Notts Going On — Newark Book Festival and Big City Reads
Flowers and theatre, a cottage in Selston, free books, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
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.
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.
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.
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?).
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.
More events:
Health and Wellbeing ☀️
Summer wellness — 4 tips from a West Bridgford clinical practitioner
Summer is a time for holidays, sunshine, and making the most of longer days, but it can also bring unique challenges for our health. That’s why we’ve asked Jessica Ross from THE WELL PLACE for her top tips.
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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