Notts Going On — Flying Scotsman and Emett Clock repairs
Trains and inflatables, a country home in Widmerpool, time outs, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
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Notts Going On
By Katherine Aucock, Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On 🗓️
Legally Blonde 🎭
When: May 19-23
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: From £28pp
The age-old classic film many of us grew up watching, Legally Blonde is hitting the Theatre Royal this week as an all-singing, all-dancing musical. Starring Strictly Come Dancing star Amber Davis as Elle, the show follows her transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. Plus, the show is by the team behind Kinky Boots.
Do if: You’re looking for a high energy girls’ night out packed with pink, nostalgia, and plenty of laughs.
Road to Nashville 🤠
When: May 23
Where: Binks Yard, Nottingham
How much: £49.50pp
Located just by the train station, Binks Yard is transforming into a country lover’s dream this weekend. It will host tribute sets covering standout country artists including Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and Miley Cyrus. The event, which runs from 2-10pm, also includes line dancing, a BBQ and smoker, axe throwing and more – so grab your friends, put on your cowboy boots and immerse yourself into the Wild West.
Do if: You are a fan of everything country and would love to meet like-minded people for a day of music, drinks and fun.
Flying Scotsman Legendary Journeys 🚂
When: May 23-25, May 30-31
Where: Great Central Railway, Ruddington
How much: From £60pp adult, £30pp child
The famous Flying Scotsman is returning to the Midlands for the first time in 25 years. Step aboard for a return journey, which will take you from the Great Central Railway to Loughborough and back while travelling through the beautiful countryside route. Want to make it a real treat? First Class Observation is £99pp, compartments for up to eight are £420, and premium compartments for up to six are £400. All tickets come with a commemorative brochure.
Do if: Hearing the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most famous trains sounds wonderful to you.
Luminarium: Timisien 🌈
When: May 23-31
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: From £6.50pp, free under 18 months
The Nottingham-based Architects of Air are presenting their new Luminarium Timisien, which will have soaring domes and winding labyrinths. Before the event kicks off, there will be a talk and tour by founder Alan Parkinson on May 22, who we interviewed in last week’s long-read. We have been to previous Luminariums and can confirm they’re unique sensory experiences.
Do if: You’d like to escape for just a little while – this remarkable ‘world’ is just a tram hop away.
Dot to Dot Festival 🎶
When: May 24
Where: Various venues across the city
How much: £39.38pp
This Sunday, music festival Dot To Dot is showcasing new and emerging acts around the city. Many big names have started out here, such as Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, and The 1975. With more than 65 local names added to the line-up, alongside national and international artists, it’s one of the biggest events in Nottingham’s music calendar this year.
Do if: You want to make the most of your bank holiday and love discovering the next big names in music.
More events:
Out and About 🌈
Hot Property 🏡
Ever wondered what it might be like to live in a country home? This five-bedroom home in Widmerpool will allow you to live out that fantasy. Downstairs is filled with cosy fireplaces, soaring ceilings, and wooden beams. We especially love the cream kitchen dining room with a matching AGA. Upstairs are the spacious bedrooms, including a principal with an en-suite and its own dressing room (the dream!). Outside is a lovely large lawn, as well as a paved area for al fresco dining. Oh, and it’s under a million – the guide price is £900,000 and it’s marketed by Savills. rightmove.co.uk
News 🗞
🕰️ Time out: The famous Emett Clock in the Victoria Centre has been removed for a full overhaul by the man who volunteers his time to maintain it. It is being broken down into thousands of parts to allow Pete Dexter to check it over and make repairs, and is expected to be gone for about six months. Pete, a retired engineer who has maintained the clock for more than a decade, said it would be “better and brighter” when it returned. bbc.co.uk
🍗 Goodbye for now: The fried chicken restaurant Mollis sadly shut its doors last Saturday. In an Instagram post on Alchemilla’s page, which is also owned by chef Alex Bond, the Michelin-star chef said, “Nearly 2,500 people served in just 12 days shows how much the people love what they do. The food, the service, the vibes all absolutely spot on. I one for one am excited for its next chapter.” We hope to see it pop up again soon. @alchemillarestaurant
Scores on the Doors 🏆
🌳 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United in controversial circumstances at Old Trafford. The Reds twice battled back to equalise after falling behind, first through Morato, then through Morgan Gibbs-White, before Bryan Mbeumo’s late winner. United’s second goal was given despite Mbeumo appearing to handle the ball in the build-up. Forest remain 16th in the Premier League, having secured safety last week.
🐦 Notts County
Notts County will be playing in the League Two playoff final next Monday after a 1-0 aggregate win over Chesterfield. Martin Paterson’s side came into the home leg of the playoff semi-finals with a one goal advantage, and thanks to some solid defending and a fine save by James Belshaw, a 0-0 was all that was needed to book a place against Salford at Wembley.
🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
Nottinghamshire played out a home draw against Surrey last week to remain top of the County Championship. Joe Clarke scored 129 in the first innings and Ben Duckett, who was named in England Test squad this week, made 209 in the second. Josh Tongue, who also made the squad, took 4-89. Notts’ match away at Hampshire is underway.
🏍️ Motorcycle racing
Jacksdale’s Kyle Ryde made it five wins from the opening six races of the British Superbike Championship with two wins at Donington Park. After finishing third in Race One, Ryde set the fastest BSB racing lap at the circuit on his way to a Race Two win before a comfortable victory in the third. This allowed him to extend his Championship lead over Scott Redding and Leon Haslam.
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