Bunting, balloons and flags decorated the city centre recently to celebrate Nottingham’s many independent businesses.
The It’s in Nottingham Independents Festival kicked off on Saturday 8 July 2017, with four pop-up stages drawing in the crowds with live free entertainment.
Crowds gathered at Trinity Square, Pelham Street, Carlton Street and Middle Pavement, to see national and local acts including fire breathers, a magician, a ‘bubbleologist’ and acoustic musicians.
Peppa Pig and Daddy Pig were the stars of the show at the Trinity Square stage, with young fans queuing to meet the television character and have their photo taken, as well as to catch one of their many story time sessions throughout the day.
Businesses also joined in on the fun by hosting in-store events and promotions. The shops down Trinity Walk really found their festival spirit with children’s crafting stalls, food and drink samples and a balloon artist. There was also a teddy bears picnic down the colourful alley of Cobden Chambers, and a miniature dinosaur hunt in Flying Horse Walk.
This was the second Independents Festival held by It’s in Nottingham and concluded the annual independents initiative, which aims to highlight and showcase the city centre’s diverse range of independent outlets.
The campaign kicked off at the start of June, with the launch of the competition to find Nottingham’s favourite independent business. Taking home this year’s top trophy was the Specialty Coffee Shop, located on the corner of Friar Lane and Maid Marian Way. There were also two highly commended businesses – Knit Nottingham on Trinity Walk and Debbie Bryan, on St Mary’s Gate.
Geoff Williams, a director of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), the organisation behind the It’s in Nottingham brand, said: “This year’s festival was a great success. Residents and visitors to the city all came along to join in on the fun and catch a piece of the event. It was also brilliant to see so many businesses getting involved and organising their own events.
“The festival is a great way of showcasing Nottingham’s unique range of independent businesses in a fun and vibrant way. As a city, we should be proud of our independents because they are what sets us apart from other cities and makes us individual.”
