What's On This Weekend in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 5th - 7th January

If you're wondering how to kick off the first weekend of 2024 in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, we've got the perfect roundup for you!

From enchanting pantomimes to captivating art exhibitions, exciting ice hockey matches, and family-friendly activities, this weekend has something for everyone. So, gather your friends and family and explore the best events happening in the city and county.

And while you’re out and about, don’t forget - if you are out having a great time in Nottingham or Nottinghamshire, you can use #LoveNotts to share the love, or tag us using @visitnotts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We’re also on TikTok under @visitnottinghamshire!

There are many more things to do and explore on our full What’s On calendar such as interesting exhibitions, tours, and fun outdoor activities. Have a browse today and find the perfect activity or experience to enjoy this weekend.

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1. Cinderella

Until Saturday 13th of January | Nottingham Playhouse | Various times | Tickets: £18 - £40.50

Polish your glass slippers and line up your pumpkins because you SHALL go to the Ball. Nottingham Playhouse's legendary Panto returns in 2023 with the most enchanting story of them all – the magical tale of Cinderella!

You’ll be booing the Ugly Sisters, swooning at Prince Charming, marvelling at the Fairy Godmother, and enjoying an added touch of fabulous glamour and glitz from Nottingham’s favourite panto dame, John Elkington.

Cinderella at the Nottingham Playhouse has come in for rave reviews amongst the media and critics so why not enjoy one last panto this winter here in Notts?

With live music, dazzling dance, and comedy chaos galore, it’s the perfect treat for all the family.

To learn more about what you can expect, read our review!

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2. John Burningham's Bedtime Stories

Until Sunday 7th January | Harley Gallery | Open from 10am | Free

Journey from first sketches to award-winning books in John Burningham's Bedtime Stories.

Snuggle up this Winter at the Harley Gallery with an exhibition showing the work of children's author and illustrator John Burningham.

This name may be familiar from childhood classics like Borka: The Adventures of a Goose With No Feathers, Avocado Baby, and as the illustrator of Ian Fleming's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. From featherless geese to flying cars, this exhibition will give visitors the chance to reconnect with childhood favourites – or discover the groundbreaking work of John Burningham for the first time.

Original sketchbooks, models, and photographs will reveal John Burningham's creative life and the impact he had on children's literature. His witty stories and colourful illustrations pioneered a change in books for children: marking the start of a new creative era as parents moved away from the 'goody-goody' novels of earlier times.

This exhibition has been organised in association with Selina Skipwith, an independent art advisor, and curator.

This weekend is your last chance to see this exhibition.

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3. The Nottingham Panthers vs Guildford Flames

Saturday 6th January | Motorpoint Arena Nottingham | 7pm | Tickets from £12.50

Catch The Nottingham Panthers play The Guildford Flames at The Motorpoint Arena Nottingham and National Ice Centre.

The Nottingham Panthers are the only professional ice hockey team in the East Midlands. Playing out of the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Panthers’ games provide an atmosphere like no other and it’s suitable for all ages, whether you’re looking to start your night with something different or spend some time with the family.

The action is fast, non-stop & physical as the Panthers battle it out with teams across the Premier Sports Elite League for the points that will take them to the top of the standings & put them in contention for the league title when the season ends.

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4. Zog activity trail at Sherwood Pines

Until Wednesday 31st January | Open from 10am | Sherwood Pines | Clue leaflet £1.50, Activity pack £4

Get ready to join Zog on his latest forest adventure with a brand-new family activity trail and free app at Sherwood Pines!

Thanks to amazing augmented reality technology, you'll be able to collect golden stars, just like Zog, and have the chance to take a photo with everyone's favourite dragon at the end of the trail. Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them. 

Capture the fun by saving videos and photos as you complete the bonus activities.

How does it work?

1. Download the new ‘Zog: A Forest Adventure’ app before you visit. Point the brand new app at special markers along the trail and access all sorts of exciting challenges as you go.

2. Get your claws on a Zog trail activity pack for £4 from the Visitor Centre. Inside you’ll find a kraft bag, dragon wings to wear, zog glasses, stickers & more!

3. Follow the trail

Collect golden stars as your little dragons learn how they can help care for the forest, and how the forests can care for them. 

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5. Debbie Bryan's Card Making in Nottingham Lace Market

Saturday 6th January | Debbie Bryan Lace Market | Various time slots available | Price: £25

For those with a creative flair, head to Debbie Bryan’s  iconic Lace Market studio in Nottingham to create a trio of mixed media or solo-technique mini masterpieces, perfect for gift cards and framing!

Why not get prepared early for this year's Valentine's, Mother's Day, Easter, and Father's Day cards? Perfect for gift cards and for framing.

A creative kit curated from our vast collection of cyanotypes, handprinted and vintage papers will be your foundation to create your surface pattern designs for this season's cards and prints. All equipment is provided, including tea, coffee & fudge brownies!

If you can’t make it on Saturday, these sessions are also running throughout January as their ‘Craft of the Month’, from Tuesday – Saturday each week.

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This blog was written by Jack Woolley for Visit Nottinghamshire.