Notts Going On — Major Oak’s death and Nottingham Puppet Festival
Concerts and shows, a Hucknall home with landscaped gardens, recognition, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On – your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
From the editor:
Last week was a real wave of emotions here in the Shire. I was full of immense pride for the Rainbow Quarter opening on Wednesday, and then full of sadness on Thursday for Major Oak’s death. Playwright James Graham told the BBC:
“It’s something about the quiet dignity of a great tree that feels symbolic, I think, of the character of [our county]. We had one of the great trees of the country, if not the world, and it was ours.”
These lines, as well as this poem from Nottingham’s Nature Poet Laureate Cara Thompson, have really stuck with me.
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Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman and Sam Swain
What’s On 🗓️
Hot Pot 🎭
When: June 25
Where: Lakeside Arts, Beeston
How much: £16pp adult, £12pp concessions
In this tale of friendship, love, and authenticity, four Chinese friends reunite at a hot pot restaurant after the pandemic. As they reminisce and boast of their achievements, idealism fades into pragmatism. Will their friendships endure? Can old flames reignite? Amidst a queer-unfriendly environment, can they openly discuss gay sexuality? A Q&A discussion will follow the performance, chaired by Dr Xing Huang – a Chinese queer studies scholar from the University of Nottingham.
Do if: You’d like to educate yourself about the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community face.
England V New Zealand Test Match 🏏
When: June 25-29
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: From £50pp
Trent Bridge will play host to the deciding match of a three Test series against New Zealand this week. Nottinghamshire’s Ben Duckett and Josh Tongue will likely feature, while Ben Stokes has been recalled to the side. A day at the Test, with all of the drama and that glorious aesthetic, makes it a perfect way to spend a summer’s day. Limited tickets remain.
Do if: You fancy a relaxed day out – this is cricket at its most classic.
Fleetwood Mac Candlelight Experience 🎶
When: June 26
Where: St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Newark
How much: From £20pp
This beautiful church is set to be aglow with hundreds of candles, for a mesmerising concert filled with songs from the iconic Fleetwood Mac. A string trio will perform the band’s greatest hits, from energetic tunes such as Go Your Own Way and The Chain to softer songs like Dreams and Gypsy. There are two sittings – one at 7pm and one at 9pm – so you can choose whatever time works best.
Do if: You’re looking for a romantic date night idea for the one you want to be with everywhere.
Nottingham Puppet Festival 🎭
When: June 27-July 5
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Mix of free and paid-for
Returning after a hiatus, this festival is set to transform libraries, community centres, cinemas, and theatres into spaces filled with puppets. The event kicks off this Saturday with the City Centre Day on June 27, where there will be a trail of free performances and walkabouts. On other dates, puppets will be hitting the stage, such as Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile at Theatre Royal (July 2-5, from £15pp). Be sure to check out the site for all the activities.
Do if: You’re looking for a fun way to capture your children’s imagination – puppets of all sizes are truly mesmerising.
nottinghampuppetfestival.co.uk
Birds of Prey Afternoon Tea 🦉
When: June 28
Where: Norwood Park, Southwell
How much: £10.50pp adult and £6.50pp child for just the show, £42pp adult and £15.50pp with afternoon tea
During this exciting event, you’ll see six birds of varying sizes and species swooping and diving to gorgeous periodic music. This will allow you to get incredibly close to the birds for a thrilling experience. After the display, there will be a photo opportunity where you can ask questions and take close-up photos with the birds. Choose to either stay afterwards for afternoon tea, or simply watch the show and depart.
Do if: You love seeing falcons and owls and/or are looking for a day out that will enthral the family.
More events:
Weddings 💐
Norwood Park Summer Wedding Fair review — by a Nottingham bride-to-be
It’s officially wedding season – and whether you’re planning your own big day or simply love all things weddings, Norwood Park’s Summer Wedding Fair is a brilliant source of inspiration.
Hot Property 🏡
We’re loving the landscaped gardens outside this three-bedroom Hucknall property. Inside you’ll find a cosy living room with characterful beams, a kitchen with very red cabinets (bold colours are in at the moment…), and a spacious bathroom. Outside is an abundance of colour, with flowers and trees out front that add a layer of privacy, while out back there is a lawn and patio space perfect for container planting and al fresco dining. Offers over £260k are being accepted, and it’s marketed by Bairstow Eves. rightmove.co.uk
Graduation 🎓
Graduation meals in Nottingham — 6 places to visit for special deals and openings
Whether you’re a student or have one in your midst, celebrating with a graduation meal in Nottingham is the perfect way to toast time studying in our city.
News 🗞
🌳 A true loss: The Major Oak, one of the UK’s most iconic trees, is believed by experts to have died. The ancient oak is estimated to have lived in Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire for up to 1,200 years, and is considered one of Britain’s biggest oak trees. The RSPB said a combination of issues – including years of “well-intentioned structural intervention and huge amounts of human activity” around the tree – were thought to be “major contributors.” bbc.co.uk
🏳️🌈 All the pride: The Rainbow Quarter in Hockley has officially launched, with a ceremony on Wednesday firmly opening it. Plans for the Rainbow Quarter – made up of Broad Street, Carlton Street and Heathcote Street – were announced at Notts Pride in July 2025. Sam Harvey, co-director of the Nottingham Pastel Project, is spearheading the initiative, and told the BBC that the quarter was “really going to increase Nottingham’s visibility on the LGBT stage.” bbc.co.uk
💚 Statue story: If you walk through Nottingham’s Green Heart park, you will see a bronze statue of two women clasping hands. The Standing in this Place sculpture represents the stories of women working in factories and cotton mills in the Midlands and enslaved women in the cotton fields of the US and the Caribbean. But what many passers-by will be unaware of is the real-life story of one of the models for the sculpture. This BBC feature delves into this beautifully. bbc.co.uk
Scores on the Doors 🏆
🌳 Nottingham Forest
Elliot Anderson played 90 minutes of England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the Three Lions’ opening game of the World Cup. The Reds midfielder, who has been linked to Man City for what would likely be a British record transfer fee, showed why Thomas Tuchel has backed him in the heart of England’s midfield.
🏏 Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club
Nottinghamshire suffered their first defeat of the County Championship season with a defeat to Somerset last week before a resounding innings victory over Essex. Jack Haynes made 132, while Liam Patterson-White took 9 match wickets, including 6-43 in the first innings.
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