National Justice Museum

HEAL Collective with Cecilia Mwenda

A co-created documentary project enabling a personal story of immigration detention survival, justice-seeking and rebuilding to be shared.

It’s 2008 and a woman is fleeing gender-based violence in her unstable home. How do she and her 8-year-old son end up in Yarl’s Wood immigration detention centre in the UK? And how does she rebuild her life afterwards, while navigating the trauma of a system that continues to haunt her?

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Nottingham Castle

Impressions: Nottingham’s collection meets four masterpieces from the Clark Art Institute, USA.

Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery presents an exciting new collection exhibition, taking the lead from four Impressionist paintings Artists Claude Monet (1840-1926), Camille Pissarro (1830-1903), Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) and Alfred Sisley (1839-1899) that helped to define the artistic movement known as Impressionism.

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Attenborough Nature Reserve

Attenborough Nature Centre will be exhibiting the art of Paul Dyson throughout the month of January.

The exhibition is located in the conference room at Attenborough Nature Centre and will be available during standard opening hours. A proportion of all sales will be donated to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

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Surface is an arts collective based on mutually supportive professional development.

We are a not-for-profit social enterprise that exists to support early and mid-career artists, largely through professional exhibitions and events, and also residencies. Volunteer-run, co-operative and contemporary, we provide an affordable space for artists to exhibit their work.

Lazurite
A Solo Exhibition by Zillah Farey
Until 8th Feb
Lazurite features art fashion style illustrations with a focus on portraiture, form, and use of colour. The illustrations are mixed media and are notable for Farey’s signature use of blue ballpoint pen. Anyone familiar with Farey’s artwork from previous postcard and street art exhibitions will instantly recognise this truly distinctive use of colour, which again predominates throughout this collection of illustrations.
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International Postcard Show 2025
Until 8th Feb
Surface is delighted to welcome back the International Postcard Show. This vibrant, long-running exhibition is a highly popular feature of our calendar and includes hundreds of original artworks from established and aspiring artists from all over the world. All submissions are included, from painting and print through to textiles and illustration, creating a wonderfully eclectic mix of artwork.
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National Justice Museum, Nottingham

Many people have been imprisoned and executed over the centuries of our building's macabre history. Do these souls still reside in the cells and halls of this ancient gaol? Retrace the steps of those who were locked away here, uncover eerie tales from staff and visitors alike, and learn of the many paranormal experiences reported within this historic building.

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Learning Studio, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham

Take inspiration from our current exhibitions and explore materials, develop art skills and techniques whilst building confidence in a relaxed and sociable environment.

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University of Nottingham Museum, Lakeside Arts

Iron Age hillforts are few and far between in the East Midlands, and not very well understood.

However, archaeological discoveries from Burrough Hill and Breedon Hill, both in Leicestershire, are providing important clues about life and beliefs at these important fortifications.

This exhibition will feature a fascinating range of everyday objects from both hillforts, with a spotlight on a spectacular hoard of chariot fittings from Burrough Hill.

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Worksop Library, Worksop

Are you interested in tracing your family tree but don’t know where to start? Suitable for beginners in family history, this course will introduce you to the main types of records available for your researc. You will discover where to locate family history documents and online information, as well as developing your research skills to help you make sense of what you find.

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Five Leaves Bookshop 14a Long Row, Nottingham

This month we’ll be reading and discussing Daphne du Maurier’s Gothic novel My Cousin Rachel. Perhaps less well known than some of du Maurier’s other works, The Guardian described My Cousin Rachel as a “fantastically well-wrought novel of suspicions and betrayals”.

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Trent Vale Infant School, Trent Road, Beeston Rylands, Nottingham

Ruth is our captain for the night, as we head out to sea to find out about Britain's whales and dolphins. She will share with us her wealth of knowledge gained as a guide and researcher. If you wish to see and learn how to identify cetaceans in our waters, jump aboard tonight.

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Online

As with all our previous Slow Reading sessions, we will be reading Ideas to Postpone the End of the World by Ailton Krenak together, out loud and slowly. No special expertise is needed to participate in these sessions other than an interest in contemporary ecological issues, reading with others, and a willingness to discuss ideas. All sessions will be facilitated by Andrew Goffey, Associate Professor in Critical Theory and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Arts, at University of Nottingham.

