorgeous Grade II listed Park Tunnel. Not only does this lend itself beautifully to the aesthetic, but it has stunning acoustics, which are showcased throughout.

I will be honest – I’m not usually much of a classical music listener, but I was intrigued by the concept of the concert in a tunnel. And everyone knows the name of the Four Seasons, as did I walking into this. I thought I only knew Spring – but, as it turns out, much of it was recognisable throughout.

The pieces of music move through Vivaldi’s Italian seasons – which, as Tim points out, were written around 1718-23, and were much different from our four seasons now here in England. The book – split into twelve sections, three for each season – paints the picture of the joys of spring, the oppressive summer heat culminating in a storm, the autumn harvest and hunt, and the biting cold of winter followed by a warming fireplace.​

As a non-classical music goer, I was pleased to have Tim explain each season before each section started, which gave me more context while listening. It was wonderful closing my eyes and feeling everything from the vibrations of the rain for summer to the delicate sharp icicles of winter.​

My favourite part had to be Spring, as this was the piece I was most familiar with (and have secretly sort of thought about as wedding music). That being said, I shared familiar nods with my partner for the starts of Summer and Winter, as these are also pieces much of us will have heard through passing.

I did struggle to see when I was originally further back, despite the rolling incline of the tunnel – but I think the pay off of listening in such a setting was worth it. Even the occasional faint sound of cars didn’t put me off – in fact, they even married into the intensity of the music in a strangely wonderful way.

This was performed by Darragh Morgan, Sophie Rosa, and Jenny Sacha on violin, Rose Redgrave on the French viola (circa 1900), Tim Smedley on cello, and Petra Hajduchova on the harpsichord. Again, I’m not much of a classical music listener, but I thought hearing the Four Seasons played with such passion was wonderful. Throughout, I watched the expressions of the musicians and could see their smiles and their concentrated frowns when I perched near the front towards the end.

Tunnel Vision was part of Nottingham Chamber Music Festival, which brings classic musical artists to the city’s beautiful and historical spaces. Our music scene is so varied, and this was a unique example of just that.

This event sold out quite quickly, so if you’d like to go next year, be sure to sign up to the festival’s newsletter for more information on this and other events. It was a real treat for the senses, and something I won’t forget.

nottchamberfest.com

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I spoke with The Sacred Ape founder Tom Axten (thesacredape.com) about how the rum business began, its new workshop space in Sneinton, and why he’s proud to be part of the Nottingham food and drink scene. I was also invited to try the rum-making workshop myself.

If you’re looking for things to do in Nottingham, going to a Sacred Ape rum workshop is a fabulous idea. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The Sacred Ape has opened a rum-making workshop in Sneinton

Words and photos by Eve Smallman

I’m not usually a rum drinker. Something in my head associates it with one bad night out while I was at Trent, so I normally stick to gin. But sitting inside the gorgeous Sacred Ape workshop space, nestled just beyond Sneinton Market, I’m willing to change my mind – and that’s not just because I have a banana rum in hand.

The Sacred Ape began in the most fitting way possible – over a bottle of rum. ‘I’ve got two brothers, and every Christmas we get together and bring a different bottle of craft spice rum – and one year about 10 years ago, after just drinking a good amount of it, I said, "One day I’m going to make my own”,’ Tom Axten, founder of The Sacred Ape, explains. ‘I’ve always just had a love and passion for rum, and I’ve got a massive collection of different spice rums, and decided to start exploring the options.’ He soon did just that, completely retraining and working with a developer in London.

The name comes from the conservation work that it donates to – 50p for every bottle sold. ‘All species of great apes are either endangered or critically endangered, which is awful and why we chose to support,’ says Tom. ‘We support the Neotropical Primate Conservation (neoprimate.org) – they’re a small conservation charity, and that’s why I chose them, because we’re a small business.’

​He began with his first 50 litre copper pot, converted his garage, got all the HMRC licensing, and gradually built the business from there, working from selling to bars and restaurants and attending farmers’ markets. He soon expanded to a unit in Arnold, bringing his copper pot and expanding from there. This brought personalised wedding favours, as well as white label products for brands.

The latest expansion is the space in Sneinton. ‘I completely refurbed it, built everything myself from scratch, from literally building table legs and the tables to building the stills to building the bar, and then moved all the distillery equipment over,’ Tom says.

The result is a place that feels both stylish and welcoming. ‘People were asking to do the distillery tour, and I thought people really wanted to get involved, so why not take that next step, so that people can come down and make their own little bottle of spice rum for them to take home?’ Tom explains. The idea for the make-your-own (£44pp, thesacredape.com) came from the wedding favours. ‘I thought if I have the smaller stills, people can come down and make their own rum how they want to make it.’​

While the copper stills are slightly daunting for me at first, the process actually turns out to be very simple. Over 30 different ingredients are neatly laid out in jars, as is a list saying how much to put in each (they recommend 4-5) depending on the richness of the flavour you’re looking for. This is all easy to weigh out with the help of an adorable set of scales. From here, you’re guided on how to distil it and how to mix it in with the rum. All of this is served up with generous rum samples throughout – we try everything from Sacred Ape’s own hot honey to a 15-year-old from Panama.​

‘I don’t want anyone to feel it’s a pressurised environment or that they feel like they have to swill the rum around the glass before they drink it and spit into a bucket – I just want people to relax and have a good time,’ Tom says. They provide Coke and ginger beer if people don’t want to try the samples neat – but this journalist has no fear (alright, not much fear), and has everything neat.

It’s hard to play favourites, but Tom has a few combinations that he has particularly enjoyed. ‘One was a Rogan Jack – he put all the botanicals down, and I said, “Hang on a minute – you do know you’re making a rum, not a curry?”’ explains Tom. ‘His mate that was with him called it rogue, so I said, “Well, what about a Rogan Jack?” – and in the end, in a strange way, it really worked.’ He also enjoyed a sweeter one. ‘Someone made a Terry’s Chocolate Orange type, so they put cocoa nibs in fresh orange, and that was really nice.’​

I make a tiramisu-inspired rum (Tiramisuzan, after my middle name), with coffee beans, tonka beans, cocoa nibs, and shortbread, while my boyfriend Sam makes a spicy Jaffa Cake-inspired flavour with chilli, orange, cocoa nibs, and another lovely thing that I should have but didn’t note down, as I was taking notes while a few rums down. However, luckily for us, The Sacred Ape team gets everyone to write down what they used, and they file it in case they want to make it again or tweak the recipe.

