Nottingham July events — 10 things to do this month
Festivals, fabulous exhibitions, flowers, and more...
After a scorching start to the season, stepping outside may be the last thing on your mind – but these Nottingham July events will make you want to go out exploring, fan in hand.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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