Upcoming Music Festivals in Nottingham 2025-2026: A Handbook for Students
Nottingham, a vibrant city in the East Midlands of the UK, is gearing up for an exciting lineup of music festivals that cater to students. From the end-of-term celebrations at the Nottingham Craft Beer Festival to the centuries-old Nottingham Goose Fair, there's something for everyone. Here's a rundown of the top five student-friendly music festivals in Nottingham for the coming year.
Kicking off the list is Nottinghamshire Pride, taking place on Saturday, 26th July 2025. The parade begins at Lister Gate and winds its way through the city centre, culminating at Sneinton Market. This major LGBTQ student event features indie acts, fashion shows, community stalls, and various performances. The best part? It's completely free!
Next up is the Splendour Festival, scheduled for the weekend of 19th and 20th July 2025. Although the exact venue is not specified, it's known as Nottinghamshire's biggest music festival. This year's lineup promises contemporary and classic hits from Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, and Jake Bugg, making it a must-attend event for music lovers.
For those who enjoy funk, soul, and disco, Boogietown Festival is a weekend event at Apps Court Farm in July 2025. This festival offers DJs and live acts, wellness activities, and a funfair, making it a hit among students who love disco and soul music. The exact dates have not been announced yet, but it's sure to be a groovy time.
On Saturday, 26th July 2025, Brixton Disco Festival will take over Binks Yard in Nottingham. This disco music festival features performances by artists like Fat Tony and Joel Corry, promising a lively evening of disco tunes.
Last but not least, the Nottingham Goose Fair, while not purely a music festival, is a major student-friendly event that typically takes place in early October. This cultural event offers musical acts, neon lights, deep-fried food, thrill rides, and a new music stage. Best of all, entry is free, and student ride wristbands are available for affordable fun.
While precise dates for some events like Boogietown are not explicitly mentioned, these festivals are the most prominent and student-oriented in Nottingham for the coming year. Most events take place in central and accessible locations, making them convenient for students.
For those interested in volunteering and scoring free entry to some festivals, the Southwell Music Festival, just outside the city, offers classical and jazz performances and tickets under £15. To get there, take a quick 15-minute train to Rolleston or Fiskerton, then stroll or taxi into town. Students often rideshare, so keep an eye on group chats the week before.
Sneinton Market hosts the Sneinton Festival, a free creative festival taking place in Nottingham. This year's theme is dragons, and the festival features local music, street food, and a variety of creative activities. It encourages participation through performances, volunteering, and attending.
Getting to these festivals is easy by tram or bus. Nottinghamshire Pride can be reached by following the parade from Lister Gate or a short walk from Nottingham Trent University, while the Nottingham Goose Fair and Sneinton Festival are accessible by tram or bus.
Whether you're a music lover, a foodie, or a creative soul, Nottingham has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable festival season in 2025-2026!
[1] Nottingham Trent University, [Accessed 10th May 2023]. Available from: https://www.ntu.ac.uk/ [3] Nottingham Post, [Accessed 10th May 2023]. Available from: https://www.nottinghampost.com/ [5] Binks Yard, [Accessed 10th May 2023]. Available from: https://www.binksyard.co.uk/
- The city centre of Nottingham, home to Nottingham Trent University, serves as a hub for student events like music festivals.
- Student accommodation in Nottingham is a popular choice for those seeking a lively and vibrant lifestyle.
- The university area in Nottingham is a buzzing place throughout the academic year, with a plethora of student events happening regularly.
- In the world of fashion and beauty, students in Nottingham can find numerous boutiques and salons scattered around the city centre.
- Food and drink enthusiasts will be delighted with the variety of restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering delectable cuisines in Nottingham.
- Relationships blossom in Nottingham, a city that fosters a nurturing environment for students to grow and connect.
- Traveling around Nottingham is hassle-free, with an efficient public transport system that includes trams and buses.
- For avid readers, bookstores in the city centre offer a wide selection of books on education, self-development, personal growth, and career development.
- Nottingham's music scene is thriving, with numerous music festivals and concerts that cater to various tastes.
- The vibrant pop-culture scene in Nottingham includes following celebrities, attending movie premieres, and engaging in pop-culture discussions.
- Music festivals in Nottingham, such as the Splendour Festival, celebrate a mix of contemporary and classic hits.
- Sci-fi and fantasy fans can immerse themselves in the various comic book stores and gaming cafes located in the city centre.
- Learning opportunities in Nottingham are plentiful, with numerous workshops, seminars, and classes on offer.
- The sports scene in Nottingham is dynamic, with football leagues, baseball, hockey, golf, and sports betting being popular pastimes.
- Champions League matches are screened in various pubs across the city, creating a lively atmosphere among sports enthusiasts.
- European leagues like Laliga and tennis tournaments also attract fans in Nottingham, with many pubs and sports bars organizing viewing parties.
- Sports analysis and weather forecasting programs are widely used by students in Nottingham, to stay updated and make informed decisions about sports events.
- Racing fans in Nottingham can enjoy Grand Prix, horse racing, and mixed martial arts events throughout the year.
- Weather in Nottingham is generally mild and wet, making it essential to check the forecast before attending outdoor events like music festivals.
- Sneinton Market, just a short tram or bus ride away from the city centre, hosts the Sneinton Festival, a unique creative event with a dragon theme.21.Student volunteers can score free entry to some music festivals like the Southwell Music Festival, which showcases classical and jazz performances.