Notts Going On — Splendour and Our Marian
Fabulous exhibitions and festivals, a £1.25m home in The Park, sculptures, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
A note from the editor
I’m gearing up for an exciting week, with two huge events happening in Nottingham – Beyond Monet & Van Gogh and the last ever Splendour. I’m also excited that the Our Marian statue will be finally unveiled – it’s fabulous to see the famous figure take centre stage by herself, especially in such a nature and community-led way.
I definitely recommend following us on Instagram @thenotttsedit if you’re not already, as we tend to post on-the-day action on there (which will be happening for all the above). I am conscious about not spamming your inboxes! That being said, I hope you’ve been enjoying the new review content. As ever, if you’d like to let me know about anything or ever have any feedback, drop me an email on editor@thenottsedit.com.
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Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On 🗓️
Summer Scents Fragrance Masterclass ☀️
When: July 15
Where: Molton Brown, Nottingham
How much: £10pp
Spend the evening getting to know delicious summer fragrances at Molton & Brown. The coastal cypress and sea fennel has notes of bergamot and cardamom, while the sunlit clementine and vetiver has citrusy notes paired with earthy bourbon. The ticket price includes a goody bag with little luxuries and is redeemable against any purchases made on the night, making the evening super value for money.
Do if: You’re hosting this summer and want to freshen up your home with a touch of luxe.
Grease Outdoor Cinema Sing Along 🍿
When: July 17
Where: Newstead Abbey
How much: £17.37pp adult, £10.92pp under 12
Go go go to Newstead Abbey for an evening of watching and singing along to the iconic high school musical Grease. Starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, the film follows how their characters John and Sandy reunite after a summer fling, all while navigating rivalries and peer pressure. Picnics are welcome, but hot food is available. Plus, be sure to bring a blanket or camping chair to sit on.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun Friday night activity that will bring you plenty of joy.
Thoresby Ceramics Fair ☕
When: July 18-19
Where: Thoresby Park, Newark
How much: Free entry, £5 event parking
Over 65 potters and ceramic artists, including The Great Pottery Throwdown contestants, will be showcasing original handmade work at the beautiful Thoresby Park. The fair will also feature live demonstrations including sculpting, wheel throwing, and Raku firing. Be sure to pay close attention to the lovely stands, as you can take part in a public vote for the best stand, with the chance to win a pottery workshop as a prize.
Do if: You’re a fan of the pottery show and/or you want to learn more about the art of it.
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
For the last time ever, Splendour will be hosting two days filled with music from well-known artists and local acts. The Wombats and Snow Patrol are headlining, as well as acts such as Hard Life, Estelle, and Craig David. Plus, keep an eye out for local ones such as Jayahadadream, Alt Blk Era, Divorce, Archie and the Astronauts. Tickets are two-for-one, so if you’re thinking about going, be sure to snap up tickets before they sell out.
Do if: You’d love to spend the weekend singing along to favourite tunes while discovering some new ones too.
Beyond Monet & Van Gogh 🖼️
When: July 18-August 9
Where: Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
How much: From £14pp
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’re visiting both exhibitions this week, so keep an eye on our Instagram for a preview.
Do if: You’d love to experience beautiful artworks in a way you’ll remember for years to come.
More events:
Music 🎶
Tunnel Vision in the Park Tunnel, Nottingham: “A real treat for the senses” — music review
Nottingham has plenty of excellent music venues – but on July 12, the Park Tunnel was transformed into a stage for Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for Tunnel Vision.
Hot Property 🏡
Did we just put this in because it has a pool? Maybe… but it’s also beautiful inside too. This four-bedroom home in The Park is ultra-modern, with a sleek cinema room, a living kitchen diner with a stunning island, and stylish bedrooms with plenty of wardrobe space. It also has a huge garage and an outdoor patio area. And, of course, there is the hotel-style pool, which is cocooned in wooden panelling and has a sauna next to it. It’s marketed by Fletcher & Company, which is looking for offers over £1.25m. rightmove.co.uk
Food and drink 🍽️
The Sacred Ape has opened a rum-making workshop in Sneinton
When it comes to spirit brands in Nottingham, The Sacred Ape is one of the best and most sustainable rum distillers.
Her Days in Kirkby-in-Ashfield: “A refreshing alternative” — food review
There have been plenty of trendy healthy brunch cafés opening around Nottinghamshire recently – and Her Days in Kirkby-in-Ashfield is one of the top ones.
News 🗞
🖼️ Our Marian: BACKLIT is launching its Our Marian exhibition this week, which will bring together newly commissioned works across sculpture, film, textile and fashion. The new public sculpture, based on Maid Marian Way and created by Alicja Biała, will be available to view at the free-to-attend launch event from 6-8pm on July 17.
From here, the free exhibition will run from July 18-August 8. In addition to the commissioned works, the exhibition will be a celebration of Nottingham’s community, with nearly 300 people from local groups taking part in hands-on workshops led by Alicja Biała, exploring medieval making traditions. eventbrite.co.uk / backlit.org.uk
🌊 Call to action: Retired firefighter Simon Carr from Ollerton has started a campaign urging social media companies to display safety warnings on videos featuring open water swimming. Simon told the BBC that he attended numerous water rescues during his 31 year-long career. He has started an online petition, which he is hoping will reach 10,000 signatures, in order for the government to issue a formal response. bbc.co.uk / petition.parliament.uk
🥯 Fresh bites: Looking for a new lunch option? Arran’s Bagels has officially opened today (July 13) on Bridlesmith Gate. Expect fillings such as salmon and cream cheese, salt beef, and Nutella. We tried its collaboration with Slice ‘n’ Brew last week which was delicious (see it at @thenottsedit), so we’re looking forward to seeing how its actual bagels stack up. @arransbagels
Scores on the Doors 🏆
🌳 Nottingham Forest
Oliver Glasner has been confirmed as the new manager of Nottingham Forest. The Austrian, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League with previous club Crystal Palace, signed a three-year deal to replace Vitor Pereira.
🏏 Cricket
Notts Outlaws will have a home quarter-final against Surrey in the T20 Blast as they aim to reach Finals Day. Their winning run in the competition was, however, ended by Yorkshire at the weekend. The Blaze are through to the Women’s Finals Day, having finished 3rd in the table.
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