Nottingham Riverside Festival 2012

The sun shines down on Victoria Embankment (Photo: Simon McMurdo) 

A staple of life spent living in Nottingham is it's famous Riverside Festival. A chance to get out in the sun (which, thankfully, is present this year) and lounge by the river with a tray of overpriced chips or a burger. Oh, and this year, there's no excuse at all as they're broadcasting the Olympics; you won't miss a thing!

Market stalls offer anything you could desire from personalised clothes to home-made pies. A craft tent is set aside for a few hidden gems with unique merchandise, hand-made signs  and even furniture on display. There's plenty of amusements to spend your cash on too with a pretty expansive fun fair being set up at the top of Victoria Embankment.

The river itself took centre stage as it boasted the famed duck race which drew in spectators, waiting patiently to see if they had struck gold. Whilst they did wait, numerous boat races took place to ensure the crowds were entertained and one or two vikings made themselves known, too. As well as all of this, local talents including Nina Smith took to the stage alongside a variety of cross-genre musicians and entertainers.

You know what you're getting when you go to the Riverside festival and, as always, it has delivered once again. It proves it's success by simply sticking to what people enjoy - a few amusements, some retail opportunities and above all, the chance to soak up the sun and excitement in one of Nottingham's most beautiful environments.

Words and Photo: Simon McMurdo

Nottinghamshire Pride 2012

Sunday at Nottinghamshire Pride (Photo: Simon McMurdo)

One Nottingham festival that has grown immensely as the years have passed is Nottinghamshire pride; the gay pride celebration welcomes in all those, near and far, that fancy a bit of a camp day out whilst supporting the local gay community. What was once a reasonably cosy affair in the Arboretum has shifted to Forest Fields, a grand stretch of land and this weekend it hosted a variety of stages, performers and an equally-as-entertaining audience.

Ruth Lorenzo dives amongst the crowd
on Saturday. (Photo: Matt Foulkes)

The main stage boasted a headline set from dance-pop swede   Basshunter, who was greeted with a mass of pleas for his number one single 'Now You're Gone'. The diva-factor was also ticked off with performances from Angie Brown and Nottingham Pride returnee Ruth Lorenzo, who added a kick to the evening's musical offering by taking on rock classics such as 'Highway To Hell' and 'Sweet Child O'Mine'.

Elsewhere, the comedy tent hosted a winning set from Lara A King, finished off with a hilariously ingenious nod to her musical talents. Also able to show off her skills in music, as well as comedy, was the Canadian Mae Martin whose ode to Don Cheadle deserves to be admired by all.

Scarlett Tiara wows in the drag tent.
Photo: (Simon McMurdo)

Never forgetting the thriving drag scene, this year's pride gave the queens a stage of their own and, as expected, they brought all the swag, glamour and hilarity you should have expected. Scarlett Tiara won the audience over with dance and lip-synching that could give Britney a run for her money, but she truly shone alongside her Contrary Sister co-star, Madam Tess Tickles. Babserella Rubenstein, fresh from presenting links on the mainstage, also performed a few routines that involved plenty of audience participation, whether they liked it or not!

All the fun of the Saturday was topped off with a host of after-parties, so the disappointing turn out on the Sunday was potentially a result of hangovers and the great British weather, that reared it's ugly heads with a quick hailstorm. Following an eye-catching march around the crowds, the cabaret crew delivered a captivating performance. Elsewhere, the ICE improvisational comedy team gave a few tips and hints in the comedy tent, before performing an entertaining set of their own. As the sun came out, so did the headliner Kelly Llorenna, who performed a short set of her 90's hits and closed with the N-Trance collaboration 'Set You Free'.

The excitement of Saturday didn't entirely pass through to Sunday but, as a weekend that asked only £1 of it's visitors, it was quite the entertaining affair that we've come to expect from the pride celebrations. As the  sun beamed it's heat down on forest fields for the majority of the event, it's difficult to consider another local event that can boast as much variety, entertainment and enjoyment; until we find such an event, we always have Pride 2013 to anticipate.

Nottingham Riviera 2012

Photo: NottinghamRiviera.co.uk

The sun has finally decided to lend it's rays to Nottingham and it couldn't have been a better week for it, as the market square has been turned into a beach! All the boxes are ticked; we have sand, rides and the scent of hamburgers wafting out from the food area. 'What about the sea?' you might wonder - well, that's going to take a little more imagination but there's a splash pool to boast about, at least.

It's all thanks to the folks at E.on. Having succesfully transformed the square three times before, there's plenty going on to draw you in. As if the aforementioned attractions aren't enough, then look out for the list of events including a volleyball club and rugby matches to take part in and/or enjoy. If that's not your thing, save for the selection of DJ's that will be presenting their shows live from the sand.

The event runs throughout July until the end of August so there's plenty of time to soak up the sun and, should your imagination stretch that little bit further, enjoy a day at the beach. Cancel that trip to Skegness, we have it all on our doorstep.

