5 Things to Do in Nottingham This Week

Not all of us are blessed with the ability to create artistic masterpieces. However, we are all given the ability to learn, and this week you can put them skills to good use and learn how to draw like a true professional. Join one of Nottingham Contemporary’s associate artists, Chris Lewis-Jones from 10.30am on Monday morning as he helps you explore new and traditional drawing approaches. All the materials will be provided, so no fear about packing your best pens and pencils. You’ll also have exclusive access to the current exhibition, and the chance to exhibit your work at the Contemporary itself. Sick. Everyone’s welcome, with no previous drawing experience necessary. Book your place online, or give ‘em a call on 0115 9489785.
Monday 3 July, 10.30am, individual sessions £15, four sessions for £45, Nottingham Contemporary, event link

Around about a year ago, Nottingham Music Service put out the feelers for young musicians to get involved with their latest Band Factory scheme. If they were aged between eleven and nineteen, and wanted to form a band or just find space for their existing band to rehearse, then the Nottingham Music Service were interested. The kids who signed up also received feedback and guidance from professional musicians who can count David Guetta, The Stranglers and The Prodigy as people they’ve worked with. Now, around about 365 days later, the youtdem are ready to show you just how far they’ve come in a showcase over at Rough Trade. It’ll be the perfect chance to catch the big names of the future before you have to pay an arm and a leg for it.
Tuesday 4 July, 7pm, £2 - £3.50, Rough Trade, event link

We’re blessed with no end of slick rick performers in this city, and there’s someone strutting their stuff almost every night of the week. But if you’re new to the scene, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to get yourself out there. That’s where I’m Not From London step in. Their monthly open mic event gives performers the chance to introduce themselves to the general Nottingham populace, and a wicked platform to show us what you got. Be you a singer songwriter, a band, a performance poet or a comedian, there’s a space for you. Send info@imnotfromlondon.com an email to book your slot, or chance it on the night. Get practising. We can’t wait to see you.
Thursday 6 July, 8pm, free, The Angel Microbrewery, event link

Lunch breaks can be the most depressing things. Even if the weather’s nice, eating a soggy supermarket sarnie alone on a bench, staring into the abyss of social media does little to revitalise your grey matter or perk you up ready for the rest of the day. Lucky for us, the folk behind the Feel Good Garden Party are gonna sort that right out. Head over to Bobbers Mill and tuck into a freshly baked pizza from the pizza oven, get yourself a massage or a manicure, and have a natter with other like-minded individuals. You can even sample some herbal lotions and potions, try your hand at some crafts, or have a dip in a sound bath. Lunchtime has never looked so good, Nottingham. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
Thursday 6 July, 12pm, free entry, Windmill Community Gardens, Bobbers Mill, event link

One of Nottingham’s finest hidden gems has been doing bits on the literary scene for the last twenty-odd years. This month, clamber up that magical alley way to find the likes of Nick Jones, Marilyn Ricci and Maxine Linnell reading from their respective, hot-off-the-press poetry collections. Maxine Linnell’s collection, This is Dust is a moving tribute to the life and death of her adult son, and Marilyn takes a closer look at her parent’s lives in the hosiery and print industries. Our Nick, a doctor from round these parts, is kicking off his debut collection, Encounter, at the event. The evening is set to be a delicious celebration of some of the East Mids finest wordsmiths. Plus it’s free, and Five Leaves will treat you to refreshments while you’re there an’ all. They do know how to throw a parteh.
Thursday 6 July, 7pm, free, Five Leaves Bookshop, event link