Arts, crafts, literary and cultural events throughout the year. Here’s our pick of what to go and see… with a line-up of top arts and cultural events running throughout the autumn, it’s clear that Nottinghamshire is hotting up as a central hub for the best art and artists in the UK. And next year sees the British Art Show return to Nottingham.

Featured events

Star City
12 February - 18 April 2010, Nottingham Contemporary
How was the future imagined under Communism - and why is that vision so important to us today? These are the questions that Star City, named after the USSR's secret cosmonaut training base, sets out to explore. To find out more click here.

Events in 2010

Distinguished Lecture Series: Professor Sir James Underwood - The matter of life and death: ethics and the human body
21 April, 6pm, Nottingham Trent University, city campus, venue tbc
Summary:     Sir James' lecture brings to a close the University's 4th successful Distinguished Lecture Series. In his lecture Sir James will discuss the ethics of human tissue retention, the UK legislation and the emotional elements of bereaved families. To find out more click here.

Passions and Defeats - William Cavendish, the last great cavalier
Harley Gallery, to February 2010
- the third in a series of exhibitions focusing on members of the Cavendish family who owned Welbeck. Passions and Defeats explores the life of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle (1593 - 1665). A key figure in the English Civil War he was also the leading authority on the art of training horses. Displays feature fine and decorative arts owned by William reflecting his passions: architecture, the arts, horses and also his connections to the Royal family. Visit www.harleygallery.co.uk

Trent FM Arena Nottingham presents live comedy and dance

Katherine Jenkins - 7 March 2010

Torvill & Dean’s Dancing On Ice The Tour - 27-28 April 2010

Cirque Du Soleil - 21-25 July 2010

 To find more live music events, stand up comedy, family shows and sporting events click here.

Regular shows

Just the Tonic
The Approach, Nottingham, Sundays @ 7.15pm
- every Sunday evening at 7.15pm, Nottingham’s  ‘Approach’ venue plays host to the ever popular comedy night ‘Just the Tonic’ , bringing you the very best of the alternative comedy scene. Darrell Martin’s ‘Just the Tonic’ began almost 15 years ago with line-ups over the years including the cream of the comedy world; Matt Lucas, Al Murray, Ed Byrne, Bill Bailey, Stewart Lee, Mark Thomas, Noel Fielding,  Simon Pegg  and Dylan Moran are just a few of the names who have treaded the Tonic boards since the club began. Cost: Please see individual nights. Tickets: 0115 910 0009 / www.justthetonic.com

Call for submissions: The Art Crawl
- proposals are being sought for The Art Crawl, a multi-venue, all night event to be held in Nottingham city centre on 29 May. The night will begin at Tether Studios alongside the launch of 'Murder at the Kremlin', an exhibition at The Wasp Room. The Art Crawl will then visit a number of pubs, venues, and gallery spaces in the city where artworks will be exhibited and experienced, before returning to the studios for screenings and performances, concluding with breakfast at sunrise. For more information, contact artcrawlnottingham@gmail.com

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