It has to be noted that The Sacred Ape’s newest distillery is very conveniently placed next to Nottingham’s hottest independent hub – Sneinton Market – and Tom’s on the case with collaborating with the best. ‘Paddy at Working Man’s Kitchen has a bottle of the hot honey rum, and he’s going to incorporate it into one of his sauces to drizzle over the pizza,’ says Tom ‘I’d also love to do some work with Yello Yard, which is an amazing Jamaican deli – a rum pairing to go with their classic dishes could work well.’ Plus, the workshop’s fridge is firmly stocked with Neon Raptor.

The Sacred Ape also has a good relationship with DropWorks – Europe’s largest rum distillery, which is located at the Welbeck Estate. ‘Obviously, they’re the complete opposite end of the scale to us, but I’m a big believer in supporting other businesses and everyone working together,’ Tom tells me. ‘We recommend people to DropWorks if they want to do a big distillery tour, for example.’

It’s not just rum that Sacred Ape dabbles with. ‘We’ve just made a custom house gin for Piccalilli, which is packed full of fresh fruit, and is really vibrant and funky,’ says Tom. ‘Bar Iberico stocks our rum, and they make some amazing cocktails with that.’ He adds that the Hockley area has really come to life - as has the wider city. ‘Nottingham has got, in my opinion, one of the best food and drink scenes.’

In terms of the future, the rum business is open for corporate bookings. ‘We’re now taking team events and staff parties, where they can come through for the experience before going for a meal,’ Tom says. Plus, they’ll be experimenting with barrel ageing in the new space. ‘We’re also going to do some limited releases.’

Most of all, Tom hopes to visit the Neotropical Primate Conservation charity in Peru in future. ‘I would love to go and help – that’s what I want to do more than anything.’

For now, the Sneinton space is open for workshop bookings, which is incredibly fun and exciting to do. Delicious rum, made in Nottingham? I’ll raise a glass or two (of my Tiramisuzan, neat, of course) to that.

thesacredape.com
@thesacredapedistillery

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We visited the cafe’s first store ahead of its second one opening on Derby Road in the coming months, trying one of its famous açai bowls as well as its savoury offering.

If you’re looking for somewhere to eat that has a bright menu and comfortable dining, Her Days in Kirkby-in-Ashfield will not disappoint. For more reviews like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Her Days in Kirkby-in-Ashfield food review

By Milly Greaves
Photos by The Notts Edit

When I first found out that there was a brunch cafe in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, I was instantly intrigued. Situated on Kingsway, it is surrounded by local takeaways, small retail businesses, and a few pubs, making this place truly stand out – and that it does.

Aiming to promote wellness in the community, not only does it offer a wide menu range full of goodness, but it also hosts a regular run club to bring the local community together and share this all over its social media.

It’s not the sort of venue I would usually expect to stumble across all that often outside the city centre. The surrounding towns are usually filled with fast food, takeaways, and local cafés, so this felt like a refreshing alternative.

Upon stepping inside this small café, I was blown away by the instant calmness the interior and styling creates. From arched seating to green and pink tones throughout, it is truly Instagrammable.

Although its menu range is small, the items and toppings offer customers a range of its meals that actually satisfy. From bagels and açai bowls to a range of smoothies and iced drinks, it is varied enough for sweet and savoury lovers alike.

Açai was something completely new to me, and I have been excited to try for a long time. It is essentially a Brazilian originated superfruit that has been blended to become a thick puree that resembles yogurt. From research, I found that it contains high antioxidants, improving overall health and function – perfectly suited to what Her Days promotes. This dish offers a range of toppings including fruits, biscuits, and chocolates.

As a big fan of Biscoff, I ordered The Climb bowl (from £9.50), which includes Biscoff crème, biscuit, banana, blueberries, strawberries, and agave syrup. I have to admit, I am a fussy eater, and so I wanted to swap my blueberries for an alternative fruit. They were more than happy to accommodate this.

What surprised me the most with this was how filling and flavourful it was. For something that is described as a healthy meal, you might think that means you have to substitute a lot of flavour – but this is not the case here. It had the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and chocolate. For my first time trying açai, I was pleasantly surprised and it is something I would love to try again.

We also ordered The Pink and Green Bagel (£8.50) – smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, and dill. A savoury option on the menu, it is simple but done really well and the squeeze of lemon just adds a nice zest to the food. I must admit, this was less filling than the açai bowl – but maybe a side of potatoes or a bigger side salad (the eat-in option comes with a small one) would have added some more fullness to this meal.

Although a small café, it has a lot of potential and definitely stands out for the area. It has also recently announced a new collaboration with Flo Pilates Club with its new venue in Nottingham, which is set to open this summer.

If you are in the area and fancy trying something different to your usual cafes, Her Days is a relaxing interlude. For brunch with the girls, or welcoming some you time in an environment, treat yourself to a visit. You will be so glad you did.

@herdays_uk

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A note from the editor

This week’s Notts Going On is very bookish, with a reading festival and free books down below. I have to confess, I am a sucker for a rom-com book – local author Mhairi McFarlane’s are some of my favourites, and many of them are set in Nottingham too. Who’s That Girl? (worldofbooks.com) has tons of places that you’ll recognise even in description, and it has a sequel. If you’re looking for summer reads, this throwback piece has plenty of juicy holiday books:

Or, if you’re looking for a vaster range of genres, this Nottingham books listicle has lots of must-reads:

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

The Market Deeping Model Railway Club 🎭

When: July 6-25
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
How much: From £14.50pp

The Market Deeping Model Railway Club’s chances of victory at the Annual Show have been ripped apart by vandals, and the group must rally to piece their miniature world back together. When their story goes global, help floods in from unexpected sources – including fellow enthusiast Sir Rod Stewart. But what lies ahead for the club? Based on a true story, this comedy of high stakes celebrates community, friendship, and British eccentricity.

Do if: You’d love to see a brand new show by local talent – Nottingham playwright William Ivory has also penned The Great Escaper, Made in Dagenham, and Common As Muck.

nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

Nottingham Chamber Music Festival 🎶

When: July 9-12
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events

Bringing four days of world-class classical music to some of Nottingham’s most extraordinary spaces, this festival will stage performances everywhere from medieval churches to Victorian buildings. Highlights include the opening night Music & Wine: Aquilae Duo at Delilah Fine Foods (July 9, £45pp) and The People’s Hall – Music for Violin with violinist Darragh Morgan (July 11, from £14pp). We recommend checking the website for the full programme.

Do if: Classical music always gives you goosebumps – this is one of the very best ways to experience it in the city.

nottchamberfest.com

Newark Book Festival 📚

When: July 9-12
Where: Various venues around Newark
How much: From £2pp

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this special town festival has four days of rich and diverse events for everyone who loves a good story. It will showcase local and national talent in book talks, author interviews, creative workshops, performances, and storytelling sessions. The big highlight of the festival is Now We Are 10 on Friday afternoon (£7pp), with five bestselling authors reflecting on their journeys ten years since each first became published authors.

