Notts Going On — Gloworm Festival and a new afternoon tea spot
Owls and jazz, a Georgian cottage in Epperstone, heritage and stars, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
A note from the editor
Hope you’re all enjoying this sunshine – especially as it has been slightly less relentless! Just letting you all know that there won’t be a weekend read this week, as I’m having a break for my birthday. However, we have updated our days out with the kids article for the summer holidays, and there will still be a midweek review. Oh, and there are some very cool articles in the pipeline, so keep an eye on your inbox for them.
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Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On This Week 🗓️
Owl Babies Experience 🦉
When: August 4 and 18
Where: Rufford Abbey Country Park
How much: £5pp
Presented by Go Falconry, this adorable session is perfect for families and young animal lovers. The session will begin with a touch of storytime magic, before getting to meet the feathery owls from just a short distance away. You’ll also learn sweet secrets about them, such as how they fly silently, why their eyes are so big, and how they grow from tiny fluffballs to great birds. The sessions are at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, and 45 minutes each.
Do if: You’re looking for an outdoorsy summer holiday treat that’ll entertain the whole family.
Summer Camargo 🎶
When: August 6
Where: Peggy’s Skylight, Nottingham
How much: £12.50pp
Recently named as one of the rising stars of jazz by DownBeat magazine, New York based trumpeter and composer Summer Camargo is known for performing at NYC jazz clubs like Dizzy’s and Birdland – and is now coming to our city’s own jazz club, Peggy’s Skylight. Here, she’ll perform an intimate evening of music with the Andrew Wood Trio. All seats are at a table or bar where you can order food and drink with table service.
Do if: You’ve been searching for a summer date night idea that’s something unique and special.
Gloworm Festival 🐛💡
When: August 7-9
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: From £57.75pp adult, £46.75pp child, £198pp family ticket
Celebrating its 10th birthday and returning to Thoresby Park, Gloworm offers the chance to meet TV favourites including Bluey and Bing, sing along to tribute acts, and take part in everything from arts and crafts to laser tag. You can all see the dedicated Playmobil play tent, White Post Farm’s animals, and colourful circus acts. Campers can also enjoy a pamper area and morning campsite activities this year. It’s worth noting that this is particularly suitable for little ones from 0-13.
Do if: You have children and would love a day where you can happily say ‘yes’ to almost everything they want to do.
Shrek Jr. The Musical 🎭
When: August 7-8
Where: Squire Performing Arts Centre, Nottingham
How much: £14pp
Thought love was only true in fairytales? Think again, with this stage production of Shrek Jr performed by young cast members, all who have learned it in a week. When Lord Farquaad banishes a bunch of misfits to the swamp, Shrek sets out on a whirlwind adventure with his trusty steed Donkey. Can he save Fiona… in more ways than one? Expect plenty of laughs and tunes that you’ll happily sing along to.
Do if: You’d like to see a feel-good show – all the better for being performed by our own up-and-coming talent.
Robin Hood Festival 🏹
When: August 8-9 and 29-31
Where: Sherwood Forest, Edwinstowe
How much: Free entry, costume competition entry £3pp, £15 per vehicle parking
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Robin Hood Festival is returning to the iconic Sherwood Forest with spectacular arena shows, performances and displays for all ages, inspired by Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Expect medieval jousting, combat demonstrations, drama, comedy, storytelling, music and more. This weekend sees the wizards, witches, and wardrobes costume competition, with categories for 14 and under, and 15+.
Do if: You’d love to embrace the spirit of Nottinghamshire’s most famous export.
More events:
What’s On This Month 🗓️
Nottingham August events — 10 of the best things to do this month
One of the busiest times of year is well underway – and there are plenty of August events to make the most out of this around Nottingham.
Summer Holidays ☀️
Days out with the kids around Nottingham — 5 of the best places to go
Whether it’s the summer holidays or you’re looking for a special activity, there are plenty of places around Nottingham for days out with the kids.
Last Chance to See 🎨
Beyond Monet and Van Gogh in Nottingham — exhibition review
The Beyond Monet and Van Gogh immersive exhibitions at the Motorpoint Arena are on until this Sunday.
Hot Property 🏡
A spacious Georgian home, this three-bedroom cottage in Epperstone is full of characterful charm. Inside you’ll find a kitchen with a wooden breakfast bar, a huge wall wine rack, and wooden beams – the latter of which stretch across the whole living space. We especially like the dining room with a wood-burning stove – perfect for cosy evening meals. Upstairs, the bedrooms are light and inviting, while the farmhouse-style bathroom has a walk-in shower and a large bath. Outside has a stone patio and just the right amount of lawn space. The guide price is £625k and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley Mapperley. rightmove.co.uk
News 🗞
🍰 Time for tea: Love finding gorgeous spots for tea and cake? Rufford Abbey Country Park has opened the Abbey Kitchen Tea House and Garden – a boutique dining destination built directly inside the Abbey’s 12th-century vaulted stone rooms. The Grade I listed kitchen has been transformed with a striking, bespoke botanical ceiling installation and warm pendant lighting. Here, you can dine on a traditional Victorian afternoon tea (£19.95pp) served on signature rustic birdcage stands, alongside casual walk-in takeaway options for weekend visitors. ruffordabbey.co.uk
☎️ Ringing endorsement: The K6 phone box in Hockley, which sits just outside No. 1 Lloyds, is now Grade II listed. This was converted into an information hub for vulnerable people back in January, thanks to Framework and Nottingham Recovery Network, with support from It’s in Nottingham. This means it is now protected both as a source of hope for the city and an important part of Nottingham’s heritage. @itsinottingham
🎭 Stars in their eyes: Nottingham Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for the regional premiere of Shirebrook’s Beth Steel’s Olivier-nominated West End hit, Till the Stars Come Down. This includes Joe Alessi, Leah Brotherhead, and Emma Pallant, as well as Ellie Daley, Anya Marshall and Amelia Yates, all from the Television Workshop. The show is set in Mansfield, and follows a wedding night as family feuds and resentments come to the forefront. It is on from September 5-26 and tickets are from £14.50pp. nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Scores on the Doors 🏆
⚽ Football
Mansfield Town and Notts County get their 2026/27 seasons underway this week, starting with the EFL Cup. Mansfield will host Sheffield United on Sunday, while Notts will travel to Burnley on Saturday.
🏏 Cricket
Notts Outlaws sit second in Group A of the One Day cup with a game in hand on leaders Leicestershire. The mens Trent Rockets sit top of the standings after back-to-back wins over Birmingham Phoenix and SunRisers Leeds, while the women are second after beating SunRisers. England men have appointed Steven Fleming as head coach. The New Zealander captained Notts to the County Championship in 2005.
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