Nottingham is set to be lit up with thousands of lights as Light Night 2023 takes place from Friday, February 3. There are many different mainly free events taking place across the city centre.
While the main events are focused on Old Market Square and Sneinton Market, there are still lots of smaller pop-ups happening across the city centre. From psychedelic light shows in a taphouse to candlelight choirs.
Here is our guide to some of the best pop up events in the city centre
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Light Night Lantern Parade
Lister Gate, 7pm
City Arts presents a community lantern parade that has been lovingly created by Nottingham residents alongside a range of local community groups. The parade will light up Lister Gate before heading to Albert Street, St Peter’s Gate, Bridlesmith Gate and finishing on Low Pavement.
The parade is supported by professional artists Bryony McCombie-Smith and Holly Farmer with lanterns designed by the Young People from The Greenway Centre, Sneinton, 92nd Nottingham Scout Group and When Women Gather alongside Meander Disability-led Theatre Group.
The Can Samba Bateria (drum group) will be joined by dancers from Inspire Urself Carnival Troupe to create the party atmosphere.
Psychedelic light show
Liquid Light, Robin Hood Industrial Estate from 7pm
The liquid Light taproom is bringing back its Light Night event for the second year running. The hidden taproom on Alfred Street will include an analogue project set to 'dazzle the senses' as well as plenty of their excellent beers on offer.
Not only that, Mocky D will be on hand with vegan food including their new 'everything is connected' burger which features three different types of mushrooms.
Stiff Kittens presents: KittyArama Light Night Specials
Malt Cross, Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 from 8pm.
Malt Cross has a special treat lined up for this year's Light Night at The Malt Cross with a brand new live vinyl and video DJ performance from our resident Stiff Kittens DJs titled, The KittyArama Show.
The event will feature real-time triggered, edited visuals and stop motion animation of a pick and mix of Nottingham locations combined with vinyl figures, robots and found objects. Sprinkled with retro social footage and tasty random film fun set to a soundtrack of live vinyl performances of funk, soul and disco.
While it may be free to enter, the Malt Cross is known for its excellent beer selection and legendary hot chocolates.
Re-Move at St. Mary's Church
High Pavement, Friday, February 3 at 6 pm until Saturday, February 4 at 6pm
Inspire Youth Arts have created a spectacular light and sound installation for Light Night at St Mary's Church. The work features evolving loops of intricate light, sound and music to create an engaging and abstract reflection on those affected by climate change.
Re-Move is an immersive sound and light installation that continues the work from last year's light night where the Inspire Youth Arts ‘States of Matter’ installation examined climate change effects on water.
Light Night at the Community Gardens
AMC Gardens - Arkwright Meadows Community Gardens
The community gardens in the Meadows will celebrate Light Night by inviting visitors to come explore the beautiful gardens after dark. The magical evening will include lanterns, lights along with some warming food and drink.
For little ones, there will be a series of shadow puppets and other activities they can get involved in. The event is free although you need to make sure you wrap up well as it's all outside.
Light Night at Nottingham Cathedral
St. Barnabas Catholic Cathedral, Derby Road, 5-10pm
Enjoy a visit to a Gothic revival masterpiece designed by architect A.W.N Pugin who also designed the Houses of Parliament. The rare late night opening will feature an illuminated trail inside the cathedral highlighting the beautiful design along with a performance from the cathedral's choirs and organists.
Art Fayre and Light Night
Nottingham Buddhist Centre, St. Mary's Place, 6-9pm.
The Nottingham Buddhist Centre is tucked away on St. Mary's Place in the city centre and for light night the building will be lit up. Not only will the building be lit up but there will be an Arts Fayre where they will be exhibiting, selling artwork, crafts and vegan goodies.
All of the items have been donated in order to raise money to help the centre replace the windows and insulate the loft. All are welcome to join the peaceful and creative event which opens at 6pm.
Light Night at Tiger
Tiger Community Enterprise, Lister Gate, 6- 9pm
The Tiger Community Enterprise team will be lighting up their outside space with an installation made from recycled materials and decorated lanterns. The dragon installation features 100s of glass lanterns that have been decorated by members of the community.
Not only that but they will also have music from a local choir as well as many family activities including lantern-making that can be used to light your way across the city. The cafe will also be open with hot food favourites such as mushy peas and hot chocolate to keep you warm on your journey around the city's events.
Nottingham Light Night Run
Old Market Square, 6;30pm
Nottingham's Rebel Runners are invited people to join a running tour across the city centre where they attempt to take in as many sights as they can. Runners are encouraged to wear something bright and a head torch.
After working up a sweat, the runners head to Liquid Light Brewery to grab a nice cold beer and watch the light show. The team run at an easy pace and plan to meet on the council house steps in Market Square at 6.30 pm
Canalside Light Night Spectacle
Canal side, Friday, February 3 and Saturday, February 4 from 5pm until 9pm
Canal and River Trust is inviting people to dive into the city’s heritage as part of its waterside Light Night event. Film Hub Midlands and the Trust present Reflections, which will see giant films celebrating the city’s cinematic past projected onto the British Waterways building in Castle Wharf
The films, including some unseen local classics, show the history of the Nottingham and Beeston Canals as well as the heritage of Nottingham. There will also be live music, get creative with craft sessions and the chance to step onboard a narrowboat for some waterside tales from national storyteller Ian Taylor.
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