Dot to Dot festival (Nottingham)
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Dot To Dot Festival returns to Nottingham on 24 May 2026, offering a full day of exciting live music and citywide festivities. This popular multi-venue event transforms Nottingham into one big celebration, with dozens of performances scheduled across the city’s top music venues. From indie rock to electronic beats, Dot To Dot’s carefully curated lineup spans many genres, ensuring there’s something for every music lover. Fans can wander between stages, catching their favorite acts in intimate clubs one moment and energetic main shows the next. It’s a festival format like no other, turning Nottingham into a giant live music playground from afternoon until late at night.
One of Dot To Dot’s highlights is its spirit of discovery and community. It’s the perfect chance to hear that next big band or witness a breakout performance. The atmosphere is friendly and inclusive – fans often say that chatting with fellow festivalgoers between sets is just as fun as the music itself. As you wander, you might find yourself stumbling on a tucked-away pub gig showcasing local talent, then head onwards to a bigger club hosting a more established act. This journey from sound to sound makes you part of Nottingham’s thriving music scene. With carefully timed sets at each stage, you can easily plan to catch your must-see acts while still leaving room to explore and enjoy the day’s surprises.
Nottingham itself is an ideal backdrop for Dot To Dot. The city’s rich history, creative energy, and vibrant neighborhoods provide a unique festival atmosphere. Many venues are clustered in lively areas, so moving from stage to stage becomes an adventure – hop between historic performance halls, trendy bars, and iconic concert spaces in a short walk or tram ride. In between bands, grab some local street food or a craft beer at a nearby pub to recharge. The friendly locals and diverse attractions around every corner make the festival feel like more than just music; it’s a celebration of Nottingham’s urban culture and community.
The fun doesn’t stop when the main stages quiet down. Dot To Dot often spices things up with pop-up DJs, secret gigs, and afterparties around the city, giving you even more reasons to keep the energy going. You might discover a surprise performance in an outdoor space or dance the night away at a famous nightclub – part of the excitement is never quite knowing what’s around the corner. The festival’s format means that every stop feels special, and by the end of the day you might end up in a venue you’ve never visited before, making new friends and unforgettable memories under Nottingham’s city lights.
To make the most of Dot To Dot, plan ahead but stay flexible. Check the schedule for acts you want to see, bring comfortable shoes and some snacks or small spending money, and don’t forget a charged phone for capturing great moments. Dress in layers – May weather can be unpredictable, with sunshine one moment and cooler breezes the next. Above all, come with an open mind and enjoy the adventure. Dot To Dot Festival in Nottingham promises an exciting journey through new music – one that you and fellow fans will be talking about until next time.
Nottingham is easy to reach by public transport. The city’s main railway station is Nottingham Station, located right in the heart of town. Frequent trains run from London (around 1.5–2 hours away), as well as from Birmingham, Leeds, and other major UK cities, bringing you directly to the city centre so you can start the festival straight away. If you’re flying in, the nearest major airport is East Midlands Airport (EMA), about a 30–40 minute drive from Nottingham. From EMA there are regular buses and coaches to the city; you can also take a taxi or arrange a shuttle. Some visitors also use Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport (about 1–1.5 hours away) and continue by train or coach for more flight options.
By road, Nottingham is conveniently located near the M1 motorway. The city is accessed via Junction 25 or 26 if approaching from the north or south, and via the A52 from Derby or the A46 from Leicester/Lincoln. Driving into central Nottingham is straightforward, but city-center parking can be limited. To avoid congestion, consider Nottingham’s Park & Ride sites (for example at Clifton or Toton) and then take a tram or bus into town. The city also has numerous parking garages (NCP and others) near the centre. If you’re coming by coach or bus, Nottingham’s Victoria Coach Station (on Station Street) serves National Express and Megabus routes from all over the UK and is close to the railway station.
Once you arrive in Nottingham, getting around is simple. The city is very walkable, especially between the close-packed venues downtown. For longer trips, the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram system runs through the city, linking places like Clifton and Toton (Park & Ride) to the city centre. Regular local buses also cover almost every area of Nottinghamshire, and there is even a free city-centre shuttle bus that loops near the Old Market Square and other busy spots. Taxis and rideshare services (like Uber) are plentiful too, but they can be busy right after shows end, so it’s worth booking ahead or allowing extra time at the end of the night.
Nottingham offers plenty of accommodation options. The city centre has a range of hotels and bed & breakfasts near the train station or Old Market Square, as well as budget hostels for backpackers. To secure the best deals, book early—especially on festival weekends, as local hotels can fill up fast. If city-centre hotels are full, consider nearby areas like Beeston or West Bridgford, which have hotels accessible by tram or bus. Whether you stay in the centre or a short ride away, Nottingham’s excellent public transport and taxi services make it easy to get back to your lodging at any time.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cockliffe Country House Hotel | 2.8 ml | £70.00 | Book | |
| Dakota Hotel | 3.1 ml | £79.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Bestwood Lodge Hotel | 3.3 ml | £57.00 | Book | |
| The Nottingham Belfry - QHotels | 4.3 ml | £49.80 | Book | |
| Tudor Lodge Hotel | 4.3 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Contractors INN | 4.6 ml | £28.00 | Book | |
| Eastwood Hall | 4.7 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Beeches Lodge | 4.7 ml | £57.00 | Book | |
| The Sun Inn | 4.8 ml | £40.00 | Book | |
| RED LION LOFT | 5.0 ml | £79.50 | Book | |
| The Cotswold | 5.1 ml | £29.00 | Book | |
| BEST WESTERN Westminster Nottingham | 5.1 ml | £40.50 | Book | |
| Paramount Hotel and Balti Restaurant | 5.1 ml | £57.00 | Book | |
| Sunny Mount Bed & Breakfast | 5.2 ml | £50.00 | Book | |
| Magdala Apartment | 5.2 ml | £55.00 | Book |
Nottingham, NG15GG
