Sneinton Festival 2013: What’s On Guide

Sneinton overlooks the east side of Nottingham and is dominated by Green’s Windmill, which can be seen from across the city. Each summer, the area holds a popular festival and this year the Sneinton Festival will run from Saturday 6 July 2013 to Sunday 14 July 2013. There is free entry to all events.

The festival itself starts in a relaxed manner with a family funday on the opening Saturday before the first main event – the popular Colwick Woods Gala Day – on the Sunday. Unlike previous years, there will be nothing on during the week this time so four days off before a chance to sample food from all around the world on the Friday evening. The second Saturday is the festival’s main day with the parade, the festival itself at Tricketts Park and the evening event at the Lord Nelson pub. And the event ends as it started with a relaxed afternoon, this time at Green’s Windmill.

Opening Fun Day – Saturday 6th July 2013

At the Greenway Centre and Tricketts Park, the Prettier Whittier Group will be planting hanging baskets around the centre while local artists Kalina and Sophie will be on hand to help people decorate their floats for next weekend’s carnival. Kids can enjoy a multi-sports day and the bouncy castle. And free refreshments are available in the form of soup and sandwiches. The event runs from 11.30am to 3pm.

Colwick Woods Gala Day – Sunday 7th July 2013

This is the ninth annual gala day organised by Friends of Colwick Wood and it takes the form of a wildlife-themed funday for all the family. There will be stalls, entertainment, refreshments and various activities. Running from noon until 4pm, the venue provides some excellent views over Nottingham as well as a nature reserve to explore. Events will include archery, dancers, food, Vikings (back for another year), kick boxing, birds of prey and music.

International Food Evening – Friday 12th July 2013

Undoubtedly the festival’s most popular evening event, this will be held from 5pm till 8pm at the Old School Hall on Windmill Lane. You can enjoy a selection of food from around the world or cook your own and share with others. Entertainment while you eat takes the form of storytelling. Those planning on cooking on the night must let the organisers know in advance – email [email protected] or telephone Marsha on 07746 216459.

Sneinton Carnival – Saturday 13th July 2013

Meet up at the Old School Hall on Windmill Lane from 11am for some face painting. The parade itself will start at noon and will be led by Bendigo the Boxer as it winds its way through the streets of Sneinton. Those taking part will include Nottingham School of Samba, the Nottingham Boys Brigade Band, Edale, William Booth and C of E primary schools, a number of local dance troupes, and girl guides. Themes range from childhood superheros and masquerade to diversity and carnival animals. The carnival will travel down the Dale, along Highcliffe, then down Sneinton Boulevard to Trent Road and onto Tricketts Park.

Sneinton Festival Main Event – Saturday 13th July 2013

The carnival parade will arrive around 1pm as the main event kicks off in Tricketts Park on Trent Lane behind the Greenway Centre. There will be two stages with bands and dance groups performing during the afternoon as well as a Sneinton’s Got Talent show. Other events will include laser quest, skateboarding display, arts and crafts tents, prayer tent, stalls, food from around the world, enchanted forest, juggling, a football match and more.

Afterplay at the Lord Nelson – Saturday 13th July 2013

Those still standing will be able to let their hair down at the Lord Nelson pub on Thurgarton Street from 7pm until late, but if you need a seat get there early as in past years it has been packed. This is the traditional end of festival party with entertainment to keep the people amused. The Lord Nelson sells a good selection of real ales as well as other fare.

Post Festival Picnic – Sunday 14th July 2013

What better way to recover from the hangover from last night’s party than with a picnic in the shadow of Green’s Windmill. The fun starts from noon, so bring food, enjoy the stalls and listen to chilled music. There will also be workshops and the organisers have promised some surprises.