It may still be November but the festive season has kicked off in Notts, with Christmas markets, light switch ons and murder mysteries to get you in the mood. But for those who want to keep Christmas firmly for December, you can brighten up your week with live music and more...
Bob Vylan: Viva La Vylan
When: Monday 20 November
Where: Rock City
How much: £18
Formed in 2017 with their first concert just two weeks later, Bob Vylan kick off your week with an unforgettable sound touring their latest album Bob Vylan Presents the Price of Life. Blending grime, punk rock and hip hop and embracing chaos and peace, they’ve risen quickly to popularity having supported the likes of The Offspring and Biffy Clyro on tour.
McFly - Power to Play
When: Tuesday 21 November - Wednesday 22 November
Where: Rock City
How much: £40
Known widely for their noughties hits All About You’, Five Colours in Her Hair and Star Girl chart-toppers McFly are bringing their newest metal, rock and punk inspired album for a two night stay at Rock City and they’re intent on finding something for everyone to enjoy. Their ever changing sound has held the hearts of boyband fans for years, with their newest LP Power to Play marking a return to their rock’n’roll roots and keeping a hold on their infamous pop-rock sound.
Jools Holland
When: Wednesday 22 November
Where: The Royal Concert Hall
How much: £48.50
Famous for his talents as a pianist, composer, singer and television presenter, Jools Holland and his rhythm & blues orchestra are returning to Nottingham with special guests Pauline Black and Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson for one of the UK’s most popular tours. The show will once again feature the vocals of Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka for a night of outstanding rhythm and blues.
Friendly Fires: ‘15 Years of Friendly Fires’
When: Thursday 23 November
Where: Rock City
How much: £25
A celebration of the fifteen-year anniversary of their debut LP Friendly Fires & the reissue of their album ‘Paris’, join to embrace the nostalgia and raise a glass. Friendly Fires formed their original band at the age of thirteen in a Hertfordshire secondary school, and their indie rock sound has since become popular amongst the masses, with their debut LP being shortlisted for the mercury prize upon its release.
Christmas Light Switch On
When: Saturday 25 November
Where: National Ice Centre
How much: £0-11 each
Get the family in the festive mood with twinkly lights and fun on the ice this Saturday. They've got the tree up, Christmas songs playing and Jo and Sparky from Gem at Breakfast will be leading the countdown. Under fives go free and there are family discounts available, but don't forget to book!
Elementary! A Christmas Murder Mystery
When: Friday 24 November - Sunday 16 December
Where: National Justice Museum
How Much: £52.99
A three course meal with a nineteenth century murder mystery twist. World-famous detective Sherwood Flats has gone missing, and you’re needed to help solve the case in the courtroom of the National Justice Museum. Tour the museum looking for clues and interview suspects.
Our Stories Conference
When: Saturday 25 November
Where: Nottingham Central Library
How much: £5
This one-day conference, curated by City of Literature, will reflect the city’s established culture of publishing comics and graphic novels, with a particular focus on how we can make this area of publishing more LGBTQ+ representative and inclusive. Wonderful friends and allies from Nottingham and further afield, including So Mayer, Jules Scheele and Jake Hall, will be participating in panels throughout the day. This is an exciting opportunity to get an exclusive look at Nottingham’s fantastic brand new library before its doors officially open to the public on Tuesday 28 November!
Christmas Market at the Castle
When: Saturday 25 November - Sunday 26 November
Where: Nottingham Castle
How much: £1
Curated by It’s In Nottingham and with over 35 independent stallholders, explore Nottingham Castle and its grounds in the run up to Christmas with festive shopping and soak in the warm atmosphere from the live music and family friendly activities. A time slot ought to have been booked in advance, limited tickets available!
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
