Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-theatre">THEATRE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Cast-of-Grease-by-Marc-Brenner-1024x683.jpg" alt="The cast of Grease image by Marc Brenner" class="wp-image-9795" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Cast-of-Grease-by-Marc-Brenner-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Cast-of-Grease-by-Marc-Brenner-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Cast-of-Grease-by-Marc-Brenner-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/Cast-of-Grease-by-Marc-Brenner.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Grease / by Marc Brenner</figcaption></figure>



Gather your pink ladies and get those vocal chords tuned up &#8211; <a href="https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/grease/">Grease The Musical</a> swoops onto the stage at Nottingham Theatre Royal this month. Awesome songs, teen romance and pure escapism, it&#8217;s on from Tues 27 &#8211; Sat 31 August.



Over at Buxton Opera House join the swashbuckling pirates on Sat 3, Sun 4 and Fri 9 August for a hilarious family-friendly production of <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/the-pirates-of-penzance-2024">The Pirates of Penzance</a>. For more grown-up comedy capers, book tickets to <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/the-importance-of-being-earnest">The Importance of Being Earnest</a>, at the Pavilion Arts Centre in Buxton on Sun 20 August.



Littlies will love <a href="https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/in-the-night-garden-live-1">In The Night Garden Live</a> on Wed 14&nbsp;&#8211; Thurs 15 August at Buxton Opera House. Parent reviews are outstanding, suggesting Igglepiggle in the flesh is well worth it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-outdoors">OUTDOORS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/little-school-ecology-haddon-hall-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-9794" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/little-school-ecology-haddon-hall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/little-school-ecology-haddon-hall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/little-school-ecology-haddon-hall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/little-school-ecology-haddon-hall.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image/Haddon Hall</figcaption></figure>



Brilliant back-to-nature days out on offer this month at beautiful Haddon Hall’s medieval park when it launches its <a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/little-school-of-ecology-in-haddon-medieval-park/">Little School of Ecology</a>. Aimed at kids aged 5-11 and their grown-up, tickets cost a fiver and is on every Tuesday during August &#8211; the first session kicks off on Tues August 6. With its woodlands, water meadows and river banks, the park makes the perfect spot for mini explorers. 



Garden looking like it needs a boost? Check out the <a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/whats-on/">Plant Hunter&#8217;s Fair</a> in the gorgeous gardens of the Archbishop&#8217;s Palace next to Southwell Minster on Sat 4 August. There&#8217;s also a <a href="https://renishaw-hall.co.uk/upcoming-events/">Plant Fair</a> at Renishaw Hall on Sun 11 August where there will be armfuls of lovely plants, alongside a handful of creative works.



Tempt teens outside with the lure of an incredible Insta backdrop – a field of more than 40,000 sunflowers. Pick your own stems of sunshine at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nottinghamshirepickyourownpumpkins.com/">Nottinghamshire Sunflower Experience</a>&nbsp;during&nbsp;August&nbsp;in&nbsp;Southwell&nbsp;and then see if they can find their way through the maize maze.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-music">MUSIC</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot.jpg" alt="stage lit up with huge crowd at festival" class="wp-image-4125" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/04/YNot-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: YNot Festival</figcaption></figure>



Got older teens looking for a local first festival? Try&nbsp;<a href="https://ynotfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YNot Festival</a>&nbsp;(pictured) at Pikehall, Derbyshire,&nbsp;2-4 August&nbsp;where they can pitch their tent in the slightly less hectic family camping section. Snow Patrol, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and the Kaiser Chiefs just some of the names appearing this year. But it’s not just rock, indie and alternative music – there’s comedy, paint fights and carnivals, all set in the gorgeous Peak District countryside.



Now this sounds beautiful. A soothing concert by award-winning harpist <a href="https://www.haddonhall.co.uk/events/event/music-at-haddon-laura-rose-gee-harp/">Laura-Rose Gee</a> in the elegant surroundings of Haddon Hall on Sun 11 August. Performances start at 11.30am and 1.15pm. Kids (and adults if you&#8217;re inspired) can even have a go on the harp after the performance.



Dance in the aisle of Derby Cathedral to candlelight at <a href="https://derbycathedral.org/events/concerts/the-music-of-abba-by-candlelight/">The Music of Abba by Candlelight</a> on Fri 9 and Sat 10 August. Expect all the hits in a stunning setting.



<a href="https://trentham.co.uk/events/trentham-live/">Trentham Live</a>, a four-day party by the lake, kicks off on Thurs 15 August with Deacon Blue, followed by Jess Glynne on the Friday. The weekend opens on the Saturday with Manic Street Preachers before Busted close the party at Trentham Gardens in Staffordshire on Sun 18 August. 



Beer, music and street food sounds like a fun summer mix and there’s a raft of independent breweries showcasing their best brews at the <a href="http://www.arboretumnottingham.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arboretum Beer Festival</a> in Nottingham on Sat 24 August. Along with live music, DJs and street food, this small but popular festival comes to life around the hub of the park’s Victorian bandstand. The following day on Sun 27 August it&#8217;s the turn of <a href="https://www.gigantic.com/foolhardy-folk-festival-tickets/nottingham-the-arboretum/2023-08-27-12-00" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Foolhardy Folk Festival</a> to take over the reins at the same venue. You can look forward to Will Varley, Blackwater County and Simantics.



