Get ready for six weeks of summer fun
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16:11, 15 JUL 2026
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Grab your sunglasses, slap on the sun screen and bag a deckchair – Nottingham Beach has opened with all the fun of the seaside in the heart of the city.
Old Market Square has been transformed with tonnes of sand and a paddling pool once again, with free entry for all the family.
Thousands will descend on the beach over the next six weeks to enjoy the highlights including street food, beach bar, rides, weekly activities and film nights.
The bar has been relocated this year to the opposite side of the square so it’s right next to the Council House and its huge England flag. The Santorini theme has gone, replaced by a wooden Cuban rum shack aesthetic.
Joe Webb, spokesman for the Mellors Group, which stages the event, said the new location of the bar is a vast improvement. “The new bar gives us plenty more space and hopefully an even better summer experience. I think it looks phenomenal. We’re really pleased with it.
“Hopefully the sun keeps shining and people will come and enjoy it. The booths are a real sun trap.
“We’ve got new entertainment this year with open mic nights and the return of the favourites, salsa, volleyball and free entertainment on Friday and Saturdays.”
The beach will close early, just before 8pm, on July 15 due to England vs Argentina World Cup game.
Check out our all you need to know guide before heading down there.
Opening times
The attraction is open every day throughout the summer holidays, Monday to Saturday 10am-11pm, and Sundays 10am-10pm.
Children’s rides close at 9pm. Food stalls are open every day from 10am-9pm.
The pool is open from 10am-7pm and the beach, which has space for 150 people, until 8pm.
The beach bar is open from 10am, closing at 11pm Monday to Saturday, and Sundays at 10pm. The attraction will close on August 31 at 6pm.
What’s free and when do I have to pay?
Entry to the paddling pool and sand is free. The weekly films and other entertainment are free to attend, with full details below. Food and drink and rides have a charge.
This year’s attractions include a new Bavarian fun house, Starflyer, children’s roundabouts and Wave Rider.
Sit back, soak up the sun and enjoy the atmosphere with ice-cold beers and refreshing cocktails. There’s seating in the shade or benches and booths for catching the rays as well as bean bags for lounging around. Table service is available.
Food
All the seaside favourites are there. Sweet treats include ice creams, slush, doughnuts, and crepes.
Visitors can chow down on burgers hot dogs, chips and jacket potatoes or Greek gyros. New this year are Dubai churros with pistachio cream.
Film nights
Free movies will be shown on the beach every Thursday night. Bring a blanket or grab a seat on the sand. The programme is as follows:
July 23 – Sing
July 30 – Grease Sing-A-Long
August 6 – Aladdin (Live Action)
August 13 – The Greatest Showman Sing-A-Long
August 20 – School of Rock
August 27 – Mamma Mia!
Entertainment
The summer’s line-up includes regular slots with DJs Jez Prince and Vimto plus live music on Fridays and Saturdays, daytime and evenings, from performers including Steve McGill, singalong with Robbo, Evie Marlow, Gaynor Smith and Rich Howell.
Every Saturday, from 1pm to 3pm, watch out for tricks from McMagic at the bar. Again, it’s all free.
Open mic nights
One of the new events for 2026 is a free weekly open mic night. It’s a chance for singers, musician and performers to shine on stage. The first event will take place on Monday, July 20. Registration is from 5.30pm with performances beginning at 6pm.
Each week, one act will secure a place in the grand final on August 24, where the winner will be rewarded with a residency to perform at Nottingham Winter Wonderland.
Salsa classes
Get ready to move those hips. Tuesday is the day for free salsa classes from 6pm. Amanda from TODO Latino Dance Co. will be demonstrating the moves. Find her at the beach bar from 6-8pm.
Volleyball
Local businesses will be taking part in a tournament. Cheer on your favourite from 7pm every Wednesday.
Toilets
There are free to use toilets onsite.
There’s a new layout at Nottingham Beach this year, with the bar next to the Council House (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)1 of 5ShareComments
There’s a new layout at Nottingham Beach this year, with the bar next to the Council House
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Some of the food stalls (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)2 of 5ShareComments
Some of the food stalls
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Danielle Stoakes enjoys a cocktail (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)3 of 5ShareComments
Danielle Stoakes enjoys a cocktail
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One of the food trucks is selling crepes (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)4 of 5ShareComments
One of the food trucks is selling crepes
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Bar staff, from left, Lauren Sharpe, Je’naé Dowell, Rubie Lee and Ava Wood (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)5 of 5ShareComments
Bar staff, from left, Lauren Sharpe, Je’naé Dowell, Rubie Lee and Ava Wood
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Nottingham City Centre
Nottingham Beach
Old Market Square
food&drink
Family
Pubs and bars in Nottingham