So, we’re already well aware that here in Nottingham we’ve got a shed load of venues that provide us with a constant stream of bangin’ club nights and gigs on pretty much every night of the week – pretty good, yeah? However, the city is also home to a few annual events, all of which are little gems, and help to make Nottingham the great city that it is for live music. Here’s a little taste of what you can find.
Dot to Dot Festival
When? May Bank Holiday Where? Pretty much everywhere
If ever an excuse was needed to go out on a bank holiday Sunday then Dot to Dot is a pretty good one. Since it all started in 2005, the festival has churned out kick ass line ups, which have included acts such as Mystery Jets, Ellie Goulding, The Cribs, Kate Nash and far too many others to name! Practically every venue in town from Rock City to Stealth plays host to bands, and various stalls line Talbot Street, giving Nottingham a proper festival feel. Whilst living in Nottingham, Dot to Dot is something you just shouldn’t miss – www.dottodotfestival.co.uk
Branch Out
When? October
Where? Again, pretty much everywhere
The baby of Nottingham’s festivals, Branch Out was created last year, and focuses solely on local music. The first and only Branch Out to date featured around 50 bands, playing in some of the city’s smaller venues including Broadway and Malt Cross. Kappa Gamma, injured Birds and Boots Booklovers made appearances last time around, and considering some of the acts which have emerged from Nottingham’s music scenes in recent years, you never know what you might stumble across this year – www.branchoutfestival.com
Nottingham Carribean Carnival
When? August
Where? Forest Recreation Ground
Not to be confused with Notting Hill, the Carribean Carnival is certainly Nottingham’s most colourful offering, and even better – it’s free! On top of the usual carnival festivities – a parade and great food and drink – there are two music stages. This year’s line-up featured jungle DJ Congo Natty and house artist T Williams, as well as Nottingham dub/minimal dubstep collective, Rubberdub and reggae from Highness Sound System. If you like bass music, then this is the one for you – www.emccan.org/nottingham-caribbean-carnival
Splendour
When? July Where? Wollaton Hall Held just a stone’s throw away from campus in beautiful the grounds of Wollaton Hall, Splendour is a family friendly, pretty relaxed festival. The line-up tends to be a delightful blend of the old and new, with past ones featuring the likes of Madness, The Pogues and Blondie, as well as Katy B and Maximo Park. Splendour also does its bit to promote local music – Jake Bugg and Dog is Dead have worked their way up the bill in recent years. Ticket prices are reduced for local residents, so why not take a chance on Splendour – www.splendourfestival.com
By Katie Harrison
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