Summer in Nottingham is already off to a brilliant start with a combination of hot sunny weather and plenty of things to do.
First, Nottingham celebrates our amazing NHS in the celebrations of the 70th Birthday of the National Health Service on Thursday 5 July.
Over 200 NHS staff are invited to the Council House for a civic afternoon tea with Nottingham City councillors.
During the event, thank you messages from the people of Nottingham will be displayed. Members of the public have sent messages expressing just how important the NHS has been in their lives.
- Virginia from Lenton said: “Thanks NHS Nottingham for saving my very poorly son when he was born 13 years ago. He is now a grumpy teenager, and I am very thankful for him and all your work in the neonatal unit at QMC to make him well!”
- Diane from Sneinton said: “Well done NHS, may you continue forever!”
- Gill from Mapperley said “I think the ambulance service is absolutely wonderful. They were so kind and considerate to my mum when she needed help; I think they are unsung heroes.”
From 10.30am to 4.30pm on Thursday 5 July, stalls along Long Row outside the Council House will also offer free health checks and advice.
PHOTO CALL: Nottingham City Council leader Cllr Jon Collins and Chief Executive Ian Curryer will be getting a health check at 1.40pm on Long Row on Thursday 5 July.
The programme of summer events continues on Saturday 7 July, when a flock of 33 unique and beautiful six foot tall Robin sculptures takes to the streets. Nottingham’s Robins have been designed by talented artists with designs representing Sherwood Forest, the Goose Fair and a beautiful mosaic Robin representing Royal Nottingham.
The trail is in partnership with Wild In Art, who have created many successful sculpture trails around the world, and it’s raising money for Nottinghamshire Hospice. The free trail is possible thanks to the sponsorship of local businesses including Hart’s Hotel, Nottingham Forest, intu and Boots.
And it’s not just the robins – schools across Nottingham have been busy designing and painting 55 colourful bookbenches They will be on display at neighbourhood libraries and leisure centres as well as at Central Library, intu Victoria Centre and intu Broadmarsh shopping centres from 7 July to 30 September.
A free trail map will be available in Nottingham Tourism Centre from Wednesday 4 July.
Hoodwinked is just one of the free or low-cost summer events happening this summer. Work begins on the Nottingham Beach this week, and it returns from 14 July, bringing the seaside to inner city Nottingham for what’s sure to be another summer of fun.
Other summer highlights include Nottinghamshire Pride on 28 July, Riverside Festival from 3-5 August, Nottingham Carnival on 12 August and Nottingham Mela on 2 September.
Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council said: “This summer is going to be truly incredible in Nottingham with so much happening! I am so proud that we’ve pulled together a spectacular sculpture trail that both Nottingham people and visitors will love.
“I hope the good weather continues and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy all the great events on offer.”