It's a cultural one this weekend, so get stuck in and see what's happenin'...
Monica’s Caribbean Pop-Up Kitchen
Everyone loves a bitta scran, and it's an island delight this weekend with lots of West Indian activity kickin’ off all over town. Join Monica and get stuck into her fine Caribbean cuisine, ranging from lightly salted green banana chips to traditional curry mutton served with rice and peas. There'll be a selection of Caribbean-inspired and vegan-friendly desserts to whet your appetite n'all. If you like a little tipple with yer scran, then carnival punch will be flowing all night and is sure to have a nice kick to it. Monica’s ingredients are all locally sourced, so roll down and experience that real "Yard-style" cooking.
Friday 18 August, 7pm (seating for dining 7.30pm), £35pp, Debbie Bryan, event link
Pervert Wasp Collaboration Part 2
Another night of free music. Well in. These guys are no strangers when it comes to the quirk, with Notts' great roster of performance artists already, it’s sure to be a treat for your peepers and yer lug 'oles. With the futuristic, psychedelic visuals from Alasdair Ambrose, and the hypnotic gyration of Nottingham’s talented dance performer Jamal Sterrett, prepare yourself for a staggering trip across their creative minds. The music will be brought to you by Pervert Wasp, so expect doom-jazz vibes throughout. This is a proper collaboration of three popular performance artists, all curated by Pervert Wasp’s very own Martin Rayment. And it won’t cost you a penny.
Friday 18 August, 7pm - 10pm, free, Backlit Nottingham, event link
Hyson Green Cultural Festival 2017
The lovely people down Hyson Green will be taking over the Forest Recreation Ground to bring a slew of performing artists and activities to the community. There’ll be fun and games for all ages ranging from zumba, capoeira, world-drumming workshops, bouncy castles and so much more. With lots of food and drink inspired by the many cultures of Nottingham, there will no doubt be something for everyone, even if you’re a bit fussy. Also, you’ll get to enjoy some great live performances: the soulful sounds of singer-songwriter Marita Metelia, young Notts rappers The Clients, and the ambient Indian sounds of Duniya, to name a few. Head on down at noon, soak in the diversity and take part in the festivities all day long.
Saturday 19 August, 12pm - 6pm, free, Forest Recreation Ground, event link
The SKAs Live
A taste of the old school is just round the corner, so get yer trilbies and sunglasses out. The SKAs are a six-piece band playing the very best of ska and 2 tone, and they’ve been hitting the circuit for a number of years. Nottingham’s go-to band for anything of this ilk. With a heavy amount of bookings spilling into next year, it’s safe to say these guys are in high demand and definitely deliver the goods. Join the The SKAs for a night of bangers inspired by famous ska bands and artists such as Madness, The Specials, Bad Manners, UB40 and way more for you to reminisce about the good days. Catch them this weekend at The Plainsman Mapperley Top, slip back in time and buss’ a skank with the crew.
Saturday 19 August, 9pm, The Plainsman Mapperley Top, event link
Nottingham Carnival 2017
The big day is finally upon us, and it won’t disappoint ducky. It all kicks off with the spectacular parade full of colourful costumes, soca-infused party music and all-round good vibes. There’ll be a swarm of local and not-so-local DJs and artists taking the stages, playing the best in reggae, dancehall, funk, jazz, r 'n' b and hip hop, to name a few. As always, the best culinary masters in Notts will be floggin' their tastiest cuisine in the new world food court. Nottingham Carnival has changed location over the years from the familiar Forest Rec and it now resides at the Victoria Embankment on a space big enough for a new culture zone, and a range of family amusements. With licensed bars and huge sound systems on till late, you won't struggle to have a good'un.
Sunday 20 August, 12pm - 8pm, £2 tickets (£3 otd, £1 for children u12), Victoria Embankment, event link
For the full motherload of goings-on, check out our What's On section.
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