It might not seem like it at the moment with grey skies and rain but the longest day will be upon us very soon.
Hopefully the sun will be back by then in time for Nottingham's first Lightest Night, on Friday June 21, with the promise of family-friendly entertainment and later opening times at some of the city's favourite venues.
Building on the success and popularity of February’s long-running Light Night, the city will come to life from 5pm to make the most of the summer solstice's expected 17 hours of daylight.
The majority of the events and activities are free.
Visitors will be able to sample tasty treats from across the continent at the European Market in Old Market Square until 10.30pm and enjoy summery songs from the Nottingham City Tuneless Choir on the Council House steps at 7pm.
There will also be performances from Circo Rum Ba Ba (at 6pm and 8pm) as a couple of eccentric, moustachioed waiters bring their Bicycle Bistro to the Square and Smithy Row, winding up the gramophone and causing cafe circus chaos.
Also on Smithy Row, from 6-9.30pm, will be the Life Boat, an interactive art installation and the slowest ride on earth.
Throughout the evening, Can Samba will be doing their thing across the city centre in a colourful carnival of tropical rhythms, while DJ Steve Cutz will be at the decks in Trinity Square.
In the heart of the Lace Market, St Mary’s Church, in High Pavement, will be holding a summer garden party with the Creative Quarter including food, drink and musical entertainment, from 5-8pm.
Vicar Tom Gillum said: "On the year’s longest day it’s hoped venues will stay open later and encourage families to enjoy the city centre at its best on what we trust will be a lovely summer evening."
At Sneinton Market Avenues, Nottingham Street Food Club will be in residence - as they are every Friday night - and the independent shops will remain open for business.
Nottingham Arboretum will host a magical evening of outdoor performances, including the playful circus, puppetry and theatre of Look Up by Hikapee (5.15pm and 7.15pm) and a large-scale willow puppet coming to life in Awakening Titania (5- 9pm). There will also be a bar and live music.
Green's Windmill will be serving homemade pizza until 8pm and on the other side of the city, Nottingham Playhouse will welcome 60s icons Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, Jim Brown and Cassius Clay for One Night in Miami.
This family-friendly event, organised by Nottingham City Council in partnership with the Creative Quarter, is supported by Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) and more than 20 community groups and venues in the city.
Coun Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and IT, said: "Following another fantastic Light Night this year, Nottingham City Council is proud to bring a brand-new summer event to our residents and visitors alike. Lightest Night is a brilliant opportunity for families to explore the city centre on what promises to be a fun, safe and – with a bit of luck – sunny evening!”
For more information about late-night openings and the full entertainment programme, visit whatsonnottingham.com/lightest-night
