Live music is returning to Nottingham with a new alfresco food and drink pop-up opening in The Arboretum.
The Garden Bar & Bandstand will take over part of the historic city park on a select number of weekends this summer starting Friday, August 14.
Venue operators and music promoters DHP Family, who own Rock City, Rescue Rooms and The Bodega, will bring a live entertainment programme to the Arboretum's bandstand, featuring local artists and sunset DJ sets, alongside a container bar from Camden Town and pop-up food outlets hand-picked by Nottingham Street Food Club.
Entry will be free and social distancing, within current government guidelines, will be in place.
As is now expected, all visitors will be required to check-in on entry for the NHS Test & Trace register.
Patrick Somers, Senior Promotions Manager for the Nottingham Arboretum Garden Bar & Bandstand said: “We are excited to be opening the Garden Bar & Bandstand this summer.
"It gives us a fantastic opportunity to support Nottingham’s outstanding cultural scene, using the bandstand adjacent to the bar as a temporary outdoor performance space for live music and events, and giving the city’s unrivalled performers a platform to connect with a live audience while music venues are unable to open or host concerts.
“Situated at the west end of the park, our outdoor bar area will be serving cold, draught beers from Camden Town Brewery (Hells is a personal favourite), alongside some great cocktails and a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks until dusk, along with some great food sourced by the gang at Nottingham Street Food Club; all weather permitting, of course!”
The Arboretum is easily accessible from the city centre via the tram network which stops nearby.
Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure & culture said: “The Nottingham Arboretum bandstand is a fantastic cultural asset. Despite the challenges of Covid-19 it is great to see it being put to use for a short period this summer.
"Working with our partners DHP Family, we are pleased to be able to offer live performance opportunities for Nottingham musicians and artists at a time when live performances indoors remain restricted.”
The Arboretum Garden Bar & Bandstand will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, noon until 9pm.
A full programme of live music and DJs will be announced soon.
