Nottingham Castle is getting its groove back.
After more than a decade without live music, the city’s most iconic hilltop hangout is transforming into an open‑air concert arena next July — and the line‑up is pure summer escapism.
Summer Nights, a brand‑new three‑day concert series, is rolling in with live orchestras, big‑name country artists, street food, festival‑style bars and enough nostalgia to power a time machine.
Friday, July 10 — 80s MixTape & Live Orchestra
The weekend kicks off with a neon‑soaked love letter to the 80s. Expect synth‑pop bangers, rock anthems and power ballads performed with a full orchestra — Madonna, Bon Jovi, Survivor, Rick Astley, The Proclaimers… all the big hair, big hooks and big feelings.
Special guests Johnny Hates Jazz join the party, guaranteeing maximum retro joy.
Saturday, July 11 — Country at the Castle
Saturday swaps shoulder pads for Stetsons as the castle goes full Nashville. Rising UK stars Elles Bailey, Janet Devlin, Wood Burnt Red and Sticky Bones Jones bring modern country, Americana and rootsy crowd‑pleasers to the lawns.
Wood Burnt Red summed up the mood: “We’re stoked. Country music has exploded in the UK — now everyone wants a bit of it.”
Sunday 12 July — Musicals Live with Live Orchestra
Sunday is for the theatre kids (and the theatre adults). A full orchestra and powerhouse vocalists take on the biggest songs from Hamilton, Six, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, Matilda, Cats and more. Basically: the West End, but outdoors, with better views.
Why Nottingham Castle?
Event promoter Richard Walpole — the mind behind Gloworm Festival and Light Post Farm — says the venue was a no‑brainer.
“Nottingham Castle is such an iconic setting. Bringing live music back here after more than a decade is really exciting. We wanted Summer Nights to offer something for everyone.”
Need‑to‑know
- Dates: 10–12 July 2026
- Times: 5pm–10.30pm
- Age: Strictly 18+
- Tickets: Early birds have already gone; general admission is now £44 (fees included)
- Local perk: Nottingham residents get 10% off
Tickets and info: gigantic.com/summer-nights-at-nottingham-castle-tickets