Do if: You’re looking for summer reads or summer writing inspiration.

newarkbookfestival.org.uk

Ceramic Mushroom Bell Workshop 🎨

When: July 10
Where: District Coffee, Nottingham
How much: £49.46pp

Head up Derby Road for a cosy evening of crafting your own mushroom caps and stems. As well as shaping and sculpting them, you will paint them with a selection of underglaze. This workshop is perfect for beginners and anyone who loves making cool crafts. To keep you fuelled up, light refreshments including a refresher drink and sweet treats will be served. Afterwards, use them to decorate your shelves or even your garden.

Do if: You’re already looking forward to autumn (the heatwaves are enough, right?).

eventbrite.com

Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show 🌻

When: July 11-12
Where: Belvoir Castle, Grantham
How much: £18pp adult, £7pp child

While not technically in Nottingham, this grand castle is having a gorgeous flower show that’s well-worth the drive for (40 minutes from the city centre). Expect incredible displays and garden showcases from talented designers, along with tips and tricks from leading horticultural and floral pros. As well as all the flower power, there will be food and drink, shopping, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

Do if: You need some inspiration for making your garden grow this summer.

belvoircastle.com

More events:

Health and Wellbeing ☀️

Hot Property 🏡

For those who’d love to live out their cottagecore fantasy with a chic twist, this newly-refurbished home in Selston is a stylish option. Inside you’ll find a stunning kitchen with baby blue cabinets, a cosy living room, and three bedrooms that are all well-sized for family living. It also has two bathrooms, including one with a walk-in shower and a bath (the dream, right?). Outside you’ll find a patio area, a lawn, and a handy shed. Plus, it has stunning Nottinghamshire countryside views. It’s marketed by TAUK, which is looking for offers over £240k. rightmove.co.uk

News 🗞

📚 Books, glorious books: 2,250 free books have been distributed across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire as part of Nottingham City of Literature’s Big City Reads 2026. These have been left at literary landmarks, handed out on city streets, and given away to passengers on Nottingham’s bus and tram network. The books are 29 Locks by Nicola Garrard, Charlotte Grote: Solver by John Allison, Searching for the Remarkable in Things by Natalie Lucy, Tart by Becki Jayne Crossley, and The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue by Zoulfa Katouh. nottinghamcityofliterature.com

🎨 Work of art: Nottingham artist Natalie Coe has been selected to create a major new public artwork for the Broad Marsh redevelopment. The 150-square-metre artwork will be installed on Severn’s House – not the one you’re thinking of, but a new city centre building. Known for her vibrant abstract work, Natalie was selected by a panel including Nottingham community representatives. The project is being produced by charity City Arts and Art Fest, and is being funded by Homes England. city-arts.org.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have parted company with manager Vitor Pereira. The Portuguese, who kept Forest in the Premier League last season, was relieved of his duties last week, with former Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner replacing him. Elliot Anderson, who helped England progress to the World Cup quarter-finals, is set to move to Manchester City after the World Cup, after the two clubs agreed a British record transfer fee.

🦌 Mansfield Town

Mansfield Town get their pre-season under way soon, with veteran striker David McGoldrick (formerly of Forest and Notts) joining the ranks, as well as Jon Russell making his loan move permanent.

🐦 Notts County

Notts County are well underway with pre-season, beating Alfreton Town 5-0 in a friendly. Former winger Cal Roberts has joined the club while the prolific Matthew Dennis has moved to Burton Albion.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire made it six Vitality Blast wins in a row with wins over Durham and Lancashire over the weekend, while The Blaze fell to defeats to Surrey and Durham. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones of The Blaze were part of an England team beaten by Australia in the T20 World Cup final at Lord’s.

🏍️ Motorcycle racing

Jacksdale’s Kyle Ryde picked up a win and two podiums at Snetterton in the fourth round of the British Superbike Championship. The two-time champion leads the standings by 17 points from Scott Redding.

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From staying hydrated during heatwaves to making smarter food choices, a few simple habits can make a big difference to how you feel throughout the season, while looking after your long-term wellbeing.

If feeling healthier and more prepared this summer is on your list of things to do, these tips will help. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit tor receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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4 wellness tips for a health-focused summer

By Jessica Ross (thewellplace.uk)

1. Eat well

You may have noticed that your body craves lighter foods as the temperature rises, and, if you are like me, you may have wondered why this is. There is actually some really interesting science behind it. As temperature rises, a few interesting things happen in our brain. Sweating increases fluid and electrolyte loss, so your body naturally craves water-filled foods like fruit and vegetables to help maintain hydration.

Also, when it’s hot outside, your body naturally shies away from heavy, high-fat foods as these create more internal heat during digestion. Instead, the part of your brain which controls hunger (hello hypothalamus), will naturally suppress appetite and encourage you to opt for lighter meals, so as not to contribute to the bodies overall heat stress. Leaning in and celebrating the rainbow of foods is great here.

Perhaps think about a breakfast of eggs and avocado on some sourdough, topped with some healthy nuts, herbs, microgreens, and even some pomegranate molasses for colour. Watermelon and feta salad with some torn basil leaves, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of honey is a crowd-pleasing lunch option, as is finishing with a tray-bake of salmon and vegetables for dinner. Chef’s kiss.

2. Stay healthy on the plane

There is a 3-5 hour flight between you and a beach, the sound of waves, the first few pages of a good book and maybe an all-inclusive dinner. Let’s make these hours count. Unfortunately, planes are one of the easiest places to pick up a bug. They are closed spaces with lots of people, who may or may not be harbouring bugs, and to top it off, there is less opportunity to wash your hands.

Multiple studies show the tray tables and any areas touched in the bathrooms are the dirtiest areas of a plane. So, take some wipes to clean that tray table before you use it, and try and use the bathroom before you fly for shorter flights. Take a personal hand sanitiser or wipes for cleaning your hands on board when you can.

Staying hydrated is really important, as many commercial airlines fly at humidities lower than you are used to. This can dry up the natural defence system of mucus in your nose and throat and make illnesses more likely. Caffeine, fizzy drinks, and alcohol will dehydrate you further during flying, so try and skip these if you can.

Most plane food is ultra-processed and super salty. I hear you ask why? Cabin pressure and dry air actually numbs your tastebuds by about 30%, so airlines compensate intentionally with more salt and seasoning (so that you can stomach the food!). Take your own healthy snacks from home or the airport if you can, to help navigate this salt overload.

