Autumn Highlights in Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire will come alive again this autumn thanks to a number of major festivals and events across the county. Throughout September, October and November, highlights include numerous cultural festivals to celebrate the heritage of Nottinghamshire, a transformation of the Old Market Square as it sees the third year return of GameCity, a chance to participate in the tremendous Robin Hood Marathon & Half Marathon and the forever famous Nottingham Goose Fair, known for its mushy peas. For Robin Hood fans, don’t miss the Robin Hood Pageant, Robin Hood Beer Festival and Robin Hood Game and Country Show.

Aquatopia at Nottingham Contemporary, 20 July – 22 September 2013 FREE

Nottingham Contemporary has partnered with Tate St Ives to bring you Aquatopia, an exciting new exhibition based upon the mysteries of the deep. Aquatopia brings together over 150 contemporary and historic artworks exploring the imagining of the ocean, covering everything from sea monsters to giant squid, and shipwrecks to sirens.

http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/art/aquatopia

1940s weekend, Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire 31 August – 1 September 2013 FREE

Due to overwhelming demand, the 1940s returns to Rufford for a seventh year for an even bigger event! Experience the sights, sounds, emotions, glamour and humour of wartime Britain, as the period comes alive in front of your eyes in a whole host of period activities. Set in the beautiful grounds of historic Rufford Abbey.

This event is FREE entry, £5 for car park

http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/ruffordcp

Summer Nights Film Festival, Wollaton Park, Nottingham 6 – 7 September 2013

For the first time ever, Wollaton Park is working in partnership with QUAD Cinema and is offering an outdoor cinema experience. The Dark Night Rises (12A) and Les Miserables (12A) will be screened in the scenic grounds of Wollaton Hall on 6 – 7 September. Wollaton Hall appears in The Dark Knight Rises as ‘Wayne Manor’, so it is not to be missed.

Cost: £12

http://www.derbyquad.co.uk/whats-on-listing/summer-nights

Nottingham Mela Festival, Nottingham 6, 7, 8 & 15 September 2013

Nottingham Mela is the oldest national Mela in the UK. The festival, co-produced by New Art Exchange and Nottingham Asian Arts Council, is a vibrant, colourful festival of South Asian and World cultures. It brings together music, dance, visual arts, film, street entertainment, South Asian cuisine, crafts and markets to entertain and engage all ages and communities. Don’t miss the FREE Bollywood film screening in a circus tent!

Some events are completely FREE whereas others have admission charges.

http://thenewartexchange.org.uk/

D.H. Lawrence Festival, Eastwood, Nottinghamshire 6 – 21 September 2013 FREE

This two-week long festival celebrates the life and works of writer D.H. Lawrence as well as the mining heritage of his birthplace in Eastwood. Family activities, screenings, lectures, guided walks, bus tours and exhibitions will help you discover more about this extraordinary writer, one of the most controversial novelists of the 20th century. This year’s festival will mark the 100 year anniversary of his famous work, Sons and Lovers.

www.dhlawrenceheritage.org

Night of Festivals, Nottingham 13 – 14 September 2013 FREE

This exciting event is not to be missed, bringing a vibrant and energetic two days of carnival performance, live music, storytelling, dance, moving image, digital and visual arts to Nottingham’s Old Market Square! Most activities and events are completely FREE.

http://www.nightoffestivals.com/

Nottingham Comedy Festival, Nottinghamshire 20 – 28 September 2013

From stand-up and improvisation to plays and films, the festival celebrates all types of comedy and is taking place at a number of venues across Nottingham and Mansfield. TV names, local acts and many up-and-coming comedians are coming together for the eight day festival.

http://www.nottscomedyfestival.co.uk/

Robin Hood Marathon & Half Marathon, Nottingham 29 September 2013

Following the same route as the Half Marathon until mile 11, the Robin Hood Marathon consists of a flat course route of glorious iconic sites throughout Nottingham. At the end of the race, there will be a feast of family entertainment in an area where runners, spectators, families and friends can meet to celebrate race day and everyone's achievements.  There will also be a mini marathon and schools challenge ran over a 1.5 mile route along the River Trent.

Enter online now!

http://www.robinhoodhalfmarathon.co.uk/

Goose Fair, Nottingham 2 – 6 October 2013 FREE

Goose Fair is one of Europe’s largest travelling fair and visitors will enjoy over 500 attractions throughout the week. From all-time favourites to new white knuckle experiences, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Goose Fair has been running in Nottingham for over 700 years. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some mushy peas too!

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=23517

Robin Hood Game & Country Show, Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire 5 – 6 October 2013

From falconry to archery, jousting to fishing and all things in between, this is a fantastic celebration of country life and gaming. Robin Hood, Maid Marion and the Merry Men will of course be in attendance, and families can enjoy carnival rides, the Berkley Owls arena show, BMX stunt displays and a Viking re-enactment village. Newark is easily reached by the A1.

Cost: Adults £10; Concessions £8; Children £5 (or £7.50/£7/£2 if booked in advance online)

http://www.robinhoodcountryshow.co.uk/

Robin Hood Beer Festival 9 – 12 October 2013

The beer festival with the world’s largest selection of real ales, ciders and perries will once again take place in the stunning grounds of Nottingham Castle. Come and get merry with Robin Hood and enjoy live entertainment and fantastic food.

Cost: Starting from £10; tickets are available to purchase online or at the Nottingham Tourism Centre.

http://www.beerfestival.nottinghamcamra.org/

GameCity, Nottingham 19 – 26 October 2013 FREE

Nottingham’s very own videogame culture festival is back with yet more fun and surprises than ever before. This mostly FREE to attend festival brings people of all ages together to celebrate videogames and their influence on culture worldwide. The festival encourages conversation about videogames, what they are, what they mean and why they are interesting, as well as showcasing the latest in videogame culture. For the third year running the festival will also award the GameCity Prize, the only prize of its kind in the world.

http://festival.gamecity.org/

Bramley Apple Festival, Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire 26 October 2013 FREE

Come along and celebrate Southwell's world-famous cooking apple. This annual festival of food, drink and all things associated with Southwell’s Bramley Apple heritage has something for the whole family. Whether you’re a serious foodie, or just after a fun day out.

http://www.southwellevents.com

Robin Hood Pageant, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham 26 – 27 October 2013

The Robin Hood Pageant returns to Nottingham Castle this autumn with thousands expected to come and celebrate our most famous outlaw, Robin Hood! The Castle grounds will be transformed into a medieval village with jousting, archery and medieval sports. You may spot Robin fighting the Sheriff’s men and romancing Maid Marian. Children can try their hands at medieval crafts, watch falconry and practice wood carving. Elsewhere, you may try turning lead into gold in the Alchemists laboratory.

Cost: Adults £8; Children £6; Family ticket £20

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pageant