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Nottingham Comtemporary

Cool Company is a dance improvisation ensemble for people aged 55 and over based in Nottingham Contemporary. Referencing the current exhibitions at Nottingham Contemporary, the group explore and develop relationships between visual arts and movement. Key to these workshops is the integration of social and creative elements which empower the work of the group. Workshops are facilitated by Deane McQueen, professional choreographer/ director and Backlit Gallery studio artist.

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Nottingham Playhouse

Cold Reads is an opportunity for actors and writers to come together, to read a brand new script out loud for the first time. This year’s Cold Reads scripts have been selected through our Ideas Submission window. They’re new pieces of writing that excited the panel. Come along for an opportunity to perform, practice your cold reading skills and feedback on writing, or just listen to a new work by a local writer, whilst networking with other local theatre artists.

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Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Rachel Watson longs for a different life.

Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

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Mansfield Palace Theatre, Mansfield

Get ready for a spectacular show filled with laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of magic. You won't want to miss out on this enchanting experience for the whole family!

When Jack exchanges the family cow for mysterious beans, he begins an epic adventure when they grow into an enormous beanstalk.

Join Jack as he bravely climbs to discover a land above the clouds, where a ferocious giant lurks in his castle.

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Beeston Library, Beeston

The Victorians were very keen on educational toys, including those which demonstrated scientific principles. Optical toys of all sorts were of particular interest, and they eventually led to the invention of moving pictures on film.

Local historian and retired theatre consultant Bob Massey unravels the story behind some of these fascinating optical toys and how they informed the work of our earliest cinema pioneers.

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Five Leaves Bookshop 14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG12DH

The first in a series of four Adventures in Poetry events during 2025, with four Nottingham-based poets reading with a specially invited guest of their own choosing. The poets will read, chat, and answer questions from the audience. The series kicks off here, with Alan Baker and his guest Carrie Etter.

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Visual Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham

You will concentrate on subjects favoured for centuries during Lunar New Year celebrations, including peony flowers (symbols of prosperity) and goldfish (known to bring good fortune).

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Attenborough Nature Centre

Camille McCawley from Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will share information about the Wilder Nottinghamshire Network, the benefits of joining and how you can get involved. You'll meet like-minded groups from the local area where you can share ideas.

Helen Oparinde from Nottingham Community and Voluntary Service (NCVS) Group Support Coordinator will be joining our workshop to discuss:

What legal structure to consider as you set up or as your group evolves
What policies and procedures you need to consider when delivering this type of community group.

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Leeming Lounge in Mansfield Palace Theatre

A thrilling encounter with one of the world’s great art capitals.

Based on a major exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford, Tokyo Stories spans 400 years of incredibly dynamic art – ranging from the delicate woodblock prints of Hokusai and Hiroshige, to Pop Art posters, contemporary photography, Manga, film, and brand-new artworks that were created on the streets.

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Ravenshead Village Hall, Ravenshead, Nottingham

The hilarious retelling of the classic story of the boy who never grew up. Peter Pan, a Tom Whalley Pantomime will be our next production, coming to the stage in January.

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Nottingham Central Library

Join us at our first Marsh Forum meeting of 2025 as we welcome Simon Brown, Curator at Newstead Abbey, to explore the challenges of curating the complex life of this passionate, flawed, and enduring literary icon. Balancing the historical, the literary, and the deeply personal aspects of his character, we’ll discover not only who Byron was but also why his life and lasting legacy continues to intrigue and inspire us.

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Attenborough Nature Reserve, Barton Lane, Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, NG9 6DY

Spend a relaxing day painting at Attenborough Nature Centre led by Anjana Cawdell. Anjana is a nature inspired watercolour artist based in Nottingham, who loves to paint in a loose, impressionistic style.

The workshop is designed to get you excited about the wonderful medium of watercolour in a small group setting of up to 8, enabling you to appreciate the mindfulness aspect of the practice and equip you with lots of valuable tips to help you with your future paintings.

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The Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham

The ever-popular Mayor’s Panto returns to the Bonington for two performances of this popular tale! Book early to avoid disappointment, as this will sell-out!