3. Try the post-meal walk hack

We all know that trying to exercise before or after work during the long, winter months is hard. The longer, brighter days of summer give us more opportunity to get outside around our working days and get moving.

Your holiday post-meal stroll along the beachfront, the slow walk back to your villa or hotel, or even a wander round the shops is actually super healthy and something your body craves. Even a short, 10-15 minute stroll after meals is highly effective. Light walking after a meal helps your muscles use excess glucose from your meals, rather than storing it as fat, which is great for our waistline and also prevents sugar spikes.

Natural movement of food through your GI tract is also encouraged by your stroll, which can reduce feelings of bloating or heaviness. Alongside the digestive benefits, walking releases endorphins, which will naturally help you to unwind further and relax more into your much needed time away.

Don’t have a trip planned? Use the lighter, warmer nights to re-create these post meal walks at home. They are a great opportunity to increase your steps, be around nature and connect with your loved ones at the same time.

4. Get summer body ready (but not as you think)

So much focus around summer-time is still on getting ‘bikini-body’ (or ‘swimming-trunk body’) ready for your holiday. Maybe you want to take some amazing snaps for social media or even increase your confidence on the beach. The most important thing to know is that you are beautiful as you are. Focusing less on the aesthetics of summer, and instead having a reframe towards care of your bodies actual health, is a much more important mindset.

Health screening is becoming more popular as people realise checking their internal health is a lot more influential for future health and longevity than focusing purely on our external appearance. It may seem less sexy to budget for a blood test to check your liver function, sugar levels, and cholesterol. However, your body will thank you for it. Also, I don’t need to look inside your wardrobe to know you have enough clothes and shoes already (I am sure!), so save your money there and book a health check instead.

Spending 30 to 60 minutes on a health screening appointment, learning about your body and how to optimise certain aspects of your health, will be the best thing you have done this summer. Even if you feel healthy, your body needs an MOT just as much as your car.

thewellplace.uk
@thewellplace_uk

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I spoke with Croc’s actor and puppeteer Chelsea Da Silva, who hails from Nottingham, about how she got the role, what it’s like getting into character as Croc, and why the show is an important and entertaining watch for little ones.​

If you’re looking for July events, The Enormous Crocodile is playing from July 2-5 (from £15pp, trch.co.uk). For more interviews and things to do, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Interview: The Enormous Crocodile’s Chelsea Da Silva

By Eve Smallman
Photos by Danny Kaan

What is your background in musical theatre?

I was technically raised in Nottingham, and I got into musical theatre through a dance school called Tracy Quaife Theatre Dance School. I then went to Nottingham Girls Academy, where performing arts is quite a pivotal subject. I did some shows here and there in secondary school, and then my teacher Miss Horley encouraged me to audition for drama schools during sixth form. I auditioned for CERN, and that’s when I got a place at Italia Conti. I decided to go there for the BA Hons Musical Theatre degree, so I spent three years there in Surrey. I graduated, and then in a year’s time I found myself in this position.

Did you read any Roald Dahl growing up?

Absolutely. Roald Dahl is such an icon. I love Matilda, but my favourite has always been Fantastic Mr Fox. I think Roald Dahl is so great at painting images for kids. All of his language and the way he describes things, they’re so colourful to imagine, and so translating onto a stage production is such a great thing to watch.​

How did you get the part of The Enormous Crocodile?

My agent sent me this audition, and I saw promotions of it at Regent’s Park Theatre in London. I’m always focused on the shows that are happening there, so my agent sent me this audition, and just reading the part I automatically loved it. I knew this character was so fun to play – it is such a mean role, and I find it fun playing male roles and the challenge of that.

​I self-taped for that, sent it through, and got offered the second round in London. I was actually two hours late for the audition because of the tube strikes, which was horrible! Eventually, I got there. I remained calm and did the singing, dancing, and acting auditions.

​In the acting audition, I got introduced to the puppets for the first time, so I met Croc and, I can’t lie, he was scary. The pictures do justice, but in real life he’s menacing. And so we practiced with the puppets, and that’s my first time doing puppetry. Two days later, I got a call from my agent, and I found out I got the job.

What is it like working with puppetry mechanics?

​It was a bit scary, just because I don’t have any personal puppetry experience, so this role has taught me so much about puppetry – especially working with it and knowing how to embody it. It’s like you and the puppet are one.

At the start it was very difficult, especially as Croc is so heavy! I had to do a few press-ups for this one. There is a challenge of strength and maintaining muscular endurance throughout doing an hour show. You wouldn’t think it’s a lot because it is an hour-long show, but it’s so full out – every time Croc moves, I’m moving and responding to other puppets. It’s been really interesting and really fun. Every day I’m learning different things with Croc.

What do you enjoy about the role?

​Seeing the reaction from the kids when they first see my puppet – I get a mix of gasping and crying, but it’s one of them where, as a kid, you know something is scary, but you want to see some more of it. I do think the kids find enjoyment in being introduced to Croc for the first time.

It’s also great seeing, after the show, the happiness and the enjoyment fulfilled. There’s been times where I have finished the show, I’m walking around the city, and people are just coming up to me saying how much they really enjoyed the show, as well as seeing the kids being impacted and being brave in trying to help defeat Croc.

For a lot of the children, it’s their first time watching a theatre show, because it’s for three-year-olds and plus. I definitely enjoy knowing that I’m influencing these kids in a great way and creating a magical memory for them.

How do you get into character as Croc?

​At the start, when I was reading the script, I was thinking of all my favourite evil baddies from different shows, so I thought of Ursula and The Grinch. I was inspired by their funny moments and their evil laughs, so that’s what I used to prep myself for this role.

I also do singing exercises and actually even go to the gym in between, as Croc takes so much energy from me. It’s still so fun to do, so I have to know how to manoeuvre with the puppet whilst singing, whilst dancing, and whilst acting, so I have to keep my cardio up as well. I’m also always looking back at the script and reminding myself of who Croc is.

What do you enjoy about the story?

In terms of transferring the book onto stage, it does this really well – it’s always entertaining and it’s not overbearing, so it’s not overwhelming for kids to process what is happening. I like the fluidity of the show and how the story is very clear, so you know exactly where we are in the story. We start in the swamp and then finish in the jungle.

​I like to see different animals as well throughout the story. We have Trunky the Elephant, who’s very brave in helping defeat Croc. We also have Roly-Poly Bird, Muggle-Wump, and Humpy-Rumpy. I really enjoy seeing all their journeys throughout their story and their character development.

This is on as part of Nottingham Puppet Festival – what do you find interesting about puppets?

