10 things to do in Nottingham this April
10 things to do in Nottingham this April
Dazzling fairs and fantastic festivals are all hitting our city this month...
The sun is finally out, making it an ideal time to scout out things to do in Nottingham this April.
Whether you're looking for half-term treats, artsy entertainment, or dazzling shows, there is an incredible variety of events around Nottingham this month.
We've rounded up our top ones to pop into your calendar and book ASAP, but do sign up for our newsletters to get Notts Going On in your inbox, if you want to keep posted on various goings-on throughout the month.
And, as ever, if you'd like to feature your event in our guide for May, send us an email at editor@thenottsedit.com.
10 things to do in Nottingham this April
By Eve Smallman
1. Vintage Fun Fair 🎡👣
When: March 29-April 14
Where: Wollaton Park, Nottingham
How much: Parking £5, tokens £1.20 each
You can enjoy all the fairground fun in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Park, thanks to the dazzling Traditional Vintage Fun Fairs. They'll be there every day from 10:30am-7pm, making it an ideal option for lunchtime or afternoon entertainment. Have a swing at the coconut shy, balance on the cakewalk, and of course ride on the magnificent carousel. The rides all require tokens which you can purchase there on the day. There is even an adorable candy floss stall, just to sweeten the deal even further.
Do if: You're looking for good old-fashioned half-term fun.
wollatonhall.org.uk
@traditionalvintagefunfairs
2. Nottingham International Market 😋🛍️
When: April 3-7
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Entry free
This is one of our favourite events that pops up in Old Market Square throughout the year. You can feast on a huge variety of different foods from countries in Europe and beyond. We're talking dishes from Spain, Morocco, France, and more, as well as desserts such as New York cheesecake and waffles. As well as tasty bites, you can also shop gifts and trinkets like bonsai trees, candles, handmade jewellery, and Spanish handbags.
Do if: You want a really great excuse to venture into the city centre.
3. Timisien Luminarium 👣
When: April 4-13
Where: Chesterfield Road Park, Mansfield
How much: £3pp
Mansfield is hosting a world-renowned art installation, which will provide a mesmerising multi-sensory experience. Punters can walk through cave-like domes and labyrinth tunnels, with reflections of lights and colour moving through the walls. It sounds like a lot, but it's actually supposed to be very relaxing, so it might be just the thing to chill out the kids and you, too. You can prebook or pay on arrival too, but many slots are sold out already, so you might want to pre-plan your visit.
Do if: You want to get out of the house and do something truly unique during half term.
4. The Wizard of Oz 🎭
When: April 9-13
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £23.50pp
See the yellow brick road roll out in full glory at this fabulous theatre show. RuPaul's Drag Race's The Vivienne stars as The Wicked Witch of the West, who has plenty of charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, so you are sure to be in for a real show. Songs from the classic film such as Over the Rainbow will be performed, as well as additional ones from the iconic duo Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice. There is limited availability on all the dates, so you should click your red heels and grab them if you're keen.
Do if: You want to swot up on your Wizard of Oz knowledge before the new Wicked film comes out.
5. Nottingham Puppet Festival 🎭🎨💬
When: April 9-21
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Prices vary, plenty free
This city-wide, community-led event is all about celebrating the beauty of puppets and the clever people who bring them to life. It has commissioned and called in works both big and small to fill the streets with a variety of performances, workshops, talks, and more. Highlights include puppeteer Ronnie Le Drew (who moved Rainbow's Zippy) in conversation at Theatre Royal on April 9, the City Centre Day puppet takeover on April 13, and the Puppet Cabaret Eurovision Sock Contest at the Royal Concert Hall on April 20.
Do if: You're looking for joyous, fun entertainment (for you and/or the kids).
nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk
6. Side Quest and Four Far Away 🎭
When: April 12
Where: Malt Cross, Nottingham
How much: £6pp full, £4pp concessions
Set off on a comedy adventure like no other at this interactive theatre night. In Side Quest, you can create your own character sheet and then watching your protagonist come to life. Don't worry, you won't need to go on stage yourself — the Sheffield improvisers will act it all out for you. This is giving us big Dungeons and Dragons energy. Meanwhile in Four Far Away, four improvisers will craft a magical world based on your suggestion, which could be anything from a sci-fi land to a fantasy landscape.
Do if: You're searching for an energetic, fun way to spend a Friday night.
7. Samsung Flip Park Notts 💬👣
When: April 13
Where: Outside Tram Line Spot and inside Nottingham Contemporary
How much: Free
Our city has a wonderful skating scene, which you can join in with at this jam-packed day. It will include skateboarding coaching, design workshops, panel discussions, yoga for skaters, and even skate photography workshops led by Olympic skate photographer Garry Jones. The best pic from the day will be presented with a special Samsung prize. The events run throughout the day and can be booked on the Eventbrite site.
Do if: You've always wanted to learn how to do a cool skate trick.
8. Evolution Drone Light Show 🎭
When: April 19
Where: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, West Bridgford
How much: £20pp adults, £15pp children
See the story of the evolution of the world like you never have before in this fascinating drone show that will be lighting up Trent Bridge. From the beginnings as organisms to the dinosaur era, right up to modern days, you'll be able to watch the universe unfold. Doors open two hours before the event and there will be plenty of vendors offering food and drink, as well as a DJ playing tunes.
Do if: You've enjoyed the drone shows on the New Year's countdown.
9. Bam Margera Q&A 💬
When: April 22
Where: Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
How much: £22.50pp
The Jackass and Viva La Bam star is hitting Rescue Rooms for a night of unfiltered stories from his wild life of stunts, rock and roll, and fame. The skateboarding pro has been through quite a lot, but he's now officially ready to reconnect with his fans and take on any questions they may have. Joining him will be podcaster and former Kerrang! Radio DJ Matt Stocks to help get all the good info about him.
Do if: You want to found out how those Jackass pranks were done.
10. Beeston Film Festival 📽️
When: April 23-28
Where: The Arc Cinema, Beeston
How much: £5pp per show
Now in its 10th year, the Midlands’ biggest international short film festival is back and ready to get Beeston buzzing. This is the first year they will be showing full length films as well as shorter ones, and it's also the first time the festival has been extended to six days. Feature films include Ken Loach's reputedly final film The Old Oak and the rarely-screened South African film Mapantsula. The site has a handy programme on it (see here), making it easy to work out what films are on and which ones you can screen back to back.
Do if: You want to expand your cinematic palette.