Notts Going On — Winter Wonderland and Beyond Van Gogh and Monet
Festive events, an award-winning home in Attenborough, artsy news, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On — your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
I’m delighted to announce that I’ve been shortlisted for the Women in Journalism Georgina Henry Award for The Notts Edit. The award recognises supports the brightest new industry ideas, in memory of The Guardian’s late deputy editor, Georgina Henry, who was also a former Women in Journalism chair. You can find out more about the award and the other shortlisted women on womeninjournalism.co.uk
I’ll be attending the Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards in London this Wednesday. Having this recognition is just beyond anything I could have dreamed, and I’m thrilled to be shortlisted. Thank you so much for all your support over the last two years of The Edit.
✉️ Enjoyed this week’s edition? Subscribe for free to get our articles in your inbox. Notts Going On gets sent out every Monday, and then we also send out a weekend read.
Already subscribed to The Notts Edit? Thank you! You can also share us with friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who might like what we do. The more people that know about us, the more we can help discover the best of the rebel county.
☕ And, if you want to support our writing, you can buy us a coffee for just £5 on Ko-fi. We’re an independent publication and don’t put any articles behind paywalls, nor fill the site with ads.
Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On 🗓️
A Christmas Carol Ballet 🎄
When: November 11
Where: Mansfield Palace Theatre
How much: £24pp adult, £18pp child
This classic tale has been reimagined in lots of different formats (our favourite is The Muppets one) — but this theatre performance brings it to life in a new ballet format. Watch Ebenezer Scrooge discover the true meaning of Christmas, with the help of three ghosts. Festive carols, breathtaking costumes, and intricate choreography will all make the story dazzle on the stage.
Do if: You’d like to watch an enchanting performance with all the nostalgia.
Nottingham Winter Wonderland 🎄
When: November 12-December 31
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
You might have seen it being built, but we can confirm that Winter Wonderland will finally be open from Wednesday. Enjoy a frosty drink at the Ice Bar or a cosy mulled wine at the Sur La Piste (both can be pre-booked), delve into street food (ours is a Yorkshire pudding wrap), and shop at local and national stalls for festive gifts. You can even see a twinkly view of the city centre by hopping on the big wheel.
Do if: You’re just about ready to embrace Christmas (the adverts are out, aren’t they?).
nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk
Songs and Scones 🎶
When: November 12
Where: Hucknall Library
How much: £3pp
Who doesn’t love a cup of tea, a lovely scone, and some social music-making? This event is all about bringing people together with uplifting live music by professionals. The performance will last for an hour, before refreshments are served. It is particularly suitable for older people, including those living with dementia and their carers. Tickets are down to the last few, so be sure to be quick if you’d like to go.
Do if: You or someone you know would love to see some friendly faces and have a chat this week.
Brian Bilston x The Catenary Wires 🎶
When: November 13
Where: Metronome, Nottingham
How much: £22pp
One of the UK’s most popular poets, Brian Bilston, rose to fame after sharing his poems online. But this performance steps outside the screen, and will showcase a collection of song-poems with The Catenary Wires, who took thirteen of Brian’s poems and created melodies and arrangements. Expect witty lyrics that are often poignant and sometimes political with a pop feel.
Do if: You’ve always liked the idea of getting into poetry, and love a bit of toe-tapping music.
Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons 🕯️
When: November 14
Where: Nottingham Contemporary
How much: £30.50pp
Discover the beauty of The Four Seasons during this concert, which will be played by a string quartet. They’ll be surrounded by glowy candles, creating a unique atmospheric setting in one of Nottingham’s most iconic art galleries. Only tickets for the 6pm sitting remain, so you could head here and then go out for cocktails or dinner in the city to round the night off.
Do if: You’re looking for a romantic (yet cosy) date night idea.
More events:
Food and Drink 🍫
Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates is making award-winning treats in Sneinton Market
When eating a bar of chocolate, you likely don’t think about where it’s come from or how it’s made — but Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates might just change your mind on the importance of these aspects.
Hot Property 🏡
Love being toasty? This architect-designed home in Attenborough scooped up an award for its clever glass and insulation, and is now on the market. Step inside and you’ll find a retro interior fitting of its ‘80s build, with exposed brickwork and beams, as well as tiled flooring. We particularly like the white and wooden kitchen and the conservatory, which are both very characterful. Outside, there’s a peaceful garden, with a pond, pergola, and rare plants and shrubs. It’s marketed by HoldenCopley, and the guide price is £525k-£550k. rightmove.co.uk
News 🗞
🖼️ Works of art: Ever seen the Monet and Van Gogh exhibitions on socials, and wished you could go? The immersive experiences are coming to the Motorpoint Arena from July 18-August 7 2026. You’ll be able to see artworks by the two artists reimagined in new ways, as well as enjoying the reflection room. Tickets for each are sold separately, start from £14pp, and family and VIP tickets are available. beyondvangogh.co.uk / beyondmonet.co.uk
📖 Fresh read: The New Nottingham Journal is launching its first edition this week. The print magazine will feature non-fiction, fiction, and poetry from writers around the world. At the helm is Andrew Tucker Leavis, who is a freelance writer and literary editor at LeftLion. It is having its launch party at Nottingham Central Library from 7pm on Friday. newnottinghamjournal.com / eventbrite.com
🎨 New perspectives: The Guardian featured the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green last week, delving into the fact the art gallery is being run permanently by a citizens’ assembly. New Art Exchange believes it is first cultural institution in world to hand permanent leadership to the community, who decide everything from where money should be spent to which artists should exhibit. theguardian.com
Scores on the Doors 🏆
🌳 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest secured their first win under Sean Dyche with a 3-1 win over Leeds United. Forest fell behind in the 13th minute, but Ibrahim Sangaré equalised just two minutes later. Morgan Gibbs-White headed home to put the Reds ahead, and Elliot Anderson tucked home a penalty late on to secure the points. The Reds also drew 0-0 away at Sturm Graz in the Europa League. Forest remain 19th in the Premier League heading into the international break.
🦌 Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town were beaten 2-1 away to Northampton Town in League One, despite taking the lead with Rhys Oates early in the first half. Manager Nigel Clough marked five years as Stags boss last week, the second-longest stint at a club, and has taken the club from the bottom end of League Two to potential playoff candidates in League One in that time.
🏒 Nottingham Panthers
Nottingham Panthers picked up two wins in two games, with a 6-2 win over Manchester Storm before Mitch Fossier scored a hat trick in a 4-1 win away at Fife Flyers. After 10 games, the Panthers sit atop the Elite League 16 points.
🤳 Keep up with us on socials on Instagram and TikTok
✉️ Send stories such as press releases and feature ideas to editor@thenottsedit.com
💰 Want to feature your business in The Notts Edit? Email Eve Smallman at editor@thenottsedit.com to receive our media pack
☕ Enjoying The Notts Edit? Buy us a coffee on Ko-Fi and help fuel our words