Summer Nights, Nottingham Castle, 10-12 July 2026
West End musical showstoppers, 80s power ballads and the surging popularity of country music in the UK are behind an exciting new live concert series at one of Nottingham’s most iconic outdoor venues.
Summer Nights will see the return of live music to Nottingham Castle for the first time in more than a decade this summer. Taking place July 2026, the concert series features live orchestras, vocalists and established country music stars.
The new series will transform the castle grounds into an open-air concert venue complete with full licensed bar, street food vendors and festival-style entertainment.
The weekend opens with full blown nostalgia on Friday July 10 with the 80s MixTape and Live Orchestra performing many of the decade’s biggest hits, from synth-pop classics to rock anthems and power ballads, including Like a Prayer by Madonna, Livin’ on a Prayer by Bon Jovi, Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley and I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers.
Featuring special guest Johnny Hates Jazz, the night will have everyone reliving the soundtrack of the 80s.
Country at the Castle follows on Saturday July 11, bringing the spirit of Nashville to the heart of Nottingham with special guests Elles Bailey, Janet Devlin, Wood Burnt Red and Sticky Bones Jones.
Audiences will be treated to a mix of modern country hits, country rock favourites, and timeless classics reflecting the huge growth in popularity of country music across the UK in recent years.
Wood Burnt Red said:
“We are so stoked to be part of the lineup for Country At The Castle. To play at a place that is this beautiful, yet steeped in a huge amount of history, will be a real honour for us.
“We can’t wait to play for what promises to be a great crowd, which is crazy when you think about where country music was only five years ago. Now everyone wants a bit of it and we hope we can deliver a slice of what they’re after.”
Musicals Live with Live Orchestra on Sunday July 12 celebrates the biggest songs from musical theatre and film soundtracks performed by live vocalists with a full orchestra doing justice to a showstopping set list.
The concert will feature songs from hugely popular productions including Hamilton, Six, Frozen, The Greatest Showman, Dear Evan Hansen, Matilda The Musical and Cats bringing the West End to one of Nottingham’s most iconic outdoor settings.
Event promoter Richard Walpole – from the company behind the award winning Gloworm Festival and Light Post Farm – explained why he wanted to launch the new concert series at Nottingham Castle.
Richard said:
“Nottingham Castle is such an iconic setting, so bringing live music back here after more than a decade is really exciting. We wanted Summer Nights to offer something for everyone, from 80s nostalgia and the growing country music scene to the magic of musical theatre all in one unforgettable outdoor experience.”
All three events will run from 5pm until 10.30pm and are strictly for over-18s only. Early bird tickets for each event have already sold out, with general admission tickets now priced at £44 including fees. Nottingham residents are eligible for a 10 percent discount.
For more information and where to buy tickets, go to https://www.gigantic.com/summer-nights-at-nottingham-castle-tickets.
Follow Summer Nights on socials for all the news and announcements
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Summernightslive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summernightslivenottingham
Posted on 01 June 2026
