Nottingham’s neat14 festival is back with a bang this May

It’s back! This year, the return of the Nottingham European Arts & Theatre Festival (neat14) will offer a vigorous, intriguing and uplifting programme which will see major arts venues in Nottingham celebrate the very best of European theatre, music, performance, film and visual art for adults and children. From 23 May – 1 June 2014, there will be more than 40 amazing events taking place at popular cultural attractions and each one promises to be a great day out for everyone. This year's main participating venues and partners are Broadway, Nottingham Contemporary, Dance4, Lakeside Arts Centre, New Art Exchange, Nottingham Playhouse and Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall. During the 10 day festival, you will be able to see international artists performing and exhibiting alongside the best local and regional talent to showcase Nottingham as a creative European hub.  

Here is a round-up of festival highlights. . .

neat14 Eaters: 23 May – 1 June 2014 at various restaurants - Locals and visitors to Nottingham can enjoy neat14 festival’s exclusive food offer. neat14 eaters can enjoy 10 per cent off their food bill at certain great restaurants when they show their ticket & neat14 brochure for an event on the same day.

Mass Bolero: 23 May 2014 at Nottingham Playhouse - This year, neat14 will be launched in style, with the world premiere of a brand new film made right here in Nottingham. It is the 30^th anniversary of Torvill & Dean’s Olympic Gold medal winning performance in Sarajevo in 2014. Mass Bolero is a unique project that pays tribute to the two local heroes. Be the first to see this fantastic film at Nottingham Playhouse which stars thousands of people from all over Nottingham celebrating that historic moment. 

Nottingham Playhouse Presents ... The Second Minute: 7 – 11 & 26 May 2014 various locations - During The Great War around 19,000 mailbags crossed the Channel every day and the art of letter writing was essential to keep in touch with sons, brothers, husbands and lovers. The production is based on the archive letter collection of the Sherwood Foresters regiment. It is a touching and uplifting production weaving together heroic, comic and heart-breaking tales of soldiers and families through their own words. This is a touring production presented by Nottingham Playhouse. The play is part of Trent to Trenches, a major programme of events and activities taking place across Nottinghamshire to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. 

Wheee! Family Weekend: 25 May – 1 June 2014 at Lakeside Arts Centre - Wheee! 2014 is Lakeside's tenth International Children's Theatre and Dance Festival. It has become a key event in the regional arts calendar eagerly anticipated by children, families, artists and promoters. The festival will include many performances by International Companies from Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Québec and from across the UK. 

Western Society: 25 May 2014 at Nottingham Contemporary - Get involved in one of the most impossible, beautiful, courageous and epic theatrical experiences you can imagine. God Squad’s production of Western Society is a portrait of civilisation in the 21st century, a frame through which we can peep into the living room of an unknown family and recognise ourselves. As the performers ask questions, search for answers and spill their stories, a few lucky audience members may win the chance to take part in the hilarious show. 

Raising Lazarus: 30 – 31 May 2014 at New Art Exchange - Raising Lazarus is a one woman play performed by Kat Francois which charts the experience of West Indian soldiers who came to fight for Britain in WWI. This is a powerful personal piece as Kat traces the history of Lazarus Francois, her grandfather’s first cousin. She tries to discover and tell his story, finding out who he was, what happened to him and defining his legacy.

For a full list of all neat14 events visit neatfestival.co.uk/2014. Also, get involved on Twitter at @neatfestival.