Notts Going On — Varna International Ballet and The Death of Robin Hood
Mindful workshops, a characterful home in Alexandra Park, film trailers, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
Have you been enjoying the snow? Some areas seemed to get lots of it, and others didn’t! Either way, it’s definitely hot chocolate and blanket weather. If you’re in the city centre and need a pick-me-up, my ultimate favourite hot chocolates are Coco Tang’s (@cafecocotang) which are made with real chocolate flakes.
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Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On 🗓️
Varna International Ballet 🩰
When: January 12-14
Where: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
How much: From £25pp
Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet is here in Nottingham for three days of stunning performances. On Monday and Tuesday they’ll perform the romantic ballet Swan Lake which follows swan queen Odette, while on Wednesday they’ll perform the festive fantasy ballet The Nutcracker which showcases a unique fairytale world. Both shows will be accompanied by a live orchestra.
Do if: You have watched ballet before on TV, but have always wondered what it’s like in real life.
2026 IIHF Continental Cup 🏒
When: January 14-17
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £16.75pp
Our very own Nottingham Panthers are set to take on a range of teams from Europe’s top leagues, with them all battling it out during this major European ice hockey tournament. The tournament kicks off on Wednesday, with the Panthers’ first game at 7.30pm against HK Mogo. Individual game and day tickets are available, as well as all-in tournament passes.
Do if: You keep meaning to catch a Panthers game – this is the perfect time of year for ice hockey, and it will be a brilliant introduction to the team, too.
Embracing Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Retreat 🕯️
When: January 16
Where: The Place Activity Centre, Sherwood
How much: £22.38pp
Head to Sherwood for a soul-soothing session that invites you to view winter through a hygge lens. Start by sipping on the finest grade of cacau, which will help you relax into learning practical tools to support your mood and wellbeing. These will include uplifting colour therapy, creative art, and meditation. The session will be led by Rachel, who is an experienced mental health professional. Bring your favourite blanket and be ready to fully relax.
Do if: You’re feeling the winter blues and want to learn how to get out of that mindset.
Ibiye Camp: layt de kam 🖼️
When: January 17-March 7
Where: Bonington Gallery, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Through architectural intervention, moving image and textiles, British Nigerian artist Ibiye Camp’s new exhibition explores the complex interplay between infrastructure, care, and resilience along the coast of West Africa. At the heart of the exhibition is a critical reflection on the deployment of temporary power ships off the coast of West Africa, as well as the film GLOW. The launch night is this Friday from 6-8pm, and there will be live music and refreshments.
Do if: You’d like to learn more about the challenges other countries are facing, all while seeing unique artwork.
Wedding Open Day 💐
When: January 18
Where: Cleaver and Wake, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
The beautiful events space Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake is hosting its annual wedding open day this Sunday, spotlighting its specially curated list of local suppliers and contacts. The in-house chef team will also give you a taste of what you could have if hosting a wedding party in the space. There are two sessions, 11am-12.30pm and 12.30pm-2pm, and you will need to register your interest.
Do if: You’re planning on getting married this year (congrats if so!) and would like to scope out how to do this in Nottingham.
Out and About 🌳
Hot Property 🏡
Nestled within the sought-after Alexandra Park, this five-bedroom period property is bursting with original features. The ceiling roses and exposed floorboards both add a characterful feel, as do the playfully painted walls by the current owners. The kitchen with dark cabinets is a real highlight, with just the right amount of space for cooking and chatting. It also has a cellar, which could be used for storage or even cosy cinema nights. The guide price is £450k and it’s marketed by HoldenCopley. rightmove.co.uk
News 🗞
🏹 Merry men: The trailer for The Death of Robin Hood movie dropped last week, which is an American thriller starring Hugh Jackman and Jodie Comer. While the film was shot primarily in Northern Ireland, it’s still great to see our local legend getting the Hollywood treatment. It is set to be released this year and will be distributed by A24.
🏡 Preserving history: Historian Jacqueline LeMar has started a fundraiser to try to save the historical site Scrooby Manor. The house is the birthplace of two of the Pilgrim Fathers, who fled England in the 1600s and sailed to America on the Mayflower. The owners of the manor are now looking to sell the site, and have said they may be forced to sell it to housing developers if no historical organisations show an interest in buying it. Over £7k has been raised for it on GoFundMe so far. bbc.co.uk / gofundme.com
💸 A good cause: The Community Recording Studio has revealed plans to open a film school, following a substantial personal donation by Prince Harry. The CRS uses music and sport to mentor young people in St Ann’s, and hopes Prince Harry’s financial backing will help it replace the dilapidated old building where it has been operating for more than 30 years. bbc.co.uk
Scores on the Doors 🏆
🌳 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round by Championship Wrexham on Friday night on penalties after a 3-3 draw. Forest started poorly, going 2-0 down early on and, while they grew into the game, it required a late goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi to make it 3-3. Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonwo made two saves to knock Forest out in a display described by Sean Dyche as “unacceptable to the badge.”
🦌 Mansfield Town
Mansfield Town pulled off an FA Cup third round upset as the the League One side knocked out Championship side Sheffield United in a thriller. Mansfield's Louis Reed scored twice against his former side in the first half to give the Stags a 2-1 lead at Bramall Lane, before Lucas Akins and Rhys Oates put them 4-1 up. United heaped on the pressure and pulled two goals back, but the Stags held on to win 4-3 and progress to the 4th round.
🏒 Nottingham Panthers
The Nottingham Panthers bounced back from a 4-1 away defeat to Belfast Giants with a 7-3 home win over the Fife Flyers. This keeps them top of the Elite League on 45 points, ahead of the Continental Cup kick off against HK Mogo at the Motorpoint Arena on Wednesday.
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