The music scene in Nottingham has come a long way since the days when Robin Hood and his Merry Men sat strumming in Sherwood Forest. It’s now one of the best UK places to find musical talent, including the recently discovered talented local, Jake Bugg. Scattered around the city centre (and within short walking distance of the main transport links) are some of the top music venues to see the well-known and the up-and-comers. There is, quite honestly, something for everyone. And the more I’ve investigated, the more I’ve discovered…
1. Nottingham Arena
You’ll always be sure to catch the mainstream acts hosted at the Capital FM Nottingham Arena; this is the only place to go if you want to catch the ‘must-see’ pop stars. You’ll find your big tours here with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Paloma Faith and S Club 7 bringing their music to Nottingham this year. Of course, if you wanted to make a day of it there is also an ice skating rink to keep you entertained beforehand!
2. Rock City
For those of you into your rock and punk music, it’ll come as no surprise that the venue named Rock City is the place to go. The iconic Nottingham venue opened back in the 1980s with The Undertones being the first to grace the stage, since then it’s simply got better and better with Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine both playing there. The Rock City gig list has a healthy balance of newbies and the classics; they even have Papa Roach and Less Than Jake performing this year. Inside there are two rooms for music: the main hall for all the larger gigs, but then the basement room for those more intimate musical gatherings. It clearly must be hot on the music map as Kerrang! Magazine has made it Music Venue of the Year for 10 consecutive years and the NME Awards Tour always makes it a pit stop on its adventures.
3. Rescue Rooms
The Rescue Rooms is a place for the indie and alternative folk of the world. You’ll look back on the historical line up for this venue, and the majority will in one way, shape or form have been popular in the music charts. They’ve had the likes of The Libertines, Ellie Goulding, Bloc Party, The Killers, Tinchy Stryder, Calvin Harris, Mumford & Sons and so on. Not bad for a venue that burst onto the music map in 2003! If a band has played here then chances are they are onto big things. There is always something new and interesting on the gig line-up for the Rescue Rooms, and for me personally it should definitely be on your music venue checklist… not only does it provide music, it also sells food and drink! Winner.
4. Jam, The Bodega and Wired
Stepping sideways off the popularity line, Nottingham has some of the best small music cafés playing host to those potential diamonds in the rough. If you’re ever shopping in Nottingham (which I must say is a real treat), you’ll find it hard to pass many boutique cafés without one of them advertising live music in the evening. This is definitely something that those of us who live in smaller towns and villages rarely get the chance to enjoy. Three in particular that spring to mind are the Jam Café, The Bodega Social and the Wired Coffee Shop. All of these have a mixture of eclectic music artists that will perform early evening… best part is you can still enjoy having your coffee and cake, whilst hearing something you perhaps wouldn’t normally.
The beauty of the music scene in Nottingham for me is the diversity of music talent on offer. You can’t go anywhere without hearing something different and in a completely diverse environment from the last. It’s always good to keep open minded and be brave enough to step off the beaten track. If you do, chances are you’ll find something new in the music world, and Nottingham has loads of that.
Ready to go? Don’t forget to book your Travelodge hotel right in Nottingham centre.
