Nottingham’s Rock City has been shortlisted for Venue Of The Year at the Music Week Awards, going head-to-head with some of the UK’s biggest live music heavyweights.
The winner is set to be revealed on May 7.
The legendary Talbot Street venue marked its 45th anniversary in 2025 and remains a beating heart of the UK live circuit.
Last year alone, Rock City welcomed more than 100 artists, spanning arena-sized names, cult favourites and tomorrow’s headliners, reaffirming its status as one of the country’s most vital rooms.
With a capacity of 2,000, the Notts venue is beloved by fans and artists alike, boasting an untouchable gig history and a reputation forged through sweat-soaked nights and career-defining shows.
As one of the last fully independent, academy-sized venues left in the UK, it plays a crucial role in the touring ecosystem, consistently bringing world-class acts to Nottingham.
Few moments summed up that legacy better than You Me At Six’s emotional farewell in 2025. Long-time friends of the venue, the band chose Rock City for a trio of sold‑out final shows – a powerful nod to the room that helped shape their journey.
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George Akins, owner of DHP Family and Rock City’s manager since 1994 after starting out behind the bar, said: “Live music is the lifeblood and origin of our story as a venue. Rock City has an incredible history and artists absolutely love playing here and being part of that continuing story. We’re already looking ahead to making our 50th year something truly special for fans, artists and staff – watch this space.”
The venue’s recent roll call reads like a crash course in modern British music, with Pigeon Detectives, Mimi Webb, Wedding Present, Hybrid Minds, Jalen Ngonda, Spacey Jane, Dizzee Rascal, Gary Numan, Babyshambles, Divorce and more lighting up the stage. Across just eight days in November, Rock City hosted an astonishing run of shows from hard life, Sprints, English Teacher, CMAT, BC Camplight, Wet Leg and Baxter Dury.
Rock City’s storied past includes early appearances from Nirvana, David Bowie, Oasis and Guns N’ Roses, while contemporary icons such as Fontaines D.C., Self Esteem, Sparks, Wolf Alice and KNEECAP continue to keep the venue firmly planted at the cutting edge.
The nomination caps off a standout year for Nottingham’s music scene. Fellow DHP venue The Bodega is the reigning champion of both the Music Week and LIVE grassroots venue awards, while DHP Family itself is also shortlisted for Live Music Promoter Of The Year.
Returning for the 2026 Music Week Awards, the Venue Of The Year category celebrates excellence in programming, innovation and cultural impact across the UK’s live music landscape. Rock City faces stiff competition from Co-op Live (Manchester), Alexandra Palace, KOKO, OVO Arena Wembley, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, the Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall, The O2, plus The Piece Hall (Halifax) and Utilita Arena Newcastle.
Winners will be announced on May 7, 2026, at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, London – but whatever the outcome, Rock City’s place in British music folklore is already assured.