Check out the schedule here: Nottingham Riviera Schedule

Olympic Torch and Celebrations in Nottingham

The crowds have rarely departed from Market Square lately. First, the Queen's visit drew thousands, whilst the recent Night of Festivals brought in a variety of spectators throughout the weekend and now they've all returned once more for the Olympic Torch, arriving in Nottingham in the early evening of Thursday 28th June.

The entertainment began promptly at 5:15pm, following a countdown on the huge screens before the Council House, interspersed with adverts from the sponsors of the events; Lloyds TSB, Coca Cola and Samsung.
Local talents sandwich the main acts; opening with dance troupes, cheerleaders and choirs from around Nottinghamshire. Plenty of young people, in the aforementioned groups as well as alone, convey the charisma and charm that only youth can afford as they tell the story of notable Nottingham talents Torvill and Dean, Robin Hood and Brian Clough.

The free event isn't low on celebrity status either, as Britain's Got Talent hopefuls Twist and Pulse present an exceptionally well recieved short segment of the show. After showing off their acclaimed dance talents, the impressive Torch Followers continue the high level of talent on offer, performing an exhilirating selection of tricks - the highlight of which includes two vertigo-inducing poles and a pair of fearless acrobats.

The crowd are soon pumping as Loick Essien performs a short selection of his slick R&B inspired pop, including his succesful breakthrough single 'How We Roll'. It's not long after his set closes that Torvill and Dean make their way through the square, holding the torch high as the crowds serenaded it's entrance with a mexican wave of deafening cheers.

After lighting the cauldron, the pair jumped with glee, celebrating with the rest of the crowd before answering a few questions and being ushered off stage to make way for the return of the local choir to close the evening with renditions of Queen's 'Don't Stop Me Now', amongst other sing-a-long favourites.

Beginning it's journey early the next day, the torch swiftly began it's exit out of Nottingham and towards Derby, where celebrations akin to Nottingham's await.

Laura Sheard, Frans Mardahl, Alexander Mills, Yves De Voeght, Henrik Bennet, Caroline Blomley, Christopher Deere, Etienne Cassagne and Carolin Knottenbeld carry the torch past Forest Fields Recreation Ground. Photo: Simon McMurdo

Words: Simon McMurdo

Queen's Visit to Nottingham

Photo: Simon McMurdo

By the time 10 o'clock rolled around, the streets of Nottingham were heaving with anxious spectators, gathered around in a semi-circle and facing Old Market Square's grand Council House. Fifteen minutes later, cheers embellished the air, greeting Her Majesty as she entered through Middle Pavement, Albert Street and Wheeler Gate into the vast audience.

It's fitting that she was joined by the recently-wed Duchess and Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, wearing Missoni  and Rachel Trevor Morgan, and Prince William; a pair that have reignited the flame of patriotism in the country  amongst the youth. The two, alongside the Queen who was dressed in a mint-coloured Stewart Parvin outfit, took time to greet the excitable crowds, some of which had been gathered for almost six hours.

A brief visit to the inside of the Council House began, most notably including a scene on the balcony in which Her Majesty waved to the crowds, donning a telling smile of appreciation, with Catherine and William standing each side of her. After retreating into the house for a short while, meeting Lord Lieutenants from both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as well as a selection of other guests, the crowds erupted to mark their exit a little after 11am.

Photo: Simon McMurdo

Continuing their trip through the city centre of Nottingham, the royal party exited via Queen Street, making their way through Upper Parliament Street, destined for Basford; the crowds, after waving goodbye, soon dispersed. Within minutes, only the barriers stood in the centre of the square but the excitement was tangible even after the departure, with retailers making the most of the large crowds and flags being waved and hung around the city in recognition of a diamond jubilee that is still enjoying nationwide celebration.


Simon McMurdo

Hemlock Happening

Photo: HemlockHappening.org

As if the beautiful park itself wasn't enough to draw you in, Bramcote Woods was decorated with all the splendour you'd expect by the Bramcote and Stapleford Golden Jubilee Group to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. 2012 is a year of anniversary for the event itself, as Hemlock Happening celebrates it's tenth year, initiated into the community as a celebration of the Queen's golden jubilee in 2001.

Ten years later, the crowds are still just as eager to catch a glimpse of the Fire Engine tours, the vintage car show and, a hit in particular with the young boys, medieval battle re-enactments. Other attractions spread over the field included inflatable slides, a mini funfair and plenty of hook-a-duck and food stands.

As the famous Hemlock stone looked down, the crowds seemed to settle around the walled garden stage, set out with bales of hay acting as seats. It's been emphasized that the Queen's focus on the Diamond Jubilee was youth and the coming generations so, complete with up and coming local bands as well as young audience members excitedly tiptoeing along with the dance acts, it seemed Hemlock Happening approached the theme successfully.

The excitement carried on throughout the night as more performers took the stage, exemplifying the many talents of Nottinghamshire residents, leading towards the anticipated firework display which drew an end to the lengthy day. There wasn't a moment that passed without something going on and with plenty to do and see, it's evident why Hemlock Happening has succeeded in it's ten years.

Simon McMurdo