There’s a jam-packed bank holiday weekend of classical, folk and jazz music in venues across the historic town of Southwell from 23-26 August for <a href="https://www.southwellminster.org/events/event/smf-2024/">Southwell Music Festival</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-workshops-amp-exhibitions">WORKSHOPS &amp; EXHIBITIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/monster-fun-1024x683.jpg" alt="inflatable creatures at monster fun nottingham" class="wp-image-9558" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/monster-fun-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/monster-fun-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/monster-fun-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/07/monster-fun.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Let littlies flex their imaginations and the wild and wacky&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lakesidearts.org.uk/exhibition/monster-fun/">Monster Fun</a>&nbsp;at Lakeside Arts,&nbsp;Nottingham. Like a storybook come to life, friendly inflatable monsters will take over the Djanogly Gallery from&nbsp;Thurs 1 August – Sun 8 September, and kids can even make their own.



Get messy with clay at a creative family clay session at&nbsp;The Harley Pottery Studio. Pick from&nbsp;<a href="https://harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/event/family-clay-create-a-creature/">Create a Creature</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thurs&nbsp;8 August&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/event/family-clay-sculpt-a-seascape/">Sculpt a Seascape</a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;Fri&nbsp;16 August&nbsp;or, for older kids, book onto a&nbsp;<a href="https://harleyfoundation.org.uk/whats-on/event/mini-throwing-taster/">Taster Throwing Session</a>.



There&#8217;s a very cool-sounding dance workshop on at Nottingham Contemporary on Sat 24 August exploring moves inspired by Capoeira and Hip Hop. <a href="Godmother of HipHop">Capoeira: Godmother of HipHop</a> is aimed at 15-25-year-olds (ideally those who have dabbled in dance before).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-days-out">FAMILY DAYS OUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Glowworm-fest-1024x683.jpg" alt="elmer the elephant at glow worm festival notts" class="wp-image-10027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Glowworm-fest-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Glowworm-fest-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Glowworm-fest-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/08/Glowworm-fest.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Vicky McClure is the special guest reading a bedtime story to mini festival-goers at the <a href="https://glowormfestival.co.uk/event-guide/">GlowormFestiva</a>l on 16-18 August at Holme Pierrepont Country Park. The Nottingham star will join CBeebies presenters Maddie Moate and Andy Day along with dozens of acts and favourite kids’ TV characters providing family entertainment from 10am to 10pm each day.



C’mon all you strength training ladies and Crossfitters out there – how about a spot of caber tossing at The <a href="https://matlockfarmpark.co.uk/highland-games/">Peak District Highland Games</a>, Sun 25 August? Or at least maybe pitch up to this fun-to-watch event for some strength inspo as men and women take on With tractor pulls, giant stone throws and more. With Scottish dancing, pipers, spectator&#8217;s tug of war and stacks of stuff for the kids, it should be a guaranteed day of family fun.



We love a free family festival and the <a href="https://www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/whats-on/nottingham-riverside-festival-2023-p489471">Nottingham Riverside Festival</a> is back this month &#8211; although sadly dramatically downsized. The iconic event will still go ahead on the Expect a mile-long funfair and dragon boat racing Victoria Embankment from 2-4 August. But fireworks, live music and children&#8217;s entertainment have been scrapped.



Taking place across four weekends the&nbsp;<a href="https://visitsherwood.co.uk/home/robin-hood-festival-2024/">Robin Hood Festival</a>&nbsp;returns to&nbsp;Sherwood Forest from 3-26 August. It kicks off with a horseback jousting display from the Knights of Nottingham, roving performers, archery and axe-throwing. The following weekend turns to fantasy and mysticism with events straight out of Tolkien’s imagination. The focus turns to wildlife on&nbsp;17 and 18 August&nbsp;before climaxing in a festival finale on&nbsp;25 and 26 August&nbsp;of an all-action outlaw show.



Ok, it’s a hop over the border to this one, but it’s so worth it. If you’ve got primary aged kids or tiny tots you must, must, must snap up tickets for the enchanting and joyous&nbsp;<a href="https://justsofestival.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Just So Festival</a>. Taking place on&nbsp;16-18 August&nbsp;at&nbsp;Rode Hall, Cheshire, this fabulous family adventure is a Muddy favourite and is jam-packed with magical happenings. From live music and forest theatre to creative hands-on crafty sessions and campfire takes in the Spellbound Forest, there’s always something unexpected, uplifting and charming in each glade.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1.jpg" alt="dog agility at Chatsworth country fair" class="wp-image-9651" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/07/country-fair-2019-have-a-go-dog-agility-2-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dog agility at Chatsworth country fair</figcaption></figure>



Finish the school hols with a flourish by taking the whole fam to<a href="https://www.chatsworth.org/events/chatsworth-country-fair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;Chatsworth Country Fair</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;30 August –&nbsp;1 September&nbsp;– it’s a corker. Held in the 1000-acre parkland surrounding&nbsp;Chatsworth House, it’s three action-packed days of thrilling Grand Ring entertainment, acrobatics and stunts, inspirational cooking masterclasses (including James Martin and Nadiya Hussain), delicious food, fantastic shopping and plenty of have-a-go activities.



<a href="https://www.eatinthepark.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eat in the Park</a> kicks off this month showcasing tribute artists and talented local musicians alongside fabulous food and drink (Buxton Brewery are sponsors) and loads of activities for kids. On from 17-18 August at Pavilion Gardens, Buxton.

Awesome August! What’s on in Notts & Derbyshire this month

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