Festivals are a chance to really see a city shine, and luckily for us Nottinghamshire has them by the bucketful. 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 in this rundown of festivals happening in 2020. This is the time to chill out, tune in and make some amazing memories.

Music Festivals

Nottinghamshire’s acclaimed music scene has thrived in the past ten years. Along with some mighty fun music festivals taking place across the city's finest venues, you can also check out live music in more unique locations throughout Nottinghamshire.

On Sunday 24th 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 18th July, which brings 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 which showcases some of the best local music all in aid of charity! (Please note: dates for 2020 are still to be announced.)

The finale of the season is the homegrown Hockley Hustle, a much-loved charity festival that takes place on the 25 October, 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 26 - Monday 31 August, celebrates the town's classic musical connections. With the impressive backdrops of Southwell Minster and the neighbouring Archbishop's Palace, this elegant event features concerts and recitals from new and established classical musicians.

Newark Festival kicks into action for two days between Friday 28 - Saturday 29 August, and the bill is looking great already. Enjoy a night of 90s nostagia on the Friday with Jo Wiley's 90s Anthems, or check out headline acts including Marc Almond, Heather Small and Altered Images on the Saturday. 

Set in the beautiful landscape of Sherwood Pines, Forest Live is an annual concert series organised by the Forestry Commission. This year sees performances from Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, James Morrison and Will Young on seperate evenings from Friday 26 - Sunday 28 June. The artist performing on Saturday 27 June is yet to be announced.

Family Festivals

Nottingham Puppet Festival returns for its second year from Friday 15 May for a whole month of magical and creative events. Local, national and international artists, both upcoming and old-hands, will be bringing their talents and demonstrating their skills at locations across the city, with a medley of free street theatre, shows, workshops and music and plenty more spectacular sights and sounds taking place.

Over at Nottingham Lakeside Arts, the Wheee! Festival is a delight for both children and their grown ups. Taking place in the scenic grounds of the University of Nottingham, come and enjoy an array of family theatre and dance, plus outdoor performances, arts and craft activities and entertainment for all ages. Dates and further details to be announced.

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 at the end of July/beginning of 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.

Enjoy a fun filled week-long festival to celebrate everyone's favourite outlaw at the annual Robin Hood Festival, returning to Sherwood Forest between Monday 3 - Sunday 9 August. Along with the chance to meet the man himself, enjoy live re-enactments, song, dance, storytelling, sword-fighting, archery and adventures with the outlaws, plus lots of wonderful nature to discover in the legendary forest.

Food & Drink Festivals

Feeling peckish? Over the weekend of 15 -16 of August 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 alfresco treats.

If you still have an appetite, you can also check out the Festival of Food & Drink at Clumber Park on the weekend of 19 - 20 September. Now in its 8th year, expect appearances from TV chefs, stalls selling gorgeous gifts, crafts and homewares, a huge array of delicious dishes from around the world served by fantastic street food ‘pop up’ cafés, bars and much more!

The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival is one of Britain’s 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 from Wednesday 7 – Saturday 10 October.

The Bramley Apple Festival of Food & Drink takes place in Southwell, the home of the original Bramley Apple tree, on Saturday 24 October 2020. A number of shops, businesses, cafes, restaurants, local pubs take part in the occasion, along with Southwell Library, with all manner of apple-related products, fruit specialists, artisan producers and cookery demonstrations.

Film & Theatre Festivals

Fancy getting familiar with the bard? This year Nottingham is lucky enough to be hosting the Celebrating Shakespeare Festival between Monday 24 February - Saturday 7 March, featuring four shows from the Royal Shakespeare Company, plus a rich medley of fringe events.

Each summer at heritage sites across Nottinghamshire you can catch live theatre performances and film screenings in the great outdoors. Rally your friends, grab a picnic blanket and some snacks, and enjoy an evening under the stars in stunning locations. From classic Shakespeare and fun-filled children's theatre, to blockbuster movies and singalong musicals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Click here for more details.

Like things a bit darker? The Mayhem Film Festival comes to Broadway Cinema each October, bringing an intense whirlwind of premieres, previews, special guests and midnight screenings with a horror twist. This year's festival takes place between the 15 – 18 October.

Cultural Festivals

Returning to make the city sparkle, head to Nottingham city centre to celebrate Pride in July (date TBC). Along with the colourful parade, street festivities continue 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.

There is a fantastic chance to take a look at the area's most intriguing historical sites between 11 - 20 September, as Heritage Open Days presents a wide range of free tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture.

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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, line-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!