What to do in and around Nottingham this November
What to do in and around Nottingham this November
Our top 10 events for the month, plus where you can see fireworks this weekend
November is always a funny month. Halloween has been and gone, but it isn’t Christmas just yet (although if you’ve already raided the mince pies, we aren’t judging!). That being said, there’s still lots going for it — including plenty of things to see and do, right here in Nottingham.
We’ve rounded up our top events for the month, plus listed out where you can actually see fireworks this weekend (because, if you didn’t know, the Forest Rec won’t be hosting them this year).
10 things to do in Nottingham this November
From festive crafts to lots of laughs, here are the events you should have on your radar this month.
1. Nottingham Comedy Festival
What: Comedy (yes, it’s in the name)
When: November 3-11
Where: All over Nottingham city centre
Price: Each show sold separately, from £6
The festival is celebrating 15 whole years of bringing comedy to our city’s streets, and its line-up does not disappoint. Many of the tickets are £6, going up slightly more for bigger names. Local acts to keep an eye out for include Katie Mitchell and MissImp, while larger acts include Josh Berry and Dan Webber. Performances are everywhere from The Playwright to Canalhouse.
nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk
2. An Evening with Stuart Broad
What: Talk
When: November 8
Where: Royal Concert Hall
Price: From £32.50
The legendary England and Nottinghamshire cricketer will be telling stories of his sporting fame, with plenty of tales to tell from his 17-year career. He is England’s second-highest all-time leading wicket-taker and he has just retired, with Trent Bridge even naming an end after him. Only tier-two seats remain, so you might want to get in there quick if you do want to see him.
Do if: You want to hear from one of the Midlands’ best sportsmen.
3. Wine Tasting with Laithwaites
What: Food and drink
When: November 9
Where: Nottingham Football Rugby Club
Price: £35
Christmas isn’t far away, and if you want to make a start on your festive gifts/holiday drinks selection, this is the evening for you. With over 100 wines available to try and 20 winemakers in attendance, you can sip and swirl your way through the evening to find the tipple you like the most. There will also be beers and spirits on offer, mini-masterclasses to attend, and spittoons (thankfully).
Do if: You love trying new wines and want to do so with expert help.
4. Lustre 2023
What: Makers’ fair
When: November 10-12
Where: Lakeside Arts
Price: Free
Let’s be honest: finding treasures made by local artists is much more special than just going to a store. Head down to the University of Nottingham to discover the wares that 50 artists have to offer, with stalls including jewellery, textiles, ceramics, glass, leather, wood, and more. You can even commission pieces if you want something extra unique.
Do if: You want a head start on seasonal gift shopping.
5. Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
What: Crafting
When: November 12
Where: Debbie Bryan, Ruddington
Price: £65
Make your front door look worthy of a Christmas card by making your own dried flower wreath during this workshop. All the materials are provided in the ticket price, which also includes expert guidance on how to craft yours to perfection. There are two classes — one at 11:30am and one at 3am — so you can head on down at whatever time suits you best.
Do if: You want a mindful afternoon creating something really rewarding.
6. Top Ten Scandals of Sherwood Forest
What: Talk
When: November 15
Where: Worksop Library
Price: £3
Sure — you might think you know all the tales of Sherwood Forest, thanks to Robin Hood and his Merry Men. But what about the juicy stuff? Join local author and historian Adrian Gray as he retells ten scandalous events that happened in the area. The event is at 2pm, so if you do have an afternoon free and want to learn something new, this could be a fascinating way to fill your time.
Do if: You love learning about the area’s local history.
7. Macrame Christmas Tree Garland Workshop
What: Crafting
When: November 19
Where: Handmade Nottingham
Price: £30
It might be slightly too early to deck your halls, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t start thinking about it — or even start making your own decorations. You’ll learn how to create macrame knots, how to trim them, and how to string them together with twine. After you’ve made them, you’ll be able to take your crafty creations home with you, to decorate with or to gift.
Do if: You want to bring a little bit of love into your festive decor this year.
8. Lucy Beaumont: The Trouble and Strife
What: Comedy
When: November 22
Where: Nottingham Playhouse
Price: £24.50
This comedian is on the current series of Taskmaster, and she has been superbly sweet and funny on that. In this show, she will be delving into her past before meeting her husband (Jon Richardson of 8 out of 10 Cats fame). Her stand-up is award-winning, so you should be in for plenty of laughs. The performance is a re-scheduled show, but there are still a few seats left.
Do if: You need a mid-week pick-me-up.
9. George Gadd + The Aftermath, Weird Elements, Los Fatso Libres
What: Music
When: November 25
Where: The Bodega
Price: £10
It’s always a great thing to support local musicians, and our county has such a vibrant music scene filled with talented acts. Three of these will be performing as tribute acts for one night only, with George Gadd + The Aftermath covering Green Day, Weird Elements covering Blink 182, and Los Fatso Libres covering The Offspring. The Bodega is a really cool, intimate venue, making it a great place to dance to your favourite tunes.
Do if: You want to relive your ‘00s pop-punk days (eyeliner not mandatory).
10. Rhymes Against Humanity
What: Comedy
When: November 26
Where: John Godber Centre, Hucknall
Price: From £12
Have you ever been to a stage show where you’ve decided what happens? Now’s your chance to tick that off your list. The artists will pick a musical theme from a hat of audience suggestions, and create scenes and songs around this theme. We’ll treat anyone who puts in ‘Mushy Peas: The Musical’. This group have played lots of big stages with this concept, so you can expect them to be well-skilled, even if they aren’t well-rehearsed.
Do if: You fancy an evening of fun outside of the city centre.
Where you can see fireworks in Nottingham this year
Love seeing sparks fly into the night sky? We’ve put together a quick list of fireworks displays from all over the county. Note that we have only included ones that aren’t sold out yet.
November 4
The Bridge, Sandiacre: 6.30pm, free
Forest Town Arena, Mansfield: 5.30pm, £5
The Martin’s Arms, Colston Bassett: 6pm, free
Treswell Village Hall: 6pm, £2
November 5
The Cross Keys, Epperstone: 7pm, £5
Southwell Rugby Club: 6.30pm, £5
Oxton Village Hall: 5.30pm, £6 (must be booked in advance)
Woodborough Fireworks Display: 6pm, price not stated