What's On This Weekend in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire 26 - 28 April

We’ve rounded up our top 5 things to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this weekend.

Take your pick of unique events and activities including international ice hockey, some fantastic markets and a new play at Newstead Abbey as part of the Lord Byron bicentenary programme of events!

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. Ay-Up Market

Friday 26th - Sunday 28th April | Old Market Square | FREE event

The popular Ay-Up Market returns to Old Market Square this weekend for its third year.

This year, there are over 60 independent stallholders taking part, and visitors can look forward to various products such as freshly baked goods, sweet treats, fine wine and liquors, vintage clothing, plants, skincare, homeware, arts and crafts, handmade jewellery, and pet accessories.

Alongside the stalls, the event will feature an exciting programme of live music on stage, plus a variety of performances from the Nottingham Asian Arts Council, City Arts, and the Brazilian Culture Centre. Other family-friendly activities will be available including creative workshops, a traditional hook-a-duck and candy-floss cart, face painting, and balloon modelling.

You'll also find food traders such as Colombo Street, MemSaab, and The Pudding Pantry. Additionally, Blue Monkey Brewery will be serving their award-winning beers and spirits.

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2. Courtyard Makers Market at Thoresby Park

Sunday 28th April | Thoresby Park and Courtyard | Free entry (£3 car parking all day)

Thoresby Park, within the heart of Nottinghamshire, is a lovely place to visit all year round with a range of attractions for all the family. The extensive grounds cover over 1000 acres of rich unspoilt English countryside, with a range of facilities and attractions open to the public all year round.

Thoresby Park Courtyard market, already well known for showcasing the best local crafters and artisans over the years is now being managed by Little Hummingbird Events.

Little Hummingbird Events will be working in collaboration with the team at Thoresby Park to enhance the offering to bring a selection of local creatives, makers and artists, with a varied selection of handmade crafts and food.

There is no entry fee for this event, its only £3 per car parking all day.

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3. Lord Byron: Dangerous to Know

Saturday 27th April | Newstead Abbey | 7pm - 8.30pm | £18

The Byron Society is supporting a thrilling new preview performance of a new play by CLAIR/OBSCUR Theatre about the devastating, dashing, and brilliant Lord Byron, which will be performed at Lord Byron’s ancestral home, the beautiful and gothic Newstead Abbey.

Summer 1841. Claire Clairmont, Lord Byron’s former mistress, has just laid her mother to rest before heading back to Europe. However, a letter with a secret passed to Claire at the funeral has raked up painful memories about their scandalous affair and a nagging conviction that she must uncover the truth.

Resolving she cannot do this alone, Claire co-opts her half sister, Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein to help. After all, Mary was part of the Byron set; she’ll know what to do. However, the past is sordid, murky and digging for answers requires getting your hands dirty. And are they prepared for what will be unearthed?

This event helps to mark the bicentenary of Lord Byron’s death, which we are honouring in 2024. For more information about Lord Byron, the bicentenary and more events on the calendar, click here.

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4. St George's Day at Sherwood Forest

Saturday 27th April | Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre | 11am - 4pm | FREE (Parking charges apply)

Throughout St George's Day at Sherwood Forest, you'll be able to learn more about what it meant to be a knight of the realm and fight upon the battlefields of Medieval Europe.

The Sherwood Outlaws will be demonstrating the combat techniques and tactics which could win – or lose – a bloody battle. All Knights and Princess Warriors are invited to join St George for his Knight's School! Sessions run at 11.30am and 1.30pm (booking required).

The Knight's school includes: Knights obstacle course, combat training, weapons handling, and blunt archery as well as a certificate and photo opportunity.

To celebrate all things St George, The Sherwood Outlaws will also be running Pay and Play Archery with Robin and Marian and there will be an exciting skirmish with St George and his Knights at their medieval camp!

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5. Team GB v Poland

Saturday 27th April | Motorpoint Arena Nottingham | 7pm - 10pm | £25.55

Join the electric atmosphere as Great Britain takes on Poland in a highly anticipated international men's ice hockey match!

This clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle, continuing the exciting yet respectful rivalry that's grown between the two teams over the years. Remember last year's epic encounter at the Motorpoint Arena? Nearly 5,000 fans roared as GB emerged victorious in a dramatic 5-4 overtime win!

Both sides are now competing in the top division of the World Championship, making this a fantastic chance to see them battle it out before the big tournament in Czechia in May.

Get in on the action and book your tickets now.

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This blog was written by Katherine Taylor, Marketing Executive at Visit Nottinghamshire.