Party on the Square

The countdown to the grand opening of Nottingham’s Old Market Square begins as an impressive programme of celebrations, covering two weeks in March has been announced.

A whole host of community led events and shows, as well as an impressive line up of national and local live acts will help Nottingham enjoy its biggest and best fortnight ever.

One of England’s largest public squares, the Old Market Square has been undergoing a complete transformation over the last 18 months, and now, with works coming to an end, it’s time to celebrate.

Events kick off on Thursday 22nd March with a lion themed live show, celebrating Nottingham, with over 1500 pupils from 35 Nottingham City Schools, supported by an orchestra and other musicians. Free travel on Nottingham’s tram and on NCT buses is being offered to all Nottingham City school children under 16.*

Events to mark the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act will be held in the Square over the first weekend (24th and 25th March), with The High Commissioner for Jamaica, His Excellency Mr Burchell Whiteman OJ and the Bishop of Kingston, The Right Reverend Robert Thompson spending the weekend in Nottingham for the commemorations.

The opening theatrical spectacular, on the evening of the 24th March, will involve over 1000 Nottingham residents taking part in two parades coming into the Square. The Lord Mayor will lead a short civic ceremony before an impressive fireworks and pyrotechnics display wows the crowd. Pyrotechnics, fireworks, plus live music, performances and even Robin Hood – a fantastic evening for all the family. Free tram travel and discounted bus travel available for all.

The following weekend (30th March – 1st April), a live music festival, involving national and local acts will take centre stage. Up and coming local bands will line up with the likes of Crazy P and Bent, with internationally acclaimed The Magic Numbers headlining on Saturday. More acts are to be confirmed. Competitions running in the Nottingham Evening Post, and other media, will give a local band the chance to perform live amongst the Saturday line up. Sunday’s headliners include Tony Hadley and his Big Band  and other fantastic acts.

Although centred on two jam-packed weekends, the Market Square celebrations started to warm up last month. Throughout the February half-term week, young people and adults alike have been popping into the former Beatties toy shop on Mount Street, to create lanterns to take part in the two lantern parades on the opening Saturday. Sonic Forest – a stunning interactive sound and light installation took over part of the Square. From 12th – 24th March, The Memories Shop – a one off photography exhibition, celebrating Nottingham past and present, will be held in Beatties on Mount Street, and you can add your own photos to the collection.

Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council said: ‘’Over the past 18 months, we’ve watched the exciting transformation of the Square taking place and now the hoardings are down we can see what a fantastic asset the Square is for the city. It’s the city’s central focal point to show off everything that’s great about Nottingham. We’ve got a line up of celebration events that serve to showcase the scale and variety of events and activities the Square can now host.’’

Cllr. Leon Unczur, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Community Services and Tourism said: ‘’What a great two weeks we’ve got in store for March. We’ve got a line up that will appeal to almost everyone – great family entertainment, live music to suit all tastes and a spectacular opening ceremony. New acts are coming on board all the time and celebrations aren’t just restricted to the two weeks in March. A whole year of events and activities are being planned to continue to show off our new Square.’’  

Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Des Wilson, said the Square was an ideal venue for the City and local communities to mark historic national events like the Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Save Trade Act. 

Click here for the two week programme of celebrations for the Old Market Square

* Free tram travel into the Square will be available to all Nottingham City school children under 16 on 22nd and 24th March from 4pm. They’ll receive a voucher from their school which they must produce on the tram. On 22nd March, Nottingham City school children, under 16, will be able to travel free on NCT buses with a paying adult traveling on a Group Rider ticket. On 24th March, free children’s travel and discounted adult travel will be available on NCT buses after 5pm.