The Top 10 Summer Events in Nottingham for Students
Summer holidays are coming and with them the long summer nights and hazy, sunny days. No doubt you’ll want to make the most of your free time after a hectic exam period, but perhaps you’ve not had a chance to give it any real thought.
That's why we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite upcoming summer events in Nottingham.
1. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration
It would be wrong not to mention this monumental occasion in British history. This year, thanks to the stamina and dedication of HM Queen Elizabeth II, we can say that for the first time ever a British monarch has reigned for 70 years.
The whole nation will be celebrating during the first weekend in June, and Nottingham is no exception! At Belvoir Castle, there will be a huge street party with delicious food and drink, live music and entertainment.
There will be street performers, classic cars, British stalls and even a jousting tournament and falconry show! All to celebrate all things British!
2. Splendour Festival
Another of our favourite Nottingham events, the Splendour Festival is Nottinghamshire’s biggest music festival.
This year’s headliners include The Vamps, Craig David, the Happy Mondays, Belinda Carlisle, Richard Ashcroft, the Human League and Razorlight, to name just a few.
The Splendour festival has been a big hit in recent years thanks to its eclectic line up that mixes newer acts with well established acts from the last few decades.
3. Riverside Festival
On the first weekend of August, the East Midlands’ biggest free festival makes a comeback after two years away due to Covid! It’s a big family fun day out, with food, drinks, and fairground attractions. A great one for big kids!
4. Sausage and Cider Festival at Wollaton Hall
Don’t miss this one, it’s sure to be one of the most fun summer events in Nottingham!
Wollaton Park will play host to The Sausage and Cider Festival for the first time. Where you can choose from over 30 ciders and 15 scrumptious sausages. All while soaking up an incredible atmosphere with live music from local artists and some of the UK’s best tribute acts.
5. Nottingham Gin and Rum Festival
If cider’s not your thing but gin and rum are, then this will be one of the best summer experiences in Nottingham for you!
Set to be the best party of the year, you can sample new tastes from hand-picked guest distillers, treat yourself at the gin and rum bars and shake the stress away while dancing to an award winning DJ and live entertainment. This year there’ll also be a tequila bar with up to 20 authentic tequilas on offer.
6. Nottingham Beach
After all that excitement, you’re probably going to want to do something a little bit more chilled the next day. That’s where Nottingham Beach comes in! Hundreds of tonnes of sand, deckchairs, buckets and spades all take over Old Market Square for 7 weeks, recreating the seaside atmosphere in the heart of the city.
So sit back, relax with an ice cream, and soak up the sun’s rays.
7. Outdoor Cinema and Theatre
Another of the more chilled summer events in Nottingham that we love are the outdoor film and theatre performances. You can grab a picnic blanket and snacks, and head over with friends to watch popular films under the summer starlit sky. Amongst some of the features on the bill in 2022 are comedies and Shakespeare plays, and you can see it all within the elegant grounds of historic houses and country parks.
8. Get Wasted End of Year Party
For the big partygoers amongst you, there’ll be no better way to end the academic year than to see it off with a bang! This massive party is set to be one of the craziest summer events in Nottingham, and one of the best ways to let your hair down after a busy exam period.
With your tickets, you’ll get free shots on entry, free sweets, candy floss, and access to a 360 photo booth. You’ll definitely have a laugh with your friends!
The music is a combination of Hip Hop, R&B, Afrobeats, to name a few, all set within 4 arenas. Let loose with 2500 other partygoers , with live performances from Zie Zie and DJ sets from DJ Larni, Seani B, and DJ Broox, among others.
9. Robin Hood Marathon
If you fancy one of the more active summer events in Nottingham, then check out the Robin Hood marathon. Robin Hood, Nottingham’s famous son, lends his name to this fun event open to all. You can either run the full marathon, half marathon, the Nottingham Post corporate challenge, or the 1.5 mile mini marathon.
10. Sherwood Pines
Speaking of Robin Hood, why not go for a ramble in his famous old haunt, Sherwood Forest? If you want to get out and about to savour the sunshine, take advantage of Sherwood’s activity trails, wild running and biking trails, and bushcraft experiences.
Here you can hire a bike or even soar through the trees on the Go Ape zip wires - definitely not for the faint hearted! After all that excitement, wind down at the Sherwood Pines Cafe to enjoy locally sourced snacks.
If you’re a real nature lover, then you might want to pitch up your tent in the forest and spend a night under the stars. There are even cabins by Forest Holidays if you feel like having a proper getaway.
Or, of course, you can always just come home to the comfort of your Yugo student residence in Nottingham, pop the kettle on, and put your feet up after a day making unforgettable memories.