All in aid of the Mayor’s chosen charity- Parkinson’s UK

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Online

This course is designed as a chance to learn lyrical tips and techniques, all the way from how to get started or break through a creative block, covering the fundamentals of form, discipline, and structure, gaining inspiration as we go, through how to use poetry to tell stories and share personal feelings, all the way to taking poetry to a wider audience via performance, giving you greater confidence in your words and ability to speak them in public.

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The Lace Market Theatre, Nottingham

Elif shears sheep, her employer counts the herd. It’s hard to break out of your given role in life but when you’re an immigrant, unregistered, when the country you’re in considers you illegal, it’s damn near impossible. A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain is a contemporary parable of borders, boundaries and what it takes to transcend them in a time when the walls are getting taller and the channels wider.

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Five Leaves Bookshop 14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 2DH

The history of magic and witchcraft in Wales will inspire any modern-day witch. Written by a Welsh practitioner, this book shares the magical traditions of the land of the red dragon, exploring deities, fairies, folklore, charms, plants, and magic with dozens of exercises for hands-on practice. Explore the history and terminology of Welsh magic and methods for honouring the land.

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Robin Hood Theatre, Averham, Newark

Jeremy Sams' comedy leads the well-loved BBC sitcom characters through uproarious adventures; some old, some new and often hilariously familiar. The play celebrates a time when, whatever our differences, we still managed to get on with our neighbours. This is a warm, generous, fun, piece of excellent theatrical comedy that will make you feel good, especially - but not only - if you enjoyed the original.

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Theatre Royal, Nottingham

Floella Benjamin’s award-winning and iconic book Coming to England comes to life in this joyful stage adaptation with music, storytelling and song.

Much loved by children and families, Coming to England tells Floella’s own story of moving to England as a child.

Aged just 10, she and her siblings left Trinidad and sailed alone to join their parents. But Floella’s excitement for her new life in England is short-lived, with her family subjected to racism and intolerance in 1960s’ London.

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Attenborough Nature Centre

Over the long dark days and icy nights of winter, the hedgerows have been imperceptibly preparing for the new year. On this walk we'll go looking for new growth and green shoots.

Nature Spotting events are a monthly volunteer-led informal and friendly walk, where you can meet like-minded people. None of us are experts, but we share our knowledge and love for nature. Each month is a different theme.

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Five Leaves Bookshop 14a Long Row, Nottingham, NG1 2DH

Andrew Taylor will mostly be reading from European Hymns, his the fourth collection to be published by Shearsman Books.

Linda Kemp’s Annunciation Sonnets climbs out of the frame of the sonnet and through speculative encounters with artworks depicting the annunciation, probes form and rupture.

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The Robin Hood, Sherwood, Nottingham

Championing working class, activist & marginalised creatives.
Based in Nottingham UK.
Open mic all artists welcome!
Founder & host @jessense.rebelpoet

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Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

Founded in 1947, the critically acclaimed Varna International Ballet return to the UK following a breathtaking debut tour, accompanied by a live orchestra, Varna International Ballet Orchestra. Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.

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Mansfield Museum

The Young Persons Open Mic Night is a safe and friendly space for up-and-coming performers to gain experience performing in front of a crowd. There is no judgment at our events whether you're a first-time performer or want a bit more practice this event is for you. All performance mediums are welcome, at previous events we've had spoken word poetry, original music and creative writing readings. So expect to see a wide variety of performances.

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Worksop Library

Join our free, guided, life writing sessions. We’ll help you explore your memories one at a time. Write about your life, exercise your creativity and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of expressive writing. Get help on how to structure your personal stories.

The Minute Memoir is designed and run by writers Anthony Cropper and Eve Makis who teach on the MA Creative Writing at Nottingham Trent University. Suitable for writers of all levels aged 16+.

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City Arts, Nottingham
Plus online

An Evening of poetry, of all kinds from a diverse view point. It will make you think, it may make you cry, but it will certainty make you laugh.

Featured Poet Chris Oliver

Plus DIY Poets

Open mic slots are also available on the night.

Chris is a spoken word poet, workshop facilitator and event organiser from Nottingham. His insights are heartfelt and thought provoking, taking inspiration from his personal growth journey and perspectives on life.

Online link to follow.