Notts Going On: Fresh plans and being green
More Broadmarsh pics, a chic West Bridgford home, Green Hustle, and more...
Good morning and welcome back to Notts Going On — your round-up of useful things to know in the area for the week ahead. I hope you all had a lovely rest over the bank holiday and got to soak in some much-needed rays.
I was invited to head over to Lakeside Arts’ Luminarium Luminimax, which was unlike anything I’d experienced before. To put it simply, it’s a huge tent filled with a maze of gorgeous colours and shapes to explore. It’s one of those that you have to experience to fully get though, I think. I highly recommend heading to if you’re looking for a mindful way to spend the afternoon or have kids to entertain over half-term.
Whether you’re raring to go for the week ahead or not, these news highlights and events will help you get into the zone.
Notts Going On
By Eve Smallman
News 🗞️
👀 New look: Nottingham City Council has shared new images of how Broadmarsh could look. These mock-ups showcase new commercial and leisure units, as well as space for over 1,000 new homes. The new designs were created following a public consultation with over 3,000 responses. Meanwhile, building work on the Green Heart is well underway, and is due to be completed this summer. bbc.co.uk
💐 Best in show: Bestwood’s Pulp Friction scooped up a silver-gilt medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, as well as the People’s Choice Award. The ‘Growing Gardening Skills’ display was made up of edible plants, recycled materials, and five trees representing the 5% of people with learning disabilities in employment. After the show, the garden will be rehomed at Stockhill Fire Station in Basford. bbc.co.uk
🖋️ Poetry in motion: A roster of public events has been announced for over the summer, to mark 200 years since the death of romantic poet Lord Byron. The University of Nottingham, along with Newstead Abbey and Nottingham Central Library, will be pulling together workshops, talks, and more. If you want to learn more about Lord Byron’s history and legacy, these will provide great opportunities to do so. nottingham.ac.uk
🎉 Competition time: Fancy having a family weekend in Notts this summer? Visit Nottinghamshire is giving away a VIP family ticket (two adults and two children) for the Gloworm Festival in August. The fun festival will have Cbeebies stars, live music, adrenaline-filled activities, and more. As well as this, the prize includes a stay at the Hilton in Nottingham. The competition is free to enter and closes June 16. visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk
Hot Property 🏡
For those who love a chic, contemporary property, this six-bedroom home oozes sophistication. The open-plan living kitchen has gorgeous cabinets and an island that will make chopping vegetables look glamorous. It also has bifold doors that open up to the south-facing garden. Interestingly, four of the five luxe bathrooms have speakers and Bluetooth, elevating your shower singing game. It’s priced at £695k and is listed by FHP Living. rightmove.co.uk
What’s On 🗓️
Dino Week 🦖
When: May 27-31
Where: White Post Farm, Newark
How much: £15.95pp adult, £15.50pp child
If farmyard friends aren’t quite enough for your little ones, White Post Farm has gone all out and is hosting dinosaurs as well as its usual animal fare. Not only can you snap selfies with the huge dinosaur sculptures, but you can find out about fossils and even participate in a dino dig. Along with those, ponies, goats, meerkats, wallabies, and bunnies are just some of the other animals that will be available to see.
Do if: You’re looking to get the kids out and about over half-term.
Crime Club 🔎
When: May 30
Where: The National Justice Museum, Nottingham
How much: £14pp adult, £12pp concession
Nottingham has a history that’s truly fascinating, with people and events both great and gory. The National Justice Museum’s head historic interpreter will dig deep into the latter, exploring crimes committed by Nottinghamshire men and women that resulted in the death penalty, but then had the sentence reprieved. The ticket price includes a free drink at the start (sounds like you’ll need it).
Do if: You love a bit of true crime.
It’s Pink Barbie Breakfast 🍽️
When: May 31
Where: Rufford Abbey, Ollerton
How much: £14.95pp adult, £7.25pp under 8s
Not over the effect of last year’s iconic Barbie film? Whether you go with friends or family, this sounds like a cute way to start the day. Here, you can tuck into a delightful buffet and sip on unlimited tea, coffee, and juice. Plus, if you’re lucky, Barbie herself might come out of her box for pics. Dress-up is highly encouraged, with the best outfit at each sitting winning a prize. The 11am sitting is sold out as of the time of writing, but the 9am one still has tickets available.
Do if: You like the idea of being ‘Breakfast Barbie’.
T20 Blast 🏏
When: May 31 (other dates available)
Where: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford
How much: £25pp adult, £5pp junior, £13.75 family
The first of Trent Bridge’s T20 Blasts is this Friday and will see the Notts Outlaws play against the Northamptonshire Steelbacks. This is a much faster-paced style of cricket, with it all being wrapped up neatly in one day. Live entertainment, food and drink stalls, and a DJ will also be on, adding to the excitement. If you miss this one, don’t stress as there are other dates throughout June (6, 9, 15, 21) and July (5 and 7).
Do if: You want to shake up your Friday night entertainment.
Green Hustle 🌳
When: June 1
Where: Old Market Square
How much: Free
Our city has a thriving green scene, which will be in full bloom at this family-friendly event. Dance along to music on the main stage hosted by Cultural Vibrations Unity Through Music, shop wares from independent retailers, and soak in useful info from stalls and the talk tents. There will also be food to dive into from Himmah’s Shalom Salaam Kitchen, who will be providing pay-what-you-feel meals. The whole thing will be taking place from 11am to 7pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to head down and enjoy.
Do if: You want to find out more ways you can live sustainably.