There’s different levels of puppetry and different ones move in different ways. In our show, the Roly-Poly Bird moves differently from Trunky the Elephant. I also find it interesting how much energy is required for different puppets and connecting your body to the puppet.​

For Roly-Poly Bird, she’ll have to incorporate her whole body because she only has her hand as the puppet. For Humpy-Rumpy, he needs to embody this shyness, as well as the way he walks needing to mimic a hippopotamus. Then, Trunky the Elephant has to mimic how strong elephant walks are. It’s interesting how, as an actor, you can embody different animals.

Are you excited about performing at Theatre Royal?

​Yes! I performed there throughout my childhood – I was just one of those kids that was such an extra curriculum head. This is probably my fifth time performing at the theatre, and it’s such a full circle moment. I love Nottingham, so I’m incredibly excited to bring the show home.

Why should people go and see The Enormous Crocodile?

​It’s so different from other family shows – whether it’s the lighting, the costumes, or the puppetry – and it’s just so mischievous. It breaks the rules – there’s singing and a bit of horror (but not too scary for the kids!). It’s so different because there’s a bit of everything involved.

It also has such a meaningful message for kids in terms of standing up for yourself. Growing up, you think you’re confident and brave, and then you go to school and meet other kids who may have more confidence than you – but you’re still confident and brave. I think the story does embed that into the kids.

The Enormous Crocodile is playing at Theatre Royal from July 2-5 (from £15pp, trch.co.uk), and is part of Nottingham Puppet Festival which is on until July 5 (mix of free and ticketed events, nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk).

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A note from the editor

I was very sad to see the news about Splendour Festival closing this week. More on this is down below. I have seen a range of chatter about the news, from the mixed reaction to the line-up to the ticket cost (£87pp, but now 2-4-1, alttickets.com)… but I think it’s just important to remember that this is a really excellent event in Nottingham that we’ve now lost.

If you love something here, whether it be an excellent independent restaurant, that local band you’ll always dance to, or that beauty spot you adore walking around, be sure to show up for it. You never know what’s going on behind the scenes, and using it will help ensure it stays.

Here’s hoping for a special Splendour send-off – I’ll see you down at Wollaton Park.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On This Week 🗓️

World Masters Ultimate Club Championship 🥏

When: Until July 4
Where: Nottingham Hockey Centre, University Boulevard
How much: From £5pp

Watch the top frisbee teams in the world battle it out for gold medals during this event that’s on for most of this week. Ultimate frisbee is a fast paced 7-a-side sport that involves players passing a disc between their teammates and around defenders to try and score in end zones. Huge throws, athletic plays, and nail-biting finishes await, as does food and drink, a family meadow, and live entertainment.

Do if: You fancy watching a different sport at its very best (there’s only so much World Cup one can watch, right?).

wmucc.sport

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea 🎾🍓

When: June 29-July 12
Where: Hart’s, Nottingham
How much: From £25.95pp

Celebrate the Wimbledon Championships with a special treat at one of the most luxurious hotels in Nottingham. This features a selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, Hambleton Bakery fruit scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and an assortment of tennis-themed sweet treats, including a tennis ball macaron, mini strawberries and cream, Battenberg cake and mini Pimm’s fruit jelly. You can also add a glass of fizz – prosecco for £10 or champagne for £14.

Do if: You love the Wimbledon aesthetic – this way you can experience it right here in Nottingham.

hartsnottingham.co.uk

Jersey Boys 🎭

When: June 30-July 4
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £15pp

The boys are back, as the original Tony®-winning sensation returns for its 20th anniversary tour. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the true-life musical phenomenon, from the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Scroll further down for our interview with West End star Toby Miles, who plays Bob Gaudio in the show.

Do if: You love musicals with utterly catchy, familiar tunes – expect the likes of December 1963 (Oh What a Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Sherry.

trch.co.uk

Peggy Digs Disney 🎶

When: July 2
Where: Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham
How much: £14pp

Inspired by Dave Brubeck’s classic Dave Digs Disney album, this show reimagines the beloved songs of Disney through the lens of live jazz. There will be live vocal and instrumental renditions of timeless favourites, including He’s a Tramp, Ev’rybody Wants to be a Cat, Alice in Wonderland, and You’ve Got A Friend in Me. All seats are at a table or bar where you can order food and drink with table service, allowing you to enjoy the show without needing to leave your seat.

Do if: You’re looking for a brilliant date night idea – a jazz club with gorgeous music is sure to impress.

peggysskylight.co.uk

Wonderland Festival 🪩

When: July 4
Where: Newstead Abbey
How much: From £54.56pp

One of the UK’s most exciting boutique music events, this vibrant celebration of house, disco, and electronic music is set against the beautiful backdrop of Newstead Abbey. This year’s line-up has a mix of big and new names, including Annie Mac, Sam Divine, Barbara Tucker, Craig Charles, and Horse Meat Disco. It’s worth noting that Nottingham City residents can receive a 10% discount by entering their council tax number and postcode when booking, and that it’s 18+.

Do if: You know spending the day dancing and partying will be just what you need at the end of this week.

wonderlandfest.co.uk

More events:

Theatre 🎭

What’s On Next Month 🗓️

Also… last chance to enter our competition for tickets to either Beyond Gogh or Monet! @thenottsedit

Hot Property 🏡

Want to move into a property without having to lift a finger or a paintbrush? This three-bedroom home in Carlton is really gorgeous. It has plenty of lovely Victorian features, from fireplaces to high ceilings, as well as modern touches such as sleek cabinetry and appliances. The open-plan kitchen dining area is particularly lovely, as is the garden with decking and a low-maintenance patch of lawn. The guide price is £325k, and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley. rightmove.co.uk

Food and Drink 🍔

News 🗞

🎶 Thank you for the music: It was announced on Thursday that July will be the final ever Splendour. Festival organisers cited the cost of staging events, household budgets, and the crowded festival scene as contributing factors. The festival has been around for 18 years, welcoming headliners such as Madness, Pet Shop Boys, and the Kaiser Chiefs, as well as hundreds of local acts. A special 2-for-1 offer has been released, giving the opportunity to buy a day ticket and receive another completely free. Offer applies on like for like general admission tickets. alttickets.com

🐟 Just around the river bend: The River Trent is the third longest river in the UK, but despite its status as a famous watercourse, the origin of its name is murky. One possible origin story – a Gallic nod to its abundant flow of different fish – is now the inspiration for the Trent Rivers Trust. The charity is encouraging people to “fish for the facts,” asking anglers to document their catches via an app over the next 12 months in the hope of finding 30 species. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson played in England’s last two World Cup group games against Ghana and Panama as the Three Lions progressed to the last 32, where they will play Panama. It has been widely reported that a move to Manchester City has been agreed for the Forest midfielder, which would be for a British record fee.

