Nottingham has been named the UK’s official Festival City for the month of October; events will include a Canal Festival, a Robin Hood Pageant, and a Goose Fair.
Starting the festival season will be the Nottingham Independents Festival on 1st October. The one-day event will offer entertainment and prize giveaways in the city centre, and showcase a number of independent businesses and what they bring to the city.
Groups might like to follow up a visit to the Independents Festival with a trip to Nottingham Canal Festival, which takes place on the same day. Visitors can celebrate the heritage of the city’s waterways at Castle Wharf, and have a go at angling, try canoeing, or take a boat trip.
Those visiting Nottingham between 1st and 8th October should pop into the travelling Spiegel Tent, which will be located in Old Market Square.
This Belgian 20th century travelling dance hall, made of wood and complete with ornate decoration and mirrors, will return to Nottingham for its second year to host a diverse range of events including music performances, pantomime, dance shows, a comedy night and burlesque shows.
For another nostalgic festival experience, head to the Goose Fair, which will run at the Forest Recreation Ground from 5th to 9th October.
It’s reportedly the UK's oldest travelling fair with more than 700 years of history, and boasts more than 500 attractions.
Groups can expect white knuckle experiences and old favourites including waltzers, carousels and Hook-a-Duck, plus traditional Goose Fair food including mushy peas and mint sauce, candy floss and brandy snaps.
Two beer festivals will also take place in October. The Robin Hood Beer & Cider Festival will run at Nottingham Castle from 12th to 15th October, offering more than 1,200 cask beers and ciders to sample.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Oktoberfest 2016 will run at the Forest Recreation Ground from 26th to 30th October offering German beer, food and live music.
Further highlights in Nottingham’s festival season will include the city’s first ever Caves Festival, running from 17th to 30th October, and International Robin Hood Day on 29th October.
Group travel organisers can visit the city’s brand new website, www.octoberinnottingham.co.uk, for further information.
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