Full band line-up and set times just announced
With over 250,000 visitors expected at the Riverside Festival, back after two years, details of the free music programme have just been announced. Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment will host the free festival from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 August.
Music is as ever a big part of the festival, with three massive live music stages, hosting a wide range of musical influences. In addition to the music there is a whole mile of fairground rides, games and attractions along the banks of the Trent plus numerous street food and drink vendors. The famous firework display is back, with displays on both Friday and Saturday night.
The Monument Stage boasts an eclectic mix from glam rock to global beats. Expect to be rocking with Dr and The Medics headlining Friday night supported by the East Midland’s own aquatically enthused Seas of Mirth. Saturday’s line-up features the Southern African rhythms of Kudaushe Matimba and Harare, alongside the exciting nine-piece Maroon Town with their high-energy musical fusion of ska, rap and dub for a headline set. Sunday will see Brazilian/Latin band, Viramundo. King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, a jive and swing band will bring the festival to a jumping end on Sunday afternoon.
The Big Top stage features a range of musical styles across the three days. Friday will see DJs take to the decks including Gem radio host Sparky. The Riverside Festival folk day (Saturday) is considered to be one of the best free folk line-ups in the UK, which this year is headlined by Flats & Sharps, the Cornish four-piece outfit, who will close out Saturday night with their foot-stomping, spirited bluegrass.
Sunday’s Big Top stage programme kicks off with the world famous Treorchy Male Voice Choirs, not to be missed, followed by Carlton Brass, Nottingham’s premier brass band, and Nottingham Big Band performing throughout the afternoon.
The Bandstand Stage will have a full programme of great bands and artists across the three days. Friday night headliners are Blood Red Moon, a Nottingham five-piece playing blues and blues rock. Saturday sees EEVAH closing out the night with the Leeds band performing their electro-pop inspired set list. Rounding out the festival on Sunday is Alex Mighten who will be bringing his hip hop, jazz and soul to the 1930s Art Deco bandstand.
In addition to the music, a mile-long street fair will be filled with rides and fun. Across the festival site there will be plenty of opportunities to eat and drink, with Hawaiian, Sri Lankan and Jamaican street food as well as a Nottingham favourite, The Filthy Vegan.
Sunday will bring the river into focus with the annual Dragon Boat races return with over 20 local businesses represented as crews battle it out over the 200m race course, with crews of ten people each with a drummer at the front beating time. The Rotary Club’s annual Duck Race will be raising money for their charities and will launch at 4.30 pm.
On Saturday and Sunday, in the little ‘Big Top’ area, younger festival goers will be able to brush up their circus skills. The workshops will feature stilt walking, mini tightrope, plate spinning, juggling, novelty bikes and space hoppers. Wolly the clown will also perform a family show each day, with his hilarious, physical comedy and breath-taking stunts.
Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: “After a two year absence, we are really looking forward to Riverside Festival and getting the whole city back together, and welcoming thousands of people down to Victoria Embankment.
“With such a varied and packed programme of entertainment and experiences, the free annual festival is one of the highlights of a Nottingham summer that has been enjoyed by generations of Nottingham folk since its inception in 1973.”
The band listing and set times are now available on the What’s On Nottingham website
Festival opening times
Friday 17:00 – 23:30
Saturday 12:00 – 23:30
Sunday 12:00 – 18:30
Travel by bus
From the City Centre, take Green Line services 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 from Parliament Street (opposite Victoria Centre, outside Lloyds Bank) or Navy Line services 1, 3 from Beastmarket Hill.
All services also pick up on Maid Marian Way, Broadmarsh and outside Nottingham Rail Station on Carrington Street.
After the fireworks, frequent shuttle buses will operate from Trent Bridge, Victoria Embankment back into the City Centre.
Families and couples should use a Grouprider ticket, which at £6 allows unlimited travel on all NCT buses in Nottingham for up to 5 people (max 2 adults). Pay with contactless, on the NCTX Buses app or cash (exact fare).
Travel by tram
NET will have their ‘8 for £8’ offer, covering 2 adults and up to 6 children for all day travel available throughout the festival.
The closest tram stop to the festival is Meadows Embankment, which is a stop on the Clifton Line. Trams will operate every 10 minutes.
You will be able to use all the Park and Ride carparks to jump on a tram to the festival.
Travel by car
Ample event car parking is available for £10 per car payable each day (cash or cards accepted) with signed easy access from both the A60 and A52. To get £2.00 off the price of parking each day, you will be able to pre-book your space in advance at whatsonnottingham.com.