🏏 Cricket

Nottinghamshire opener Ben Duckett scored a first-innings century in England’s third and deciding test against New Zealand, in a match where captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement. England is currently heading towards a heavy defeat.

Meanwhile, Notts Outlaws sit top of the men’s T20 Blast after wins against Kent and Leicestershire. George Munsey made scores of 82 and 75 respectively, and is the current top scorer in the competition.

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I have curated a mixture of these around the city and county. From classical music to all-out festivals and from flowers to award-winning theatre, there really is something for everyone. Uniqueness, seasonality, and value for money have all played into this curation.

These summer events are some of the best things to do in Nottingham this whole year. For more guides and events, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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10 things to do around Nottingham this July

By Eve Smallman

1. Petal Icon Floristry Workshops

When: July 5, July 17, July 19, July 22
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: From £45pp, varies between event

Learn all the art of flower arranging during these workshops, led by petal pro Dani. These include Bloom and Bakes (July 5, Chrispies Bakes, £60pp) for hand-picked bouquet making and cake, Bloom and Bubbles for a luxe experience (July 17, Tom Browns, £65pp), Petal, Prints, and Memories for those with children (July 19, L.E.T.S Baby Massage & More Studio, £50pp), and the chic city-centre based Petals and Prosecco (July 22, Pitcher & Piano, £45pp). No experience is needed, making it suitable for beginners and pros alike.

Do if: You’d like to grow your floristry skills for a special occasion, such as a summer party or wedding.

petal-icon-floristry.sumupstore.com

2. Nottingham Chamber Music Festival

When: July 9-12
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for events

Bringing four days of incredible classical music to some of Nottingham’s most extraordinary spaces, this festival stages performances everywhere from delis to tunnels. Highlights include the opening night Music & Wine: Aquilae Duo at Delilah Fine Foods (July 9, £45pp) and The People’s Hall – Music for Violin with violinist Darragh Morgan (July 11, from £14pp). Be sure to check the website for the full programme.

Do if: Classical music always gives you goosebumps – this is one of the very best ways to experience it in the city.

nottchamberfest.com

3. Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show

When: July 11-12
Where: Belvoir Castle, Grantham
How much: £18pp adult, £7pp child

While not technically in Nottingham, this grand castle is having a gorgeous flower show that’s well-worth the drive for (40 minutes from the city centre). Expect incredible displays and garden showcases from talented designers, then learn from leading horticultural and floral experts through engaging talks for tips and tricks to take home. As well as all the flower power, there will be food and drink, shopping, workshops, and family-friendly activities – so plenty to keep you entertained.

Do if: You need some inspiration for making your garden shine this summer (or just fancy the idea of swanning around a beautiful estate).

belvoircastle.com

4. Beyond Gogh and Monet

When: July 18-August 9
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £27pp

Immerse yourself in the world of art through these mesmerising installations celebrating two of history’s most famous artists. Van Gogh’s masterpieces include The Starry Night, Sunflowers and Café Terrace at Night, while Monet’s dreamlike works feature Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise. We also like the sound of the Beyond High Tea (July 26 Van Gogh, August 5 Monet, £64.58pp) It’s worth noting that tickets are sold separately, as the exhibitions run on different days. Plus, we are hosting a competition for tickets on Instagram.

Do if: You’d love to experience beautiful artworks in a way you’ll remember for years to come.

beyondvangogh.co.uk

5. Splendour

When: July 18-19
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: From £85.60pp adult, from £64.20pp youth, under 17s free, two for one tickets

Nottinghamshire’s biggest festival, Splendour will host two days filled with tunes of all genres. This year’s headliners include The Wombats and Snow Patrol, alongside Editors, Hard Life, Estelle, Craig David and many more. Local acts such as Jayahadadream, Alt Blk Era, Divorce, Archie and the Astronauts will also perform. This will sadly be the last ever Splendour, so be sure to snap up tickets if you’d like to go – they’re even two for one.

Do if: You’d love to spend the weekend singing along to favourite tunes while discovering some new ones too.

splendourfestival.com

6. Operation Mincemeat

When: July 20-August 1
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £28.50pp

The year is 1943 and, right now, we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Operation Mincemeat is the unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II. This show is Olivier Award-winning, the best reviewed show in the West End, and features the reprising cast including Christian Andrews and Seán Carey.

Do if: Historical events always fascinate you – add in a musical touch, and you’re all in.

trch.co.uk

7. Films in the Forest

When: July 24-26
Where: Sherwood Forest. Edwinstowe
How much: £16pp adult, £8.50pp child, £38.50pp family bundle

Outdoor cinema doesn’t get more magical than this. During this film series, you can soak in all the beauty of the iconic woods while watching a wonderful movie. These include Wicked (July 24), How to Train Your Dragon (July 25), Labyrinth (July 25), and Pirates of the Caribbean (July 25). And, of course, there’s both big Robin Hoods – the Disney version and Prince of Thieves (both July 26, so you could always make it a double bill).

Do if: With Major Oak sadly dying, spending time in Sherwood Forest feels like an important idea to you.

visitsherwood.co.uk

8. Notts Pride

When: July 25
Where: Various locations around Nottingham
How much: Free entry

Show your pride at this glittering annual event, which begins with a midday march through the city centre, starting at Lister Gate. From here, Sneinton Market will host the main stage and stalls, while fringe events will take place across Hockley in the newly-crowned Rainbow Quarter. This year’s music line-up includes Nottingham artist and viral sensation LYVIA alongside Manchester-based ballroom and queer collective Ghetto Fabulous. We recommend grabbing a drink from Bustler’s cocktail stand and dancing the day away.

Do if: You’d love to support our city’s LGBTQIA+ community – especially this year, with the Rainbow Quarter now officially recognised.

nottspride.co.uk

9. Gin & Rum Festival

When: July 25
Where: The Nest, Nottingham
How much: From £23.65pp

Spirits seem to go hand in hand with summer, and The Nest is hosting a huge variety of these. More than 120 premium gins, rums and tequilas will be available to sample, while the cocktail bar will demonstrate how to mix them. Your ticket also includes a reusable steel cup and straw, a gin and rum guide and (of course) a drink on the way out. The tickets are either 12.30-6pm or 5-10pm, so you can easily slot it into your Saturday plans.

