5 Things to Do in Nottingham This Weekend

This one’s perfect for all you artsy types out there. Design collective, Made in Nottingham, are throwing open their doors in celebration of winning the Small Awards High Street Hero of the UK, and they’re inviting us to get involved to celebrate. Try your hand at jewellery making, and see how you fare when making your very own chocolate. I’m in. It’s bound to be an awesome day out, with events and competitions running all day to keep you busy, and ‘nibbles and bubbles’ in the food emporium to keep your energy levels high. The kids’ll love it, and it’s set to be proper easy on the purse strings, so they can bring all their mates along, too.
Saturday 8 July, 10am, Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, event link

Street parties in summer are a dream come true, and none come dreamier than It’s In Nottingham’s Independents Festival, celebrating the best in the local independent business business with a day’s worth of events for you to sink your tegs into. There’ll be offers and discounts at Ugly Bread Bakery, The Treat Kitchen Confectionary and more, so keep your ears to the ground to snag the best deals and sample some tasty treats. There’ll also be live music, mural creating, a treasure hunt, mini golf, and a coffee party courtesy of the Best Independent Business, The Speciality Coffee Shop. There’s so much going on – even a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and free makeovers. There’s no excuse to miss out; it’s right on your doorstep.
Saturday 8 July, 10.30am, city centre, event link

If you wanna know where all the kool kidz will be this weekend, it’s here. At Surface Gallery’s Block Party. Fresh from the success of their Sisters of Street event, the artists over at the gallery will be hosting an afternoon of live painting from local, national and even international street artists. Some of the city’s raddest skateboarders will be showing off their ollies and kickflips in stunts that’d land the rest of us in A&E. And what would a party be without some bangin’ music? There’ll be an epic sound system on hand with some pretty slick guest DJs, too. The market itself will be crammed with stalls selling everything from streetwear to food, and if that wasn’t enough, there’s an all-day bar and an afterparty at Rough Trade. Sick.
Saturday 8 July, 11am, free, Sneinton Market, event link

The sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky. We hope. If the weather holds out this weekend, pack yourself a picnic and don’t forget the sun lotion, cos it’s about that time when them there Lady Bay Gardens get ‘emselves right open for you to lounge in. There’s around twenty of the boggers for you to have a wander around, with wildflowers and the like making for some Instagram gold. Plus it’s right by the Trent and Grantham Canal, so you can jump right on that holiday vibe with some fresh (not really) running water. For those of you who couldn’t care less about our green, oxygen-providing counterparts, worry not; it’s not just about the plants. There’ll be tea and cakes, fundraising and entertainment too to keep y’all happy.
Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 July, 2pm, £3 adults, children free, Lady Bay, event link

An incredible line up of musicians and artists has been curated to raise money in support of those affected by the Grenfell tower block tragedy. All money raised at the event this weekend will be given to community organisations who will distribute the money accordingly; guiding the cash flow to where it’s needed most. The likes of Ashmore, Parisa East and Chai Larden are on the line up, and a whole bunch of vegan food will be provided, courtesy of Yemoja Foods. Come along and show your support and help make sure something like the Grenfell disaster doesn’t happen again. Feast to your heart’s content, make the most of the music and warm summer nights, and dig as deep as you can. Break them piggy banks, folks. It’s for a bloody good cause.
Sunday 9 July, 6pm, donation otd, bring extra cash to donate, Hyson Green Youth Club, event link