BEST OF THE MONTH

Riverside Festival

When: Friday 4 - Sunday 6 August

Where: Victoria Embankment

How much: Free

The biggest free family festival in the East Midlands is back offering a wide range of entertainment and activities for all ages. Wander through the mile-long stretch of fairground rides, games and attractions situated along the banks of the river Trent, browse numerous street food vendors, bars and market stalls, and check out some great local acts on three stages of music.

Enchanted Forest: Interactive Installation

When: Tuesday 8 August - Sunday 3 September (Tuesdays - Sundays)

Where: Lakeside Arts

How much: Free

This rather magical looking exhibition is bound to delight both adults and children as nature becomes neon at Lakeside Arts. Digital artist Barret Hodgson has created a stunning vista of entrancing lights, sounds, strange creatures and interactive features to explore in the Djanogly Gallery. Pair with a walk around the stunning Highfields Lake and top off with an ice cream for a perfect day out.

5th Duke of Portland: Tunnel Vision Exhibition

When: Tuesday 15 August 2023Saturday 9 September 2023

Where: Harley Gallery, Welbeck Estate

How much: Free

Known for his reclusivity and the extensive tunnel system he built under the Welbeck Estate, the 5th Duke of Portland only ate roast chicken, used umbrellas to hide from unwanted visitors and built a roller skating rink for his staff. Learn more and see some of the Duke’s possessions before heading to the Welbeck Farm Shop for some delicious picnic treats.

Lacey

When: Saturday 19 August

Where: The Bodega

How much: £10

To celebrate the launch of their new album This Is All We Are, local alt-rock four-piece Lacey are playing a special launch show at The Bodega. Like many bands they formed from the ashes of previous bands, but the difference with Lacey is that they grew up together, and it’s this long history that frontman Graham Turner claims gives the band their closeknit brotherly bond. The album is already out, so go and give it a spin, and if you like what you hear, we’ll catch you at The Bodega!

Arboretum Beer Festival

When: Saturday 26 August

Where: The Arboretum

How much: £12.50

The Arboretum Beer Festival is back for their third year, bringing dozens of local and national brewers to the historic Nottingham Arboretum, alongside some amazing street food curated by Bustler, live music, DJs and much more. With eighteen breweries to choose from, this is a beer lover's idea of heaven, and you’ll be able to get involved in activities such as indie bingo while you down a pint or two (or morebut drink responsibly!)

Cocktails and Crime: Nearest and Deadliest

When: Saturday 26 August, 7-10pm

Where: National Justice Museum

How much: £23.99

If you fancy trying something different over the bank holiday, dip into a little drama with some Cocktails and Crime. It’s 1912 and local wealthy widow Agatha Sinclair Smythe has died in a mysterious house fire. A group of relatives, associates and friends have gathered at Shire Hall to hear the contents of her will being read, but will you work out the true circumstances around Agatha’s death?

Monstrous Flesh x The Screen

When: Throughout August

Where: Nottingham Contemporary

How much: £6

A must for fans of offbeat horror, this season of film screenings explores the wild, feral, forbidden, feminine in horror and folklore. Choose from classics such as Onibaba (1964), Cat People (1942), Haxan (1922) and The Lure (2015) throughout August. Brought to you by local podcast and multidisciplinary community venture Monstrous Flesh in collab with Nottingham Contemporary.

Cirque de Soiree

When: Saturday 2 September

Where: Metronome

How much: £17

Roll up, roll up! Top off your summer with a fabulous evening that will surprise and tantalise. Featuring a variety of burlesque, magic, circus and comedy at Metronome, and hosted by the glamorous John Celestus, performers include circus acts artist Ed Muir and Vendetta Vain, burlesque from Fou Fou Kaboom, and comedic magic with Arron Jones.