Do if: You’re looking for tasty tipples to bring to summer parties – and what better way to sample them all first?

thenest.gigantic.com

10. Helios

When: July 29-August 15
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: £5pp, £3pp under 16s, free for under 5s

It’s July, so enjoying the sun is part of the season – and by seeing this exhibition, you can admire its beauty in full. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the artwork features detailed imagery of the sun’s surface, sunlight, and a specially created surround sound composition. It also features the source of the solar flares, which caused the northern lights to be visible from the UK. We particularly like the sound of the sunrise Pilates next month (August 6, 12, and 13, £10pp).

Do if: You love seeing beautiful pieces of art – even better with fascinating information and in a stunning minster.

southwellminster.org

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We visited both during its soft launch period (where there was a handy 25% off) and for its launch party, to get a proper sense of the atmosphere and the quality of the food on offer. We covered our own bill for the meal, but happily nibbled on a free slider or two during the party.

If you’re looking for restaurants to visit in Nottingham, The Beefy Boys is perfect for satisfying burger cravings. For more reviews, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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The Beefy Boys food review

By Sam Swain
Photos by The Notts Edit

I’ve always been partial to a burger. It’s probably the fast food I find myself craving more than most and, thankfully for me, Nottingham has been fairly well serviced, with Bomba, Banquet 1415, and Fat Hippo among the many venues serving up tasty burgers (although Annie’s and Bohn’s, we still think about you). However, the Beefy Boys is a restaurant I had been hoping would make its way to the Midlands.

The Beefy Boys is the brainchild of Anthony Murphy, Daniel Mayo-Evans, Christian Williams and Lee Symonds who, after entering a Bristol burger competition, ended up winning a number of national awards before finishing runner up in the World Food Championships. The popularity grew and they subsequently opened their first restaurant in Hereford in 2015. The brand has grown, with a cookbook, TV appearances and more awards meaning their arrival in Nottingham has been much anticipated.

The restaurant itself is about what you’d expect from a group of men who name their burgers “boys.” There is a subtle American diner feel, but with your hallmark restaurant neon signs – think “Smash ya patty” rather than live, laugh, love. The kitchen is open so you can hear the sizzling as you sit down to eat, and it certainly does get your appetite going.

The rather large menus (seriously, what’s the deal with that? Please fold them), detail the four ways to have your burger – thick, smashed, Oklahoma style, or mustard-fried animal style. After that, there are quite a variety of “boys” to choose from; from the Beefy Boy all the way to a Hell Boy served with a ghost pepper chilli sauce and latex gloves (presumably on the side). There are plenty of American inspired sides and drinks, including wings, loaded fries, and shakes.

I went for a special, the NYC Boy, inspired by a trip to visit George Motz, producer and restaurateur behind Hamburger America, a documentary detailing the history of the hamburger in America, and a restaurant of the same name. Motz is like Doc Brown from Back to Future but for burgers, and what he doesn’t know about burgers probably isn’t worth knowing. The NYC Boy features the hallmarks of a classic smash burger, American cheese, thick cut pickles, and 40-day aged Herefordshire beef.

It’s this that I think sets The Beefy Boys apart from a lot of other burgers. It’s rich and flavourful, juicy without being greasy, with a nice crunchy outer – you don’t need to dress it up in anything fancy or hide low quality produce with stupid amounts of cheese as you often see in viral Instagram videos. I’m also pleased to report that the bun retains structure nicely. While you’re not going to look like the Mona Lisa tucking into a burger, you don’t want to look too feral either. I will be hoping this makes its way to the menu.

That being said, if you do want something less classic and more outrageous, you are catered to, with the options to pile your burger high with breaded mozzarella and pepperoni, pastrami or peanut butter and jelly. Vegetarians are catered to with a choice of bean, mushroom, or plant based meat patty, although options for customisation are more limited here.

One notable add-on is the cheese skirt, which is melted cheese about six inches round that adorns your burger of choice. We did find that, while tasty, did make your burger much harder to eat, and if overdone it becomes a crunchy disc rather than a soft skirt. We did visit during a busy spell during the soft launch though, and it’s definitely something we’d try again.

The milkshakes cannot be recommended enough however. The Kinder Bueno shake was thick and creamy as you’d expect, without being overly sweet, and the whipped cream and chocolate sauce topping was particularly moreish. A note of caution – it’s incredibly filling and would function perfectly as a dessert, unless you’re the kind of person who can consume a ton of calories before actually eating.

Prices range from about £13 for a burger before any upgrades and sides, which is more than a McDonald’s, but comparable with the Five Guys around the corner. I say it’s far superior.

thebeefyboys.com

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Ahead of its performance at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal (June 30-July 4, from £15pp, trch.co.uk), we speak to Miles about his journey through musical theatre, his preparation for this role, and how the show still resonates with audiences today. The show is touring until August 2027 (jerseyboysmusical.co.uk).

If you’re looking for Nottingham theatre events in June and July, this show is worth heading into the city to see. For more interviews and event guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.

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Interview: Jersey Boys’ Toby Miles on performing on the show’s 20th anniversary tour

By Charlotte Brudenell
Photos by Matt Crockett

What is your background in musical theatre?

I’ve always acted and performed ever since I was a child. I was fortunate enough to go to Saturday schools, and my sisters all went to ballet – I think I actually possibly started dancing and just joined them in their lessons. From there, I moved on to joining a Saturday school called Act Too. I did all the AmDram shows there when I was younger, went to a performing arts college, and then I was lucky enough to get a place at drama school. I went to ArtsEd for three years, and then jumped straight into Les Mis. I never planned for it – I just sat down and thought, I’m going to do this.

​Am I right in saying you got the role of Marius when you made your professional debut?

I was at ArtsEd in my 3rd year, and they came in to do an audition at school, and I got a couple of callbacks. I was initially in for Enjolras, I think, and I was then asked if I happened to know Empty Chairs. I’ve just been fortunate ever since really and, now being in Jersey Boys, is a whole other journey, and it’s a massive one. I’m having the best time.

Why are you excited to be in Jersey Boys?

It’s an amazing piece of theatre. It’s been around for so long, for good reason. We’ve actually been lucky enough to work with a lot of the original team. We’ve had a lot of the musical legends that were involved in creating the piece initially working with us one on one. That’s probably the best part of it so far – working with those people, the stories they’re coming out with about even the characters and the people the piece is based on. They’re literally friends with them!​

Everyone knows the music, everyone knows Frankie Valli, everyone knows the Four Seasons. The songs are iconic. So I think generations of all ages will love it. The story’s incredible. It’s a real story, a true story, with all the grit of what actually happened to the group, their relationships, as well as when things built and when things broke down.

What have rehearsals been like so far?

