Is there really a better way to spend a summer’s day than taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of a festival? With tons of great festivals hosted in Nottinghamshire in 2019, this is the time to chill out, enjoy the city and make some amazing memories. Whether its feasting on fine food, fun days out with the family, tasting a plethora of ales, or dancing in the sunshine, there’s sure to be something to tickle your fancy. 

Music Festivals

Nottingham’s acclaimed music scene has thrived in the past ten years and can be explored at one of the five city music festivals.

On Sunday 26 May, the city’s best venues will showcase international and up-and-coming acts, with revellers dancing the night away at the renowned indie festival Dot to Dot.

Revellers can enjoy a smashing day out at Splendour, the one-day musical extravaganza at the glorious Wollaton Park on Saturday 20 July, which every year together new music with splashes of legendary talent from the past.

Chill out by the canal at Waterfront Festival, a day-long musical treat at the Canalhouse on Saturday 13 July which showcases some of the best local music all in the aid of charity! 

The finale of the season is the homegrown Hockley Hustle, a much-loved charity festival that takes place in late August, and offers a great chance to see the creativity and talent coming out of the local community.

Taking place in late summer every year, Southwell Music Festival, this year happening on Wednesday 21 - Monday 26 August, celebrates the town's classic musical connections. With impressive backdrops of Southwell Minster and neighbouring Archbishop's Palace, this elegent event features concerts and recitals from new and established classical musicians.

Newark Festival, from Friday 14 - Sunday 16 June, kicks into action for three days. The bill is looking great already with confirmed headline acts including Sigma and Becky Hill, along with local bands, a host of the UK’s best tribute acts and lots more to be announced. Nip home to pick up the kids on Sunday and take them along to the Family Fun Day, where you can join in with lots of activities, enjoy the popular ‘Swing in the Park’ concert and a firework show to close the weekend.

Forest Live, the annual concert series organised by the Forestry Commission sees Jess Glynne and Paul Weller perform at Sherwood Pines on seperate evenings from Friday 28 - Sunday 30 June. The artist performing on 30 June is yet to be announced.
 

Family Festivals

Make the most of the charming Victoria Embankment on the River Trent and have an amazing family day out at Nottingham Riverside Festival, taking place the first weekend in August. Featuring live music, games, food and drink stalls, the annual duck race and dragon boat racing, and a spectacular fireworks display, this staple of summer in Nottingham is not to be missed.

On Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, Thoresby Park will host the ever-popular family festival, Gloworm. The festival caters for children from the ages of 0-13 years, and encourages families to play and have fun in a safe environment. Gloworm is focused around creative experiences as well as music, entertainment, workshops and theatre production. 

Food & Drink Festivals

Feeling peckish? Over the weekend of 10th -11th the Nottingham Food Festival comes to Wollaton Park, promising culinary delights, celebrity chefs, the famous bushtucker challenge and much more! Live music, fairground rides, craft activities and performances will all be going on around this beautiful parkland to keep you entertained while you relax with some delicious al fresco treats.

The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival is one of Britain’s four biggest ale events, presenting over 1000 different ales, 200 ciders, and a mouth-watering selection of Nottinghamshire’s finest food vendors. This year it takes place at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham over Wednesday 9 – Saturday 12 October.

Cultural Festivals

Other fantastic festivals include Pride, returning to make the city sparkle in July, with a parade and street festivities throughout the day to celebrate the city’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) culture.

Another chance to honour Nottinghamshire’s diverse culture comes in the form of the annual South Asian Festival Mela. The UK-wide event was first launched in Nottingham in 1988, and features an infusion of South Indian music, food, creative activities and more. Celebrations will take place at New Art Exchange.

While the finer details of many of these festivals are yet to be announced, we suggest you stick them in the calendar and keep checking back on our website for information on ticketing, lines-ups and dates. There are more festivals throughout the county so have a look at the What’s On guide and don’t forget, to share your photos of yourself enjoying Nottinghamshire’s fantastic culture use the tag #LoveNotts throughout social media!