It’s been intense – there’s been so much to learn, obviously, but it’s just been fun the whole way. It’s a fairly small cast, and everyone gets on so incredibly well. It’s really been one of the funnest rehearsal processes I’ve been in. We’re touring for quite a long time as well, so we really get a chance to be in the piece, let it develop, and let layers add and add and build.

Have you been to Nottingham before?

Yes – I did Mamma Mia there quite a number of years ago and loved it [Toby played Sky]. I’m looking forward to being back, and it’s our first stop on the tour after we open in Wimbledon. When you head out on tour, you’re back on the road, you’re leaving family and stuff, and you don’t get to see them as much, but then you get the bonuses of exploring cities like Nottingham and having a great time while you’re away.

Why do you think people should go and see the show?

If it’s not for the music, it’ll be for the story. Both of them are just as enticing to get people in there, and both are just a reason to come and see it. It’s such a brilliant story with music everyone knows and loves.

Jersey Boys is playing at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham from June 30-July 4. (trch.co.uk) and is touring until August 2027 (jerseyboysmusical.co.uk).

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From the editor:

Last week was a real wave of emotions here in the Shire. I was full of immense pride for the Rainbow Quarter opening on Wednesday, and then full of sadness on Thursday for Major Oak’s death. Playwright James Graham told the BBC:

“It’s something about the quiet dignity of a great tree that feels symbolic, I think, of the character of [our county]. We had one of the great trees of the country, if not the world, and it was ours.” 

These lines, as well as this poem from Nottingham’s Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson, have really stuck with me.

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Notts Going On

By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain

What’s On 🗓️

Hot Pot 🎭

When: June 25
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £16pp adult, £12pp concessions

In this tale of friendship, love, and authenticity, four Chinese friends reunite at a hot pot restaurant after the pandemic. As they reminisce and boast of their achievements, idealism fades into pragmatism. Will their friendships endure? Can old flames reignite? Amidst a queer-unfriendly environment, can they openly discuss gay sexuality? A Q&A discussion will follow the performance, chaired by Dr Xing Huang – a Chinese queer studies scholar from the University of Nottingham.

Do if: You’d like to educate yourself about the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community face.

lakesidearts.org.uk

England V New Zealand Test Match 🏏

When: June 25-29
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £45pp adult, from £15pp junior

Trent Bridge will play host to the deciding match of a three Test series against New Zealand this week. Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue will likely feature, while Ben Stokes has been recalled to the side. A day at the Test, with all of the drama and that glorious aesthetic, makes it a perfect way to spend a summer’s day. Limited tickets remain.

Do if: You fancy a relaxed day out – this is cricket at its most classic.

tickets.trentbridge.co.uk

Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience 🎶

When: June 26
Where: St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Newark
How much: From £20pp

This beautiful church is set to be aglow with hundreds of candles, for a mesmerising concert filled with songs from the iconic Fleetwood Mac. A string trio will perform the band’s greatest hits, from energetic tunes such as Go Your Own Way and The Chain to softer songs like Dreams and Gypsy. There are two sittings – one at 7pm and one at 9pm – so you can choose whatever time works best.

Do if: You’re looking for a romantic date night idea for the one you want to be with everywhere.

lumos-experiences.com

Nottingham Puppet Festival 🎭

When: June 27-July 5
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for

Returning after a hiatus, this festival is set to transform libraries, community centres, cinemas, and theatres into spaces filled with puppets. The event kicks off this Saturday with the City Centre Day on June 27, where there will be a trail of free performances and walkabouts. On other dates, puppets will be hitting the stage, such as Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile at Theatre Royal (July 2-5, from £15pp). Be sure to check out the site for all the activities.

Do if: You’re looking for a fun way to capture your children’s imagination – puppets of all sizes are truly mesmerising.

nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk

Birds of Prey Afternoon Tea 🦉

When: June 28
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: £10.50pp adult and £6.50pp child for just the show, £42pp adult and £15.50pp child with afternoon tea

During this exciting event, you’ll see six birds of varying sizes and species swooping and diving to gorgeous periodic music. This will allow you to get incredibly close to the birds for a thrilling experience. After the display, there will be a photo opportunity where you can ask questions and take close-up photos with the birds. Choose to either stay afterwards for afternoon tea, or simply watch the show and depart.

Do if: You love seeing falcons and owls and/or are looking for a day out that will enthral the family.

norwoodpark.co.uk

More events:

Weddings 💐

Hot Property 🏡

We’re loving the landscaped gardens outside this three-bedroom Hucknall property. Inside you’ll find a cosy living room with characterful beams, a kitchen with very red cabinets (bold colours are in at the moment…), and a spacious bathroom. Outside is an abundance of colour, with flowers and trees out front that add a layer of privacy, while out back there is a lawn and patio space perfect for container planting and al fresco dining. Offers over £260k are being accepted, and it’s marketed by Bairstow Eves. rightmove.co.uk

Graduation 🎓

News 🗞

🌳 A true loss: The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees, is believed by experts to have died. The ancient oak is estimated to have lived in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire for up to 1,200 years, and is considered one of Britain’s biggest oak trees. The RSPB said a combination of issues – including years of “well-intentioned structural intervention and huge amounts of human activity” around the tree – were thought to be “major contributors.” bbc.co.uk

🏳️‍🌈 All the pride: The Rainbow Quarter in Hockley has officially launched, with a ceremony on Wednesday firmly opening it. Plans for the Rainbow Quarter – made up of Broad Street, Carlton Street and Heathcote Street – were announced at Notts Pride in July 2025. Sam Harvey, co-director of the Nottingham Pastel Project, is spearheading the initiative, and told the BBC that the quarter was “really going to increase Nottingham’s visibility on the LGBT stage.” bbc.co.uk

💚 Statue story: If you walk through Nottingham’s Green Heart park, you will see a bronze statue of two women clasping hands. The Standing in this Place sculpture represents the stories of women working in factories and cotton mills in the Midlands and enslaved women in the cotton fields of the US and the Caribbean. But what many passers-by will be unaware of is the real-life story of one of the models for the sculpture. This BBC feature delves into this beautifully. bbc.co.uk

Scores on the Doors 🏆

🌳 Nottingham Forest

Elliot Anderson played 90 minutes of England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the Three Lions’ opening game of the World Cup. The Reds midfielder, who has been linked to Man City for what would likely be a British record transfer fee, showed why Thomas Tuchel has backed him in the heart of England’s midfield.

🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club

Nottinghamshire suffered their first defeat of the County Championship season with a defeat to Somerset last week before a resounding innings victory over Essex. Jack Haynes made 132, while Liam Patterson-White took 9 match wickets, including 6-43 